What is TRT?
TRT stands for Testosterone replacement therapy benefits, sometimes called androgen replacement therapy. It is primarily used to treat low testosterone (T) levels, which can occur with age or as a result of a medical condition.
But it is increasingly popular for non-medical uses, including:
- Improving sexual performance
- Increasing energy levels
- Building muscle mass for bodybuilding
Some research suggests that TRT may indeed help achieve some of these goals. However, there are some caveats. Let's take a look at exactly what happens to testosterone levels with age and what you can reasonably expect from TRT.
How does TRT work?
TRT involves taking a synthetic form of testosterone to regulate levels. This can help improve symptoms of low testosterone, such as low libido and lack of energy.
Best TRT clinics does not correct or cure the underlying cause of low testosterone. In fact, it causes the testicles to stop functioning. This means you will need medication to maintain normal testosterone levels in your body. If you stop taking testosterone, your body will need to regain its ability to produce it.
Testosterone replacement therapy comes in several forms, including:
- Testosterone skin gels. Apply the gel daily to clean, dry skin according to the instructions. It is important not to transfer the gel to another person through direct contact with wet skin. Testosterone skin gels are one of the most common forms of TRT in the United States.
- Intramuscular testosterone injections. Injections are administered into a muscle every one to two weeks. Some long-acting testosterone formulations can be administered by injection every 10 weeks. However, you must receive these in a doctor's office.
- Subcutaneous testosterone injections. Injections are administered under the skin weekly.
- Testosterone patches. These patches are applied daily to the skin according to instructions. Positioning is usually necessary to avoid skin reactions.
- Testosterone pellets. A healthcare professional implants these pellets under the skin every three to six months. These pellets provide consistent doses of testosterone over the long term.
- Testosterone buccal tablets. These are adhesive tablets applied to the gums twice a day. Testosterone is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the gums.
- Testosterone nasal gel. One testosterone gel is applied to each nostril three times a day.
- Oral testosterone. This is a tablet taken twice a day.
Your healthcare professional will work with you to determine the best option. After starting TRT, you will need to have follow-up tests. These include monitoring your testosterone levels and performing other blood tests to ensure that TRT is not harming your health.
How long does it take to see results with TRT?
It may take a few weeks before you begin to notice changes in your body and mood after starting TRT. This time frame varies from person to person. For the treatment to be fully effective, healthcare professionals typically wait 30 days after starting TRT to monitor your testosterone levels.
If you don't see an improvement in your symptoms after three to six months of TRT, your doctor may recommend stopping treatment. If your symptoms don't improve, your testosterone levels may not be the cause.
How long can you continue testosterone replacement therapy?
You can continue testosterone replacement therapy as long as it benefits your symptoms and doesn't cause health problems. TRT is designed to be a long-term treatment. If you stop taking testosterone, your levels will return to normal.
Your doctor will recommend regular checkups to ensure that TRT isn't harming your health.
Is TRT safe?
Certain conditions make TRT dangerous, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and heart failure. Therefore, healthcare professionals conduct extensive evaluations and tests before approving its use. In the absence of these conditions, TRT is generally safe.
However, studies on the long-term effects of TRT (e.g., over several decades) are rare. Some studies present conflicting results.
For example, some studies suggest that TRT reduces the risk of heart attack over time, while others claim it increases it. In 2015, the FDA warned that testosterone use may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk, based on the results of two studies. However, in 2024, results of a large randomized trial found that testosterone gel was not associated with an increased long-term heart risk. Research has also examined the increased risk of venous thromboembolism, with conflicting results.
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