Feeling tired all the time? lacking motivation? Struggling to lose weight or gain muscle mass? Sleeping poorly? Is your sex drive down? These could be signs of low testosterone, a condition commonly referred to as Low T, which affects one in every four men over the age of 30, or around 13 million men in the US.
If these symptoms sound familiar, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) might be right for you. TRT is a key treatment in men’s health. But if you are new to it, understanding TRT can be daunting.
Here at Totality Men, we are experts in Men’s Health and Wellness and the premier concierge men’s health service for TRT. This quick guide will walk you through everything you need to know about it.
What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone is a vital hormone in men. It impacts many aspects of your life, including libido, energy levels, muscle mass, mood, and even mental clarity. But here’s the thing — as men age, it’s natural for testosterone levels to decline, usually starting as early as your 30s. Testosterone continues to decline 1-2% every year as you age.
Some men experience a more significant drop, leading to noticeable symptoms like:
- Low Libido: A decline in sex drive can be one of the first signs that your testosterone level is dropping.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest could also be due to low testosterone levels.
- Mood Changes: Low T can lead to irritability, depression, and a decrease in motivation.
- Reduced Muscle Mass and Strength: Some men may notice a drop in their ability to build or maintain muscle.
- Weight Gain: Particularly an increase in body fat and reduced muscle mass which can lead to metabolic syndrome can be a sign of low T.
- Cognitive Issues: Difficulty concentrating or memory problems may also be linked to low testosterone.
Low T can make you feel and act differently than you used to when you were younger. That’s where TRT comes in. It helps restore testosterone levels in your body and potentially improve your quality of life.
How Does TRT Work
Since it was synthesized in a lab in 1935, testosterone has been used in clinical applications like testosterone replacement therapy. It is bioidentical to your own natural testosterone and may help you counter the symptoms of low T.
Treatment requires optimizing testosterone levels. s. Totality Men’s concierge service will customize a treatment plan that is best for you. There are several different ways to administer testosterone:
1. Injections:
These are typically given intramuscularly (into the muscle) or subcutaneously ( into the subcutaneous fatty tissue) depending on your prescribed dosage. Injections are the gold standard of testosterone replacement and deliver excellent results and consistent levels.
2. Transdermal Patches and Gels:
These are applied to the skin daily and provide a steady release of testosterone. Gels, in particular, are popular due to their convenience, although you will need to be cautious about skin contact with others right after application.
3. Implants:
Testosterone implants, also known as pellets. It involves inserting small, solid pellets beneath your skin, usually in the buttocks or hip area. These pellets are made of crystalline testosterone and slowly release the hormone into your bloodstream over three to six months.
4. Oral Tablets:
Oral testosterone replacement therapy is relatively less common due to its limitations. It typically involves taking testosterone as a pill or capsule. However, unlike other options such as injections or gels, oral treatment requires careful monitoring, particularly in men with pre-existing liver conditions.
The Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
TRT isn’t a magic cure, but it has the potential to offer significant improvements for those dealing with low testosterone levels. Some of its benefits include:
- Increased Energy Levels: One of the first changes many men notice is increased energy levels. Low testosterone is often linked to chronic fatigue, making it difficult to get through the day or engage in activities you once enjoyed. TRT can help you lead a more active life.
- Enhanced Libido: Testosterone plays a critical role in male sex drive. Low levels can lead to a lack of interest in sex, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, and overall decreased sexual satisfaction. TRT can help bring your sexual desire and performance back.
- Better Mood and Well-being: Mood swings, irritability, and depression can accompany low testosterone levels, affecting not only you but also those around you. Many men on TRT report feeling less anxious, more positive, and more motivated.
- Muscle Mass and Strength: Testosterone is crucial for muscle growth and maintenance. When levels drop, men may notice muscle loss, weakness, and difficulty building muscle, even with regular exercise. TRT can make it easier to maintain muscle mass and stay active.
- No More Brain Fog: Testosterone impacts more than just the body—it can also affect your mind. TRT might help you overcome brain fog and stay more focused.
Possible Side Effects of TRT
Like any medical treatment, TRT isn’t without potential side effects. Your healthcare provider should explain the following side effects before starting the treatment.
- TRT can stimulate sebaceous glands, which may lead to increased acne and oily skin, particularly in men prone to skin issues.
- It may raise red blood cell counts, which can be beneficial for energy and endurance, but may also pose a risk for blood clots.
- If you have sleep apnea, you may notice your symptoms worsen with TRT.
- TRT can lead to the conversion of some testosterone to estrogen, which can increase estrogen levels in some men.
- Introducing external testosterone can suppress natural testosterone production and, as a result, reduce sperm production and may cause some testicular atrophy.
Is TRT Right for You?
The decision to start TRT is personal and depends on multiple factors, such as age, overall health, lifestyle, and symptoms. If you believe you need TRT, it’s best to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about your symptoms and expectations. TRT isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for others may not necessarily be the best choice for you.
Final Thoughts
If you think you might benefit from TRT, you should consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in hormone health. They will conduct tests, discuss your symptoms, and help determine if TRT is the right option for you.
At Totality Men, we start every treatment with a comprehensive evaluation and an honest discussion about your healthcare goals. We believe every man deserves to feel like their best self, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us to start your wellness journey or book your appointment online today!
Dr. Silbiger, MD is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. He has been practicing as an Internal Medicine Hospitalist in the Charleston area since completing his Residency at the University of South Carolina in 2009. He has led physicians as a Medical Director and Chief of staff and advocates for healthy lifestyle modification and prevention throughout his many roles.
Stanley moved to Charleston from New York City with his wife, Dr. Nadel and their two kids. Prior to opening Totality Medispa with his wife, he worked in various financial roles at JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, and Sequence Financial Specialists.
Dr. Nicole Nadel, DO, is a distinguished and board-certified FACEP (Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians). She holds the position of co-founder and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Totality Medispa, an esteemed medical spa with two locations in Charleston, SC. Dr. Nadel’s expertise lies in non-surgical aesthetic medicine, and she is renowned for her exceptional skills as a master injector and educator, excelling in achieving remarkably natural results without resorting to surgery.