How TRT Therapy Can Improve Your Quality of Life
If you are experiencing the symptoms associated with low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be the right option for improving your quality of life. This medical treatment is becoming more common and has proven successful in relieving symptoms and helping older men improve energy levels, fight depression and maintain better overall health. Keep reading to learn more about this treatment and decide whether you should speak with your doctor about TRT.
What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?
Typically, the symptoms of low testosterone are subtle. They can include: a low sex drive, trouble sleeping, low energy levels, loss of muscle and bone density, weight gain, depression, and irritability. If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor. It can be all too easy to attribute these symptoms to other factors, such as aging, but there might actually be a treatable underlying cause. TRT therapy could be the answer you have been looking for.
A Common Myth about Low Testosterone
Often times, men will visit their doctor when they are having problems with erectile dysfunction (ED) and assume that their issues are being caused by low testosterone. However, the relationship between ED and testosterone isn’t as direct as most people think. In most cases, ED is a result of poor blood flow that can be caused by diabetes and other conditions. While low T will affect the libido or sex drive, it isn’t always directly related to ED.
What are the Causes of Low Testosterone?
Testosterone is a vital hormone that is present in the body even before birth. For most men, testosterone levels reach their peak at about age 17 and continue at that level until age 40. At that point, the natural aging process results in a gradual drop in testosterone. A normal rate of decline is around 1% per year. While aging will naturally lower testosterone levels, most men are still considered in the normal range well into their 70s and 80s. That is why many older men are still able to reproduce and father children.
For men that experience a significant and abnormal drop in testosterone, there can be a variety of causes. A traumatic injury, chemotherapy and certain metabolic conditions can all result in low testosterone levels. The only way to diagnose low testosterone is through a blood test. This simple tool will quickly identify whether common symptoms are being caused by hormone levels or other underlying issues.
What is TRT Therapy?
TRT uses bioidentical hormones to treat low levels of testosterone in men. These chemically created hormones are identical to those that are naturally produced by the body. As a result, TRT is effective in raising testosterone levels and allowing the body to return to normal levels of function.
What are the Results of TRT Therapy?
While every individual will respond differently to TRT therapy, there are some clear benefits that most people experience. First and foremost, increased testosterone levels will improve feelings of depression, fatigue, and irritability. This will allow you to cope better with life, relationships, and stressors and improve your well-being. TRT therapy can be an effective alternative to antidepressants, which will only address some of the symptoms related to low testosterone.
TRT therapy can also improve your performance at work. Maintaining normal levels of this vital hormone is shown to reduce instances of Alzheimer’s disease and improve memory, mathematical reasoning, and spatial recognition. Your mind will be sharper and you will be able to take in and process more information.
In addition to improving your mood and cognitive abilities, TRT therapy will also help your body become stronger and healthier. By stimulating red blood cell production, testosterone strengthens the heart and helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. TRT will also help you maintain a healthy weight by supporting muscle growth. When combined with exercise and strength training, TRT can help you achieve a stronger, leaner body. This way you can not only look great but also enjoy your favorite activities.
Last, but not least, TRT therapy will increase your sex drive and sexual function. If a lackluster libido has been affecting your life and relationships, TRT can help you get back to normal and enjoy a more satisfying sex life.
Different Forms of TRT Therapy
There are several different ways to administer testosterone. You can work with your doctor to find a method that works best for you and your lifestyle. Here are your main options:
Gels: Gels are applied directly to the skin and absorbed by the body. Typically, the gel will need to be applied once a day. Different products recommend applying the gel to different parts of the body. For example, Natesto should be applied inside the nose while AndroGel can be placed on the shoulders, upper arms or stomach.
Skin patch: Androderm is an unobtrusive skin patch that is applied once a day on the upper body. The testosterone is absorbed through the skin for a quick and painless treatment.
Mouth patch: If you don’t want to wear a visible patch, you can opt for smaller mouth patches that are placed on the gums right above one of your incisors. This patch will need to be applied twice a day to see the best results.
Injections and implants: For those who aren’t squeamish around needles and don’t want to deal with daily patches, there are other options that allow your body to slowly absorb testosterone over time. Small pellets can be implanted below the skin or you can receive a testosterone injection into the muscle. These treatments offer an added level of convenience and are typically much more effective than any cream, gel, or patch.
What is the Right TRT Dosage?
The ideal dosage will vary from person to person and it may take some trial and error to find the right dosage for your body. If you are receiving injections, the dosage can range from 50 to 400 milligrams and be administered every two to four weeks. Daily patches usually release 4 milligrams of testosterone per day.
As you continue with your TRT therapy, it is important to track changes in your body and your mood. These insights can help you work with your doctor to make adjustments and find the right dosage so that you can experience optimal results. Consider keeping a daily journal to help better understand how your body is responding.
What are the Side Effects of TRT Therapy?
A small percentage of patients have been shown to experience an increased risk of prostate cancer, oily skin, fluid retention, increased aggression, and other side effects. Fortunately, these side effects are not widespread although the medical community is still collecting data on long-term effects. For most people, the benefits of TRT therapy far outweigh any potential risks.
TRT Therapy at Restorative Health
If you haven’t been feeling like yourself, don’t make the mistake of chalking it up to old age. You may be suffering from low testosterone, which is an easily treatable condition. With the right TRT therapy program, you can have a better mental, emotional, physical and sexual life. All it takes is a simple blood test to determine your testosterone levels and begin putting you on the path to a happier and healthier life. Take our online hormone test here to help us find the right solution for you. Call us today at (314) 300-9199 or fill out the form below to schedule your free consultation to speak with a specialist about how TRT can change your life.