Testosterone Replacement Therapy​
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) helps treat hypogonadism in younger men, typically through a patch, shot, or gel. Testosterone, produced by the testicles, is essential for masculine traits and reproductive health.
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TREATMENT
What are the causes of Low Testosterone?
There are several reasons why testosterone levels can drop, such as:
- Aging
- Side effects of chemotherapy
- Injury to the testicles
- Problem with the hormone-producing glands in the pain (pituitary gland signals the testes to make testosterone)
The testosterone levels are the highest at around 17 years of age, and then they first begin to drop between 30 and 40 years. There is a gradual drop in testosterone levels in men (around a 1% drop yearly).
TREATMENT
Who needs Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
You may be a good candidate for testosterone replacement therapy if:
- You have few side effects of low testosterone levels, such as decreased muscle mass, less body hair, etc
- If our low testosterone is causing fatigue and erectile dysfunction
TREATMENT
Different forms of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy can be given in various forms:
Transdermal patches include a skin patch worn on the arm, upper part of the body or another place where you are less likely to sweat. The patch must be applied once a day. You must find a new spot every time you apply the dermal patch.
This is a topical application medication that is instantly absorbed into the skin. Before giving medications, you can rub this medicine on your arms, shoulders, thighs, and upper arms.
- These are hormone-containing pellets that are placed under the skin by a trained healthcare provider. This is done by making a small cut in your skin. The body then absorbs the testosterone from these pellets. You may need to repeat the placement of implants every 3 to 6 months.
The oral testosterone pill has been there for decades. However, since it is processed in the liver, it is not given to people with liver conditions. The pill should be taken twice daily, as your doctor prescribes, along with other medications.
TREATMENT
Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy boost vitality?
Testosterone replacement therapy is believed to improve your strength, energy and vitality. Many men reported feeling younger with improved vigour after taking testosterone. Studies state that testosterone replacement therapy may improve sexual function.
Treatment
What are the benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
TRT has several benefits:
- Improvement in energy, libido, and erection
- Increase in muscle mass, bone density, and insulin sensitivity
- Noticeable improvement in mood
What are the risks/side effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Despite its many health benefits, TRT has a few risks:
- Worsens sleep apnoea
- May cause acne and adverse skin reactions
- It may cause benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Breast enlargement
- Poor sperm production
- Increased risk of forming a blood clot
DOCTOR
Consult our doctor
If you have been diagnosed to have low testosterone levels and you have been experiencing fatigue, low energy, depression or low sex drive, you may be suitable for a TRT procedure. Consult our andrologist at Hortman Clinics right away!
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Always consult a doctor before undergoing a TRT. Men with normal testosterone levels or those who haven’t got their hormone levels tested must not undergo TRT. Treating normal ageing with TRT is also not recommended.
Testosterone replacement therapy is a relatively safe treatment for most men. However, it is known to aggravate or worsen the following conditions:
- Benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH)
- Prostate cancer
- Sleep apnoea
- Congestive cardiac failure
- Blood clots
Before opting for this treatment, Always discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
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Testosterone replacement therapy may cause side effects in some individuals. Some of these side effects include:
- Rash or itching at the site where testosterone was applied
- Acne
- Breast enlargement
- Decreased sperm count
- Ankle swelling
- Increased risk of blood clots
- Increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA). TRT does not cause prostate cancer but can make it grow faster
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To get a TRT procedure, your doctor will need to do a complete assessment, including a test for hormone levels. The doctor will always recommend other methods to improve testosterone, such as losing weight, before suggesting a TRT. If they find TRT may be suitable for your condition, they will recommend it.
While you can stop TRT, the symptoms of low testosterone will return. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before stopping TRT and do not do it abruptly, as it takes some time for your body to start producing testosterone again.
You will be more energetic, have an increased sex drive, and feel happier with fewer negative thoughts. Some people may also gain more muscle and lose fat.
When you discontinue TRT, your low testosterone symptoms will return. So, most often, men on TRT continue for life. If you wish to discontinue the therapy, always do so under the guidance of your doctor only.
The effect of TRT on blood pressure depends upon your overall health. While it has been found to raise blood pressure in some individuals, no link was found between TRT and blood pressure in others.
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