23 Questions & Answers With Medical Expert About Testosterone
According to current research on low testosterone, there are numerous ways to treat decreased levels, otherwise known as Low T. Millions of American men have tried a prescription testosterone injection or gel, forms of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) that can return unbalanced testosterone levels to normal. When testosterone is injected into the muscles, your body slowly absorbs the hormone, bypassing the liver – a safer alternative to pills.
Although testosterone replacement therapy can be very beneficial to those who need it, there are known side effects, and if you have other medical conditions, you may develop other issues. If you notice symptoms of low testosterone before you try any treatment visit with a medical expert. Visiting your primary care physician can help you make an informed decision, offer recommendations, and inform you of the benefits and side effects.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy FAQ
- What type of doctor treats low testosterone?
If you need recommendations or treatment for low testosterone, visit your primary care physician, or a board-certified urologist who treats male sex organs. We also suggest you seek the advice of a board-certified physician who has expertise in anti-aging medicine. Your doctor will do a blood draw and check your testosterone levels and rule out a more serious condition. - What are the benefits of testosterone injections?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) through injection can increase sex drive and energy levels, minimize erectile dysfunction, and boost sperm count and mood. Current research shows TRT injections are the most reliable form. They are usually taken every two weeks, an easy and convenient treatment. Injections return hormone levels to normal and are safer than pills, which can cause liver damage. - How long does it take to feel the effects of testosterone therapy?
Although every individual is different, most men see results after three months of treatment. Some prolonged studies, in which men received less than a year of therapy but were contacted one to two years later, found minimal, but positive changes in prostate levels. - What age can I start TRT?
Many men will begin TRT after age 30. Experts recommend you seek treatment only as long as you are no longer attempting to have children, show no signs of prostate cancer, and do not have an enlarged prostate. If you do not have Low T, diagnosed by a doctor, avoid taking any type of therapy. - Will TRT help me to build muscle?
According to research conducted in Testosterone and Aging: Clinical Research Directions, TRT can lead to increases in muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle volume. Low T treatment results vary from person to person. One resource suggests that men who took TRT felt stronger but didn’t necessarily gain strength. - Can TRT make my life shorter?
Conversely, normal levels of testosterone may actually prolong your life. For example, men who received a month of TRT found they could walk longer and at a faster pace. The treatment also increased their quality of life by improving mood, sexual function, and overall wellbeing. In addition, one resource claims TRT can increase insulin resistance and make your bones stronger. - What is the best form of testosterone therapy?
Prescribed injections have shown to be a successful form of testosterone replacement therapy. The injections are quick and convenient. Be sure to talk openly with your doctor about whether the injections are the right treatment for you. Testosterone therapy is not a cure for Low T, but it will level your testosterone. If you need lifelong treatment, injections could work for you. - Is testosterone therapy safe for long term use?
For men diagnosed with Low T, taking TRT over an extended period of time could be worth the minimal side effects. And while some patients may experience cardiovascular issues or growth of prostate cells, if you talk openly with your physician, you can learn what’s best for you. - Can you get gynecomastia from TRT?
Usually, it’s the opposite. Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) comes from high levels of estrogen. However, men between 50 and 80 who are diagnosed with Low T may develop gynecomastia unless they receive treatment. - Will testosterone therapy help me lose weight?
According to studies conducted at Harvard Medical School, testosterone affects metabolism. Men who have Low T have more body fat than men with high testosterone. If you take medications that diminish testosterone levels, you may gain weight and body fat. One study in Germany found that men who took TRT over time lost a significant amount of weight and inches. - Can testosterone therapy increase size?
Unfortunately, TRT has no effect on your penis size. Since your penis develops from the testosterone your body makes during your lifetime, after puberty you are pretty much set. - What happens when a man’s testosterone is low?
All sources suggest that if you have Low T, you may experience decreased libido and erections; infertility; insomnia; sleep apnea; increase in body fat; decrease in muscle mass and bone density; lower red blood cell count and calcium levels; fatigue; lack of motivation; depression; and memory loss. Low T can also lead to Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure. - Does testosterone cause hair loss?
Hormones and genetics cause male pattern baldness, which affects approximately 50 million men nationwide. According to the NIH, hair loss comes from shrinking hair follicles, which make an impact on the growth cycle. As new hairs grow, they become increasingly fine until they disappear altogether. - Is testosterone good for hair growth?
Testosterone regulates hair growth and hair loss. During puberty, humans produce more androgen, which converts vellus follicles to terminal follicles. Over a lifetime, terminal hair follicles (head hair) revert back to vellus, a process managed by testosterone. Whether the testosterone boosts or kills the aging follicle is determined by genetics. - What are the side effects of testosterone replacement therapy?
According to studies, side effects may include acne, tender or swollen breasts, high red blood cell count, and more. In addition, taking testosterone therapy when you don’t need it can be dangerous, leading to heart disease or stroke, shrunken testicles, infertility, and swollen ankles or feet. - What are the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy?
Studies of hypogonadal men who receive TRT showed a significant improvement in symptoms like depression and anxiety, boost brain function and cognition and marked improvements in erectile dysfunction and libido. Testosterone manages homeostasis and bodily functions, and TRT increases weight loss, bone density, and heart health. - Is testosterone a steroid?
Testosterone is the main anabolic steroid hormone produced in your body, which promotes muscle building and typical male traits (deep voice and facial hair). TRT should only be prescribed by your doctor. - How to treat low testosterone?
Your primary care physician can diagnose Low T through a physical exam, including a blood test and bone density check. With TRT injections over a period of four to six weeks, men can feel a boost in energy levels, overall wellbeing, muscle mass, and mood. A normal level of testosterone ranges between 300-1000 nanograms per deciliter. - Does testosterone make you hornier?
Testosterone manages a man’s sex drive, and normal to high levels will keep a man sexually healthy and active. According to the study, TRT has helped subjects who received the treatment over a sustained period of time, i.e., at least a year. - Can low testosterone cause anger?
Low T is more likely to cause depression, which can manifest itself in irritability. However, anger and aggression are usually blamed on abnormally high levels of testosterone. Science hasn’t proved this completely. - What food boost testosterone?
Some foods known to boost testosterone include oysters, tuna, garlic, ginger, chicken and beef, eggs, and nuts. Of course, results depend on your age and activity level. The testosterone in your body adheres to a substance that decreases the hormone — however, eating plenty of foods rich in protein will prevent this from happening. - Does testosterone affect personality?
Although scientifically inconclusive, too-high levels of testosterone can cause mood swings, unpredictable behavior, and poor decision making. There are studies regarding the relationship between high levels of testosterone and aggression. And while there appears to be a correlation between testosterone and behavior, other factors should be considered, i.e., biological traits, social status, presence of or lack of empathy traits, and other hormone levels. - What food kills testosterone?
Some foods known to lower testosterone include alcohol, mint, processed food, soy-based products like miso, tofu, edamame, and vegetable oil. Most foods high in fat or soy are rumored to decrease testosterone levels. We recommend you work with your primary care physician to find out which diet choices are right for you.