How Do They Work
Once in the body, the supplements are taken by androgen receptors which use them to perform the functions of the naturally produced testosterone. This involves the maintenance of sex characteristics in men.
Testosterone supplements can be found in the form of injections, implants, patches, creams, and gels.
How Will I Be Monitored While On Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Your doctor will measure your testosterone levels at the 3- and 6-month marks after treatment begins. After that you’ll be tested once a year. If your levels are OK you’ll stay on your current dose.
If your testosterone levels are too low, your dose may be adjusted. At the same time, your doctor will check your red blood cell levels.
Within 1 to 2 years of TRT, your doctor will measure your bone density if you had osteoporosis when treatment began. Your doctor will evaluate your prostate cancer risk at the start of treatment and may do more tests at the 3- and 6-month marks, and then annually.
Patients taking TRT should call 911 immediately if they have symptoms which include:
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Weakness in one side of the body
What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Over the past few decades of research into testosterone therapy, it has become clear that it does more than just boost muscle strength and size.
Testosterone replacement therapy is designed to replenish testosterone levels in men who are unable to produce enough on their own due to medical conditions such as hypogonadism or aging.
Recent studies have found that even men with low testosterone can benefit from testosterone boosters when it comes to burning fat and increasing their overall body composition.
Its thought that because testosterone boosts metabolism, supplementing with it helps users burn more calories and make the most out of their healthy eating routines.
While more research is needed to fully understand all the benefits of using testosterone therapy, the existing evidence does show encouraging results that could be useful for men looking to reduce body fat.
There are several types of TRT available including injections, patches, gels, creams and implants.
Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that should be discussed with your doctor before starting any treatment plan.
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Expert Guidance Can Help You Avoid Cons
If you are struggling with the symptoms of low testosterone, the first step to recovery is connecting with a hormone health specialist. They can ensure you get the tests you need to determine if your symptoms are related to your testosterone levels or caused by something else. They can also help you navigate testosterone therapy pros and cons for your individual situation and decide if you are a good candidate based on your symptoms, goals, and health status. If testosterone therapy is the best path, they can help you explore your treatment options to optimize your results and minimize side effects.
Whatever treatment strategy you ultimatelychoose, the goal should be to feel your best. With the right approach and theright support, you can recapture your vitality and live a healthier, morefulfilling life.
If you are considering testosterone therapy, BodyLogicMD can help. The BodyLogicMD network is comprised of top medical professionals specializing in hormone health and hormone replacement therapy. A BodyLogicMD-affiliated practitioner will design a personalized treatment plan to address your symptoms and help you achieve your health goals using the best therapies available today. Contact a local practitioner to schedule your first appointment, or take the BodyLogicMD Hormone Balance Quiz today.
Increase In Male Hormone Testosterone Helps Improve Body Composition Even In Men With Low Testosterone Levels
“This could mean that men in some ways could derive benefit from T therapy even if their T level is not as low as defined by the Endocrine Society.”
A new study finds that an increase in the male hormone testosterone helps to improve body composition, even in men with testosterone levels near the lower end of normal.
The researchers also concluded that testosterone may benefit men from a metabolic standpoint.
The results appeared in Frontiers in Endocrinology in July 2022.
Dr. Reina Villareal, an endocrinologist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA, led the study.
Dr. Reina Villareal, an endocrinologist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston and a professor at the nearby Baylor College of Medicine, led the study. She, first author Dr. Fnu Deepika, and their colleagues aimed to determine if there are differences in changes in body composition, metabolic profile, and bone turnover markers and bone mineral density in response to testosterone therapy. Bone mineral density is a measure of the thickness of bones, and bone turnover is the process of resorption followed by replacement by new bone with little change in shape.
Regarding the significance of the findings, Villareal says, This could mean that men in some ways could derive benefit from T therapy even if their T level is not as low as defined by the Endocrine Society, whose guideline for low T is less than 264 nanograms per deciliter .
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Signs Of Low Testosterone
There are some symptoms in the mind, body, and sexual function that can be indicators of low testosterone. They include:
A blood test can easily determine if your testosterone levels have dropped enough to be considered deficient. The range of normal for testosterone on s blood test is quite wide. Every lab is different but on average, normal levels of total testosterone can fall between 300 and 1100. If the blood test shows that your levels are sub optimal or low then you are a candidate for TRT. If your symptoms also match up with your low T, then it makes even more sense that youve found the cause of why you feel the way you do. The next steps are up to you.
How Do I Take Testosterone Replacement Therapy
TRT comes in several different forms. Each has pros and cons.
Patches. These are easy to apply. But patches can cause skin rashes and may have to be applied more than once a day.
Gels. You rub gels into the skin daily. They are convenient to use. But you have to be careful that no one comes into contact with the treated area for several hours after you’ve applied it. Otherwise they could get testosterone in their system. A nasal gel is now available that eliminates the risk of exposure to others.
Buccal patch. You put this on your upper gum twice a day. These patches are convenient but can cause irritation or gum disease.
Injections. Injections are given anywhere from 2 to 10 weeks apart. They are inexpensive compared to other treatments. But injections may not provide steady benefits. Your testosterone levels will go back down between doses.
Subcutaneous pellets. Your doctor inserts these under your skin every 3 to 6 months. They are very convenient once they’re put in, but they require minor surgery for each dose.
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Testosterone Replacement Therapy Vs Testosterone Boosters
Millions of American men use a prescription testosterone injection or gel as forms of testosterone replacement therapy to restore declining levels of testosterone. There are also millions of men using testosterone boosters hoping to regain some of their testosterone naturally. Low or declining testosterone can affect the mind, the body and our sex life.
Weighing The Pros Vs Cons Of Trt Treatment Options
Ultimately, deciding whether or not to start testosterone replacement therapy comes down to weighing the pros vs cons based on your individual needs and preferences as well as consulting with a healthcare professional for further guidance on starting this type of treatment plan if desired.
With all the potential benefits associated with increasing testosterone levels through TRT it may be worth considering if youre experiencing symptoms related to low testosterone levels due to medical conditions or age-related changes in your bodys production capabilities.
However, its important that you understand all the possible risks involved prior to starting any form of hormone therapy so you can make an informed decision about whether its right for you.
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Pros And Cons Of Testosterone Supplements
Testosterone plays an important role when fueling the essential functions of men. These include things such as sexual functioning, mood, cognition, and body composition among others.
Unfortunately, most men have found themselves in situations where they need to use supplements to increase their testosterone levels.
This might be caused by things such as age and hormone disorders and is known to affect most men a lot even getting to their self-confidence. However, testosterone supplements have been in use for a long time and have helped many men deal with this problem.
The Pros And Cons Of Testosterone: Everything You Need To Know
Testosterone boosters are a natural supplement designed to increase the bodys production of the hormone testosterone.
This hormone is an essential component in male and female bodies, although men tend to have much higher levels. As men age, their bodies naturally produce less testosterone than it did when they were young, which can lead to some common problems like low muscle development, muscle atrophy, diminished libido, and low red blood cell production. Women, meanwhile, actually produce more testosterone as they age, resulting in an increased sex drive, more facial hair, and even deeper voices.
There are several testosterone pros and cons that can affect whether or not someone wants to take them. Most people who do are older men worried about their bodies and image of masculinity, especially if they were athletes and suffering from the decreased physical performance. So, what should you know? You can check the best testosterone booster at laweekly before reading this guide.
Pros
Testosterone is responsible for a ton of positive effects on men. The hormone injections or patches can help treat erectile dysfunction and improve the libido, making a mans sex life better and more satisfying. The hormone can also aid in reproductive health and stave off the development of unpleasant conditions.
Cons
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Researchers Surprised By Some Of The Results
The study consisted of 105 male Veterans, ages 40 to 74, with low testosterone levels. It was carried out from 2011 to 2016 at the Michael E. DeBakey VA and the New Mexico VA Health Care System. The authors described it as the first study to evaluate whether the effects of testosterone therapy on body composition, metabolic profile, and bone turnover markers are influenced by baseline T levels.
The researchers looked at testosterone replacement therapy for men with low T, defined as less than 300 ng/dL, the Endocrine Societys guideline until 2018. That year, its guideline was changed to less than 264 ng/dL. However, since the study was conducted before that change, some of the men who participated would have normal testosterone levels based on the new criteria.
Therapy consisted of injecting 200 milligrams every two weeks of testosterone cypionate , an androgen and anabolic steroid used mainly to treat low T levels in men. The dose was later adjusted to a blood level of 500 to 800 ng/dL, then 300 to 600 ng/dL after the third year of the study upon the direction of the FDA. Side effects from the drug, including nausea, vomiting, and headache, were no different from what has been previously reported.
VA RESEARCH
So What Does This Mean For Me
If youre curious about testosterone therapy and wondering if you fit into the subset of women who may benefit, Dr. Wierman suggests talking to your regular womens healthcare provider. I think that most providers, whether theyre gynecologists or endocrinologists or primary care doctors who specialize in menopausal women, can discuss the issues related to testosterone pros and cons, she says.
But before you walk away with a prescription, keep in mind that your low sex drive may not have to do with your hormones. The first thing when someone has abnormalities in their sexual function is to discuss all the different other causes of it, and try to be a detective, Dr. Wierman says. If she is having painful intercourse, maybe it’s local vaginal estrogen she needs. If theres stress in the relationship, maybe therapy is what they need. Testosterone therapy is one option to increase libido, but its certainly not a foolproof key to amazing sex. And unless youre a postmenopausal woman with HSDD, you probably want to steer clear.
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How Can I Boost My Testosterone Naturally
If you have a clinically low T level of 300 ng/dL or less, a doctor may consider testosterone replacement therapy medications.
Lifestyle strategies may also help boost testosterone. These strategies include:
- reducing and managing stress
- getting regular exercise
- avoiding smoking
You might want to also consider talking with your doctor about whether taking certain supplements could help reverse nutritional deficiencies that might be contributing to your low T.
There are some potential ways you can naturally boost testosterone with certain foods. For example, eating a nutritious, balanced diet including antioxidant-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables
Whats Your Experience With Testosterone Therapy
We would love to hear from men who have tried TRT. Has it been beneficial or problematic? Share your own experiences in the comment section below.
William in Toronto, Canada offered this:
I had my testosterone level checked, and found that for my age, 76, I was quite deficient in testosterone. I had suspected this, as I had some symptoms of low T.
I asked my doctor for a trial period with testosterone gel, and he reluctantly agreed. He said the jury was still out as to any detrimental side effects. I have been using the gel for one month now, and have noticed an improvement in my health. I no longer have those days when I have no energy to do anything except lie down, my walking has improved, and my interest in sex as well. I have also experienced an improvement in my general mood and well being.
In conclusion, my life has improved considerably.
For men who worry about the potential negative consequences of long-term testosterone therapy, we suggest listening to our interview with John La Puma, MD. Our one-hour radio show, Boosting Testosterone Naturally offers alternative approaches for achieving a positive outcome.
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Other Benefits Of Trt Such As Improved Bone Density And Sexual Functionality
In addition to increasing muscle mass, testosterone replacement therapy can also improve bone density which helps reduce the risk of fractures from falls or other accidents .
It can also improve sexual functionality in both men and women, including increased libido and improved erectile function in men.
These additional benefits make TRT even more appealing to those looking to increase their overall quality of life while treating low testosterone levels caused by medical conditions or aging.
Pros And Cons Of Taking Testosterone
In light of the importance of testosterone for mens health and body composition, it is crucial to understand the role of testosterone replacement therapy in addressing low testosterone levels. As we age, testosterone levels decline, leading to decreased muscle mass and strength, weight gain, fatigue, and other undesirable side effects.
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How Does Testosterone Boosters Work
Testosterone boosters are substances used to raise testosterone levels. Testosterone supplements are available in tablet, powder, or liquid form. They may contain various ingredients, such as herbs, minerals, nutrients, and amino acids.
Before using testosterone boosters, talk to your doctor, especially if you are on other drugs or have health issues. It is also critical to follow the product labels recommendations and never exceed the authorized dosage.
Not all testosterone supplements are the same, and some are more effective than others. According to user reviews, we know some testosterone boosters may make the user experience more negative side effects. It is essential to do research before selecting a testosterone booster to ensure you discover one that is good for you.
There are many different brands of testosterone boosters on the market. The top-selling brands mostly use plants and herbs to make organic herbal supplements. These products are more natural than other testosterone boosters, with fewer adverse effects.
Some supplements feature vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for optimum health. Testosterone boosters often consist of a blend of vitamins and minerals to enhance overall health while helping to boost testosterone levels.
Also, amino acids are the proteins building components, and they are necessary for muscular growth, development, and increasing testosterone levels.
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What To Ask Your Doctor About Testosterone Replacement Therapy
As with most treatments, you should talk to your doctor before undergoing any of them. You may also have questions and concerns before starting TRT. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you might find that these common questions and answers are helpful starting points:
- How can I be sure my testosterone is actually low?
- A doctor should conduct a minimum of two tests to ensure that you indeed have low-T.
If you have other concerns, voice them when you meet with your doctor.