Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Many men have lowered testosterone levels as they age, and these low levels can start to cause a variety of symptoms. Male hormone replacement therapy, or TRT therapy, is a safe and effective treatment option if you have symptoms or difficulty with low testosterone levels.
Individualized, long-term testosterone therapy has been shown to improve bone density, stabilize mood, normalize body fat and body muscle, increase energy, and increase libido.
Hypogonadism Symptoms
If your testosterone levels are low, you may be feeling some of the following symptoms (depending on your age):
- Low sex drive
- Low energy
- Poor concentration
- Weight gain
- Loss of muscle strength
- Low bone density
- Depression
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sperm count
Many treatments are available to get testosterone back to normal levels. It is important to monitor your levels as well as some related blood tests, as it can be dangerous to have testosterone levels that are too high.
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Video: Low Testosterone Levels
TRT Therapy
To determine if you have low testosterone, we will review your symptoms and do laboratory tests. A good first screening test is the ADAM questionnaire. If we suspect low testosterone, we get a blood test from you. This may need to be repeated.
Treatment options can include these:
- Intramuscular injections
- Patches
- Absorbable tablets
- Creams
- Gels
- Long-acting depots
It is important to remember that having a level of testosterone that is too high is dangerous.
You must use your testosterone medication only as we direct. This includes needle safety for injection therapy as well as limiting exposure to testosterone gel to your friends and family.
It is also important for you to participate in laboratory and follow-up visits to our office. We will monitor your response to testosterone therapy closely.
What Are the Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy?
As with any new medication, you may notice side effects from your testosterone therapy. This may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Pain at the injection site, if you are using injection therapy
- Increased energy
- Increased libido (sex drive)
- Acne
- Increased aggression
- Increased hematocrit, or red blood cell count
- Increased prostate size
If you have questions or concerns about your new medication, or if you develop significant side effects, please contact our office at 801-587-1454.
TRT Therapy Long Term
Long-term testosterone replacement therapy can also limit the amount of testosterone made within your body. This can affect your fertility, as having less testosterone within the testes can cause a significant decrease in your sperm production.
Please contact us if you have further concerns regarding fertility.
Contact Us
If you would like have your testosterone levels measured, please call our office at 801-587-1454.
- Bhasin S, Cunningham G, Matsumoto A, Snyder P, Swerdloff R, Montori V. Testosterone therapy in adult men with androgen deficiency syndromes: An endocrine society clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2006; 91(6):1995-2010.
- De Ronde W. Testosterone gel for the treatment of male hypogonadism. Expert Opinion on Biologic Theory. 2009 Feb;9(2):249-253.
- Laksham K, Basaria S. Safety and efficacy of testosterone gel in the treatment of male hypogonadism. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2009;4:397-412.
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