You may have seen commercials and endorsements from different celebrities extolling the virtues of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). They contend that increasing testosterone levels improves men's sexual health and makes them feel stronger and younger.
All of that is great, but is TRT actually a strong anti-ageing remedy? Be sceptical of miracle claims, as with many others.
Although TRT won't immediately turn back the clock, increasing low testosterone levels in certain older men can help with some elements of their physical and mental health.
The lowdown on low T
The sex hormone known as testosterone is what gives males their masculine traits. It is secreted by the testicles and contributes to the development of classic traits such as a loud voice, facial hair, and the size and strength of the muscles. Also, it stimulates a man's libido.
300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or more of testosterone is considered a normal blood level by medical professionals. A man's testosterone level starts to decrease around his mid-30s and decreases by roughly 1.6% annually, according to the American College of Physicians. Low testosterone is present in about 20% of men aged 60 and older; this percentage climbs to 30% in men in their 70s and 50% in men in their 80s.
Medications (particularly anabolic steroids) or damage to the testes, such as from an injury, an infection, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, may cause a considerable drop in testosterone in addition to natural age-related loss.
Several blood tests may be necessary to get an accurate measurement because your testosterone level changes throughout the day. Since testosterone is at its highest between 7 and 10 in the morning, tests are frequently performed then. Any of the conditions and symptoms that follow can be brought on by low levels:
- depression
- decreased confidence
- unable to concentrate. disturbed sleep
- decreased bone and muscle mass
- increased body
- fatigue
- enlarged or sensitive breasts
- hot flashes or flushing
- fewer spontaneous erections due to reduced sex drive
- having trouble maintaining erections.
Even if your levels are below 300 ng/dL, doctors do not always prescribe TRT. The initial step is to ascertain whether any symptoms associated with low testosterone are actually related to another condition that is curable.
For instance, a poor diet, little exercise, and inadequate sleep may be the reason for symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and decreased sexual drive. Erectile dysfunction can have negative side effects like stress, worry, and depression. " Fixing these issues only by increasing low testosterone levels won't work.
To try TRT
After pursuing these options, if troubling symptoms and low testosterone are still present, your doctor may recommend short-term TRT. TRT is often administered as a daily gel, lotion, or skin patch placed on an accessible area of the body, such as the thigh or shoulder. Additionally, TRT is available as an oral daily pill or as weekly or biweekly injections. Pellets that are implanted into the buttocks as an alternative option deliver testosterone gradually over a period of weeks. There is no advantage over other applications. "However, injections might result in a quicker change."
Your doctor will assess your symptoms once you've been on TRT for around two months. The dosage may be increased, kept at the present level for a little while longer, or discontinued if there isn't any noticeable difference.
Remember that TRT might not work for everyone or might only have a minor impact. As your body ceases producing its own testosterone while you are receiving TRT, if you have a positive response, you may need to continue receiving TRT forever to retain the advantage.
TRT may cause short-term adverse effects, including swollen ankles, breast soreness or swelling, acne, sleep breathing disturbances, or swollen breasts. The benefits of TRT often outweigh these possible hazards for the majority of eligible men.
However, there are issues with TRT use over an extended period of time. Researchers are still examining whether TRT might promote the development of prostate cancer cells. Additionally, some studies have indicated that it can raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart-related deaths.
The recently concluded TRAVERSE trial, which examined the relationship between TRT and significant cardiovascular issues among more than 5,000 men over a five-year period, may provide a more conclusive response in this area.
The outcomes are on the way. The safest option for men at risk of heart disease or who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer is to refrain from TRT as long as the information is still conflicting about these potential risks.
