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What is testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy, also known as TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), is a treatment that helps raise low testosterone levels in men back to normal. It involves taking testosterone medication in various forms like gels, patches, injections or pellets to boost testosterone.
Testosterone is an important male sex hormone that plays a role in:
- Sex drive
- Muscle mass
- Bone density
- Red blood cell production
- Fat distribution
- Mood and cognitive function
As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline about 1% per year after age 30. Low testosterone or 'low T' can cause symptoms like:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased energy and endurance
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weight gain
- Mood changes like depression
If blood tests confirm clinically low testosterone - generally below 300 ng/dL - a doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy to alleviate low T symptoms.
The goal is to raise testosterone levels to the normal range (around 500-700 ng/dL) - not above normal to avoid side effects. Treatment is customized based on the man's symptoms, health status, preferences, and blood test results.
Potential benefits include:
- Increased energy and endurance
- Improved sexual function
- Better mood and cognitive function
- Increased bone mineral density
- More muscle mass and less body fat
However, TRT does have risks like acne, breast enlargement, testicle shrinkage and higher red blood cell counts. It can also worsen sleep apnea and prostate cancer risks. Thus, careful medical supervision is vital.
In summary, testosterone therapy can significantly improve quality of life for men with clinically low testosterone levels. But due to potential side effects, pros and cons should be weighed carefully first. Working closely with an experienced hormone specialist at Revive Hormones is highly advisable.