What is testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy, also known as TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), is a treatment that helps raise low testosterone levels in men back to normal. It is prescribed when the body cannot produce enough testosterone on its own.
Some key points about testosterone therapy:
- It is available in different forms - injections, gels, patches, pellets, or oral tablets. Injections tend to be one of the most effective delivery methods.
- It aims to help relieve symptoms of low testosterone like low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and depression.
- It requires a blood test to confirm clinically low testosterone along with symptoms before starting treatment. A normal testosterone range is 300-1,000 ng/dL for adult men.
- It does carry some health risks like prostate issues, blood clots, or heart problems in some men. Doctors monitor patients to minimize risks.
- It is a lifelong treatment in most cases. The body usually does not start producing enough testosterone on its own after treatment begins.
Why do some men need testosterone therapy?
Testosterone levels begin decreasing after age 30 by roughly 1% per year. Some men dip low enough by middle age to experience low T symptoms that impact quality of life. Reasons for this major drop in testosterone include:
- Conditions affecting the testes due to infection, injury, or congenital defects
- Pituitary disorders impacting signals to produce testosterone
- Medications treating issues like anxiety, depression, diabetes, heart disease
- Chronic illnesses
- Obesity
What are the benefits of testosterone therapy?
Studies show testosterone therapy can:
- Improve energy levels, mood, and general well-being
- Increase muscle mass and bone density
- Boost sex drive and erectile function
- Motivate patients to live a healthier lifestyle
- Sharpen memory and cognitive function
The treatment aims to make men feel vigorous and healthy again, restore normal testosterone physiology, and give them an improved quality of life.
I tried to provide a helpful overview of testosterone replacement therapy, including key details on how it works, why it's used, expected benefits, and some background on low testosterone issues in aging men. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!