What is testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy, also known as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), is a treatment aimed at increasing testosterone levels in individuals with low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism. This condition can occur due to natural aging, injury or illness affecting the testes, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus.
The goal of testosterone therapy is to restore testosterone levels back to normal physiological range and alleviate symptoms associated with low testosterone like low energy, decreased muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, and mood disturbances. Testosterone is an important hormone that plays a vital role in muscle growth, bone health, libido, and more in both men and women.
There are a few different forms of testosterone therapy:
- Testosterone injections - Typically administered weekly or biweekly. Provides highest increase in testosterone levels.
- Testosterone gels - Applied daily to arms, shoulders or abdomen. Absorbed through the skin.
- Testosterone patches - Applied daily to skin. Provides steady delivery of testosterone.
- Testosterone pellets - Small implants inserted under the skin every 3-6 months that slowly release testosterone.
- Oral testosterone - Taken in pill form but can be hard on the liver.
Who is a candidate for testosterone therapy?
Men with clinically low testosterone levels along with symptoms like low libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased energy, and loss of muscle mass may benefit from TRT. It can also be used short term to raise testosterone levels in infertile men.
For women, testosterone therapy may help treat low libido, bone loss, and other symptoms related to menopause or surgically induced menopause.
What are the benefits of testosterone therapy?
When properly administered under medical supervision, testosterone therapy offers several potential benefits:
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Improved libido and sexual function
- More energy and decreased fatigue
- Improved mood and cognitive function
- Increased bone density
- Decreased body fat
- Improved cholesterol levels
What are the risks of testosterone therapy?
Potential side effects include:
- Acne or oily skin
- Breast enlargement
- Prostate issues
- Sleep apnea
- Testicular shrinkage
- Facial hair growth in women
- Risk of blood clots is possible but rare
It's important to have regular checkups and bloodwork while on TRT to monitor risks and adjust dosage as needed. Long term impacts of testosterone therapy are still being researched. As with any medical treatment, discuss the pros and cons thoroughly with your doctor.
If you're experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, consider reaching out to Hormone Harmony, a leading _hormone clinic with locations across the country_. Their experienced physicians can evaluate your hormone levels and determine if testosterone therapy is right for you. You'll get customized treatment plans, ongoing monitoring, and access to high quality bioidentical hormones.