The human body contains several hormones, each with its unique role. Testosterone is one of these hormones and is often referred to as the primary sex hormone in men. Women also have some testosterone. When levels decline to the point of clinical hypogonadism, it can cause serious problems. Learning more about what testosterone therapy is can help you understand the available treatment options, how they work, and what you can expect.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone found in humans and other animals. In men, the testicles produce testosterone. Women’s ovaries also make testosterone, but in much smaller amounts.
Production of testosterone increases considerably during puberty and then starts to decrease after around age 30. It is usually associated with sex drive, and it does play an essential part in sperm production. However, it also affects:
- Bone and muscle mass
- The way fat is stored in men’s bodies
- Red blood cell production
- Mood
- Strength
- Endurance
- Fat content
- Exercise tolerance
- Psychological status
- Overall well-being
Symptoms Of Low Testosterone In Men
Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you feeling depressed or irritable?
- Have you been struggling with low energy or endurance?
- Are you gaining weight?
- Has your sex drive decreased?
- Are you losing body hair?
These symptoms sometimes indicate low testosterone, but they do not mean a diagnosis of hypogonadism. A series of blood tests are needed to confirm this diagnosis and your healthcare team also need to rule out other potential causes.
Low-T Levels In Women
Low-T levels in women can be caused by the removal of the ovaries or diseases of the pituitary, hypothalamus, or adrenal glands. While there are no FDA-approved testosterone treatments for women, it is sometimes used off-label in low doses, particularly in postmenopausal women.
There’s still a lot of research that needs to be done on low T and the use of TRT in women.
Symptoms of low testosterone in women include:
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
- Lowered sex drive( hypoactive sexual desire disorder–HSDD)
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increase in body fat
- Mood changes (including more anxiety)
- Bone loss and loss of strength
Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) And Testosterone
Female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) may occur in up to one-third of adult women in the United States. The essential indicator of HSDD in females is a deficiency or absence of their sex drive.
Low testosterone can become a contributing factor to hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women.
This is an often-understood cause. We often associate testosterone with men. Yet, women also need some testosterone for their bodies to function correctly.
The extent to which testosterone levels provoke HSDD is not well-understood. However, researchers do know that there’s some connection between low T in women and HSDD.
Since there are many more factors affecting a woman’s sexual desire, testosterone should not be the only focus. A more comprehensive analysis from a healthcare professional can help women better understand their hormones and other potential contributing factors.
What Are Some Important Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Research suggests that testosterone plays a role in metabolic, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular health.
While vital for optimal men’s health, testosterone also plays an essential part in women’s health. Supplementing this all-encompassing hormone is a benefit for both men and women.
Recognizing these benefits is essential when asking what testosterone replacement therapy is.
Improving Quality Of Life With Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
By restoring levels of testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy may help you achieve an improved quality of life. Some benefits of testosterone replacement therapy include mental and physical benefits, such as:
- Enhanced feelings of well-being
- Improvements in overall mood
- Increased bone density
- Increased strength and athletic performance
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Boosts both male & female libido and sexual performance
- Aids in the development of muscle mass
- Encourages heart health
- May help to prevent osteoporosis
Testosterone may also have an indirect effect on skin health.
Benefits Of Testosterone Therapy
There are many benefits of testosterone therapy. Here’s a breakdown of why people who are experiencing low hormone levels can improve their overall health.
Emotional
You probably never considered the emotional benefits of testosterone, but it is real. A lower level of testosterone production may impact more than just the physical aspects of your body. However, these physical changes may also affect how you are feeling. As testosterone therapy reduces frustrating effects, it may help you reduce depression and help regulate your moods. You’ll begin to feel like a healthier, happier version of yourself again.
Mental
Brain fog and memory loss are frequently associated with a decrease in testosterone production. The loss of this vital hormone may also be a factor in feelings of anxiety and depression. Testosterone hormone therapy may help you focus better.
Physical
A decline in testosterone has a negative impact on energy levels. A loss of energy may lead to weight gain, loss of muscle mass, joint pain, and more. On the other hand, testosterone therapy may boost your energy levels and may play a role in the immune system, promoting an overall healthier lifestyle.
Sexual
One of the main jobs of testosterone is facilitating a healthy sex drive and promoting sexual function. So a decline in testosterone production may lead to a lower sexual appetite, a decrease in performance, and a loss of sexual satisfaction. But, with the assistance of hormone therapy, some of the sexual health benefits of testosterone therapy may include reducing the effects of erectile dysfunction and rejuvenating sexual wellness.
Who Is A Candidate For Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
There are several factors taken into consideration when you are suspected of having clinical hypogonadism. This is why it’s essential to consult a team of professionals who can assess your hormones and determine if you have low T levels. There are also contraindcations for men with breast or prostate cancer (as well as suspected), so this is something to keep in mind when considering TRT.
What Are The Forms Of Testosterone Used During Hormone Replacement Therapy?
There are several forms of testosterone replacement therapy. And they all can improve testosterone levels. Some of the forms are:
- Transdermal (skin patch): Androderm is a patch worn on the arm or upper body and applied once a day.
- Gels: AndroGel and Testim come in packets of clear gel. The testosterone is absorbed through the skin when you apply the gel once a day.AndroGel, Axiron, and Fortesta come in a pump container that delivers just the amount that has been prescribed. Natesto is a gel that is applied inside the nose.
- Mouth patch: Striant is a tablet that adheres to the upper gums. It is applied twice a day and releases testosterone continuously into the blood through the oral tissues.
- Injections and implants: Testosterone can also be injected directly into the muscles, or it can also be implanted in pellet form into the soft tissues. Then it is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Oral solutions in the form of pills are also available. Older options like methyltestosterone are not recommended due to the potential for hepatotoxicity. More modern options, such as Kyzatrex and Jatenzo, are formulated to bypass first-pass liver metabolism.
How Does TRT Work?
Testosterone replacement therapy uses hormones that mimic those that naturally occur in your body to provide balance to these changing levels. As the hormone levels are balanced, the frustrating complications of testosterone loss may subside.
How Long Does It Take To See The Results Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
People have many questions when it comes to TRT. What is testosterone replacement therapy? It remains a popular question, but many want to know about the timeline as well.
The same as any other treatment, the testosterone results achieved with treatment will vary for each person and their unique experiences. However, one important thing to remember is that it will take some time to achieve and enjoy noticeable results.
You should allow your body some time to absorb the hormones as well as respond to them.
To provide you with the best potential results for you personally, testosterone replacement therapy should be completely tailored to meet your unique needs.
The process typically begins with a simple blood draw, providing the basis for the analysis of your hormone levels. During your consultation, your experiences, health, concerns, and hormone levels will be discussed. This is all used to develop your personalized treatment plan.
What To Expect After Hormone Therapy
As previously mentioned, the testosterone results from treatment will be gradual, but they are intended to build upon each other. While they will vary for each person, the results should be as follows.
In General…
- An increase in sexual interest appears after about 3 weeks and reaches a plateau at about 6 weeks with no further increases after that.
- Improved quality of life becomes evident within 3-4 weeks, but maximum benefits take longer.
- Effects on depressed mood become detectable after 3-6 weeks, with a maximum after 18-30 weeks.
- Increases in red blood cell production are evident at 3 months and peak at 9-12 months.
- Effects on lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) appear after 4 weeks; maximum after 6 months.
- Insulin sensitivity may improve within a few days, but effects on blood sugar control are evident after 3-12 months.
- Changes in fat mass, lean body mass, and muscle strength can be experienced within 12-15 weeks, stabilize at 6-12 months, but can continue on a small scale over the years.
- Effects on bone are already measurable after 6 months and continuing for at least 3 years.
Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Safe?
Safety is always a concern when it comes to medical treatments, whether natural compounds or pharmaceuticals are used. The same can be said for testosterone replacement therapy.
This treatment is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by men when used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, particularly in men with clinical hypogonadism.
There are a couple of side effects that can develop. Thus, when asking whether testosterone replacement therapy works, the safety always needs to be taken into consideration.
Some common side effects include:
- Problems at the application site, such as irritation, redness, and pain.
- Growth of breast tissue.
- Mood swings and irritability.
- Sleep apnea and insomnia.
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands.
- An increase in red blood cell production (potentially leading to polycythemia / erythrocytosis)
In most cases, side effects are generally mild. However, it’s essential to report any serious problems to your care team.
How Much Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Cost?
The cost of testosterone replacement therapy is another area of concern for a lot of men. Whether you’re looking for a natural solution or want to opt for synthetic testosterone injections, knowing how much this will set you back is important.
Costs associated with TRT can vary widely, so it’s important to talk to a specialist at the facility you prefer. This can help you get a transparent view of the costs linked to the therapy.
Schedule Your Testosterone Replacement Therapy Consultation With Androgenix
Ready to start your journey with testosterone therapy? Contact us today at Androgenix Advance Health and Wellness Center and schedule a consultation to learn more about the potential benefits of hormone therapy.
Our professional staff helps many people just like you every day. We are experienced professionals and proud to serve you in North Palm Beach, Florida.
Contact us today to get started!
