Are you wondering if testosterone replacement therapy is the right treatment for you? If you have been experiencing the symptoms associated with low levels of testosterone, you should see a doctor. In this article, you will learn how this treatment is administered, how it works, and what to expect from it.
The testicles produce a hormone called testosterone. This hormone is vital because it helps to maintain the following:
- Sex drive.
- Sperm production.
- Bone density.
- Red blood cell production.
- Muscle strength.
- Facial and body hair.
A healthcare provider will prescribe testosterone replacement therapy to a man suffering from hormonal imbalances. Hypogonadism is a condition where a man suffers from testosterone deficiency due to pituitary abnormality or testicular disorder.
The symptoms of low testosterone affect the overall health of an individual, hence treatment is vital. It includes infertility, decreased libido, hot flashes, general depression, erectile dysfunction, brain fog, hair loss, brittle bones, sleep disorders, and loss of muscle mass.
After examining the signs and symptoms, the healthcare provider will test your blood to determine the level of testosterone. It is usually done in the morning because this is when the level of testosterone is highest. The cost of this treatment is dependent on the following factors:
- Doctor fees.
- Medication type.
- Insurance coverage.
- Mode of administration.
People suffering from the following conditions should avoid testosterone replacement therapy.
- Congestive heart failure.
- Prostrate or breast cancer.
- Presence of prostrate nodules.
- Recent heart attack.
- Severe sleep apnea.
- Acute urinary tract symptoms.
- Raised hematocrit levels.
TRT administration.
- Injection.
The doctor administers the medicine to the thigh muscles, upper arm, or buttocks using a needle and syringe. In short-acting treatment, a shot is administered in the muscle or under the skin after 1 or 2 weeks. Long-acting treatment involves getting the second shot 4 weeks after the first injection. The remaining dosage is given after 10 weeks. The injection is done in the gluteal muscles.
- Oral testosterone.
The patient swallows the capsules with the help of water. This treatment is less practical yet more expensive. After prolonged use, It can damage the liver. An oral testosterone tablet is taken two times a day.
- Topical gels.
You apply the testosterone gel on the skin of the abdomen, shoulders, or upper arm. The bloodstream absorbs it and then normalizes the testosterone level. Administer the precise dosage once every day. The level of testosterone will be more stable due to gradual absorption. After applying the topical treatment, avoid skin-on-skin contact with other people for at least 6 hours.
Side effects of TRT.
- Cardiovascular conditions like a heart attack or stroke.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Acne
- Anxiety
- Excessive hair growth or hair loss.
- Male baldness.
- Bladder irritability.
- High blood pressure.
- Liver dysfunction.
- Reduced sperm production.
- It worsens prostate cancer.
- The testes may shrink.
- It causes high red blood cell count.
Doctors prescribe testosterone replacement therapy as the best way to deal with hormonal imbalances in men. You can administer this treatment orally, topically, or through an injection. The symptoms of hypogonadism include infertility, decreased libido, hot flashes, general depression, erectile dysfunction, brain fog, and hair loss.
