Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be a true game changer if low testosterone levels are robbing you of your vitality. While all men experience testosterone dips beginning at age 30, the experience can be downright brutal for men with drastically plummeting testosterone levels. In these cases, TRT can be the obvious choice for stabilizing your health. While many men dismiss the need to supplement with testosterone because they assume that testosterone is a hormone that only impacts sexual health, the truth is that low testosterone can wreck all areas of your health. If you’re looking for a TRT provider near Denver, ThriveMD of Louisville, Colorado can help you decide if testosterone supplementation is the right choice. First, take a look at the basics every man should know about TRT.
Life With Low Testosterone
As a man, you can expect your testosterone levels to dip roughly 1% to 2% each year. While a decrease in testosterone levels is normal, it often doesn’t feel normal when you experience physical side effects of diminishing testosterone. The reason why testosterone dips with age is that the testicles begin to naturally reduce testosterone production after age 30. When this happens, the lowered testicular testosterone levels cause your hypothalamus to reduce production of something called the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Reduced GnRH triggers reduced production of luteinizing hormone (LH) by the pituitary gland. Finally, this reduction in LH results in overall lower testosterone production. What does life with low testosterone feel like? It can look different for every man.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of low testosterone in men:
- Diminished sex drive.
- Fewer erections.
- Reduced sperm count.
- Disrupted sleeping.
- Loss of muscle mass.
- Reduced bone density.
- Weight gain.
It’s easy to see why so many men are eager to supplement with testosterone when you take a look at the symptoms. In addition to feeling fatigued, many men with low testosterone also lose their confidence because they feel like their bodies are changing in ways they can’t control. It’s very common to feel like you are rapidly aging both physically and mentally when testosterone levels decline dramatically. However, it’s important to go through the proper channels when seeking out TRT. This is not a do-it-yourself form of supplementation. First, a diagnosis of low testosterone must be established. This is done through blood testing through a healthcare provider. At ThriveMD in Colorado, we provide an easy, personalized process for completing blood panels that can confirm your low testosterone. We’ll use the results of your test to create a tailored plan for restoring testosterone back to healthy levels based on your biology.
How Do You Take TRT?
There are several ways to administer TRT. The two most common forms of TRT are injections and pellets. In addition, patches and topical creams can be used for TRT supplementation. At ThriveMD, we focus on making TRT as easy as possible for our patients by offering supplementation options that allow them to go long stretches between visits. However, we use methods that allow us to closely monitor your progress to ensure that we can adjust your dosage plan if that becomes necessary.
What Are the Benefits of TRT?
The biggest benefit of TRT is that it can help you to feel more like “yourself” if you’ve been struggling with health issues tied to low testosterone levels. For many men, TRT supplementation increases vitality.
You may even find that your appearance improves. Here’s a look at common benefits of TRT:
- Weight loss.
- Increased energy levels.
- Enhanced sex drive.
- Enhanced sexual performance.
- Increased athletic ability and stamina.
- Muscle gains.
A study from 2018 shows that TRT increases muscle strength in middle-aged and older men. However, it’s important to remember that TRT is intended to treat a testosterone deficiency. It is not intended to be used recreationally for the sake of becoming stronger.
Are There Any Side Effects to TRT?
While TRT is considered a safe, well-tolerated form of supplementation that has been used for decades, it’s not without its list of potential side effects. One of the factors making TRT especially safe compared to other forms of hormonal supplementation is that it’s a bio-identical supplement. This means that it closely resembles the testosterone your own body creates.
However, it’s still important to know about the risks for the following TRT side effects:
- Breathing difficulties/chest pain.
- Blood clots.
- Heart attack.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Pulmonary embolism.
- High cholesterol.
- Reduced sperm count.
- Enlarged prostate.
- Enlarged breasts.
- Sleep apnea.
- Acne/oily skin.
During you consultation, we’ll go over your medical history with you to see if any factors in your background could increase risks for TRT side effects. We’ll also ask that you report any side effects to us after beginning TRT. Alternatives may be recommended if it’s determined that TRT is not a safe option for you.
You don’t have to accept a life with low testosterone. At ThriveMD, we take a holistic approach to restoring testosterone levels to allow you to enjoy peak health at every age. When administered under the care of a trained team, TRT can be a safe and effective option for getting your hormones back in balance. Book a consultation for a TRT consultation near Denver today by calling (720) 534-2333, emailing info@thrivemdco.com, or reaching out online.
