4 Things You Should Know About Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the ideal and most effective solution for men who have been diagnosed with abnormally low testosterone. It’s estimated that about 13 million American men may have low testosterone. Don’t fret if you have been diagnosed with low T because you can reclaim your manhood through testosterone treatment.

However, before you seek testosterone replacement therapy from a testosterone clinic, you should know the following.

1. Testosterone Treatment May Start Working Within Three to Six Months

After you begin testosterone replacement therapy, you may begin to see results after three to six months. Don’t expect the side effects of low T, such as having low sex drive or excess body fatigue, to disappear as soon as you start treatment. Typically, your family doctor will measure your testosterone levels after three months and again after six months to ensure that your dose is working.

Keep in mind that testosterone replacement therapy is a long-term process that takes time for you to start experiencing actual results. As such, you shouldn’t give up on your treatments within your first year. Doctors may adjust your dose if you still have low-testosterone after one year of testosterone treatment. Also, remember that testosterone therapy is a life-long treatment. If you stop your treatment, your testosterone levels will start to drop again.

2. Testosterone Treatment is Administered in Different Forms

Physicians have made it easier for you to receive testosterone replacement therapy in a way that’s most comfortable for you. Here are some forms of TRT treatment.

• Testosterone transdermal patches: these patches are applied to the skin and left in place for 24 hours. You may apply the patches on your back, upper arms, thighs, or stomach. However, avoid applying to the oily and hairy parts that may increase perspiration and parts that may experience pressure when sleeping or sitting.
• Testosterone gel: you should rub this gel to the skin of your upper arm, shoulders, or abdomen once a day. Your doctor may increase the doses based on the testosterone levels in your blood. After applying the gel, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Buccal patch: these patches are applied to the upper gum twice a day within 12 hours. It’s more convenient to apply the buccal patches after breakfast and dinner once you’ve brushed your teeth.
• Testosterone replacement injections: a physician administers these injections once a week. Because they’re applied directly to your muscle tissues, your bloodstream absorbs testosterone much quicker.
• Subcutaneous testosterone pellets: your family doctor implants these pellets under your skin in intervals of three and six months. Pellets are convenient and effective once inserted in your skin though they require minor surgery each time they’re implanted.

3. The Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Just like any other treatment, TRT has its side effects. Testosterone side effects may include acne, male pattern baldness, decreased sperm production, enlarged prostate and breasts, and difficulty urinating. However, these side effects are manageable, and your physician may adjust your dosage if they become excessive. Testosterone replacement therapy clinics recommend avoiding TRT if you have been diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer.

4. You’ll Have To Visit Your Family Doctor More Often For Monitoring

Once you start testosterone replacement therapy, you may have to see your physician every three months in your first year and every six months in the subsequent years as your testosterone levels rise. This allows your doctor to monitor your progress and check if your testosterone levels are rising as expected or if there’s a need to change your dosage. TRT is an effective solution for low T, but it takes time and proper monitoring for you to see results.

You don’t have to live with the effects of low testosterone because you can seek testosterone replacement therapy. Today, more men who want to restore their manhood seek testosterone treatment from the top testosterone therapy clinics. TRT helps you live a more fulfilling, productive, and healthy life minus the distressing effects of having low testosterone.