10 Things to Know Before Taking TRT
There is no denying that a pandemic concerning low testosterone does exist among men nowadays. Unfortunately, taking TRT is still considered taboo in many cultures despite the fact that it has affected the lives of many individuals.
According to estimates, the average number of testosterone that course through a normal man’s body is not even half of what men used to have some decades ago.
Medical science presents various factors that are responsible for this significant decline in the level of male testosterone. Most of these factors are complex. Collectively, the condition can make men unassertive, intellectually dull, depressed, unmotivated, weak, and most importantly, impotent and disconnected with their life.
The good news is that modern medicine is working on the potential solutions to provide suitable treatment options for people with low testosterone levels. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), in this regard, is one of the options that is growing in popularity and has become a real solution for this problem. Millions of men are opting for it to replenish their hormones that are responsible for enhancing their masculinity.
Where the advantages of TRT are numerous as well as revolutionary, many men remain apprehensive about the treatment. With more and more men opting for TRT and doctors over prescribing it, it is important that you have sufficient knowledge about the treatment before making a decision.
Considering this, we include ten things that you must know before taking TRT.
Things To Consider Before Taking TRT
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You Won’t Get Stronger Erections
One of the common misconceptions regarding TRT is that it helps you improve erectile dysfunction. Here it is vital to understand that testosterone are only responsible for enhancing sexual excitement. In other words, they don’t help men get stronger erections.
According to Dr. S. Adam Ramin – a urologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, testosterone is only responsible for increasing libido in men. Plus, they play an important role in developing male reproductive tissues. In short, if you are taking TRT just to get stronger erections, you’re mistaken.
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It Is A Complete Medical Procedure
Like other medical treatments, TRT follows a complete set of tests to ensure your normal health conditions. Normally, a patient undergoes a complete hormone panel conducted within two hours. The process is repeated twice within six weeks. This medical procedure ensures that your testosterone level is consistent.
Typically, your urologist tests for free and total sex-hormone-building globulin (SHBG), testosterone, estradiol, estrogen, prolactin, progesterone and hemoglobin. It is really helpful in determining the low level of testosterone.
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Sex Is Not The Only Reason
If your symptoms include low testosterone, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should go for a TRT therapy. Dr. George, a chief at Markham Stouffville Hospital, states that most men choose TRT option for better sexual performance, regardless of what the main cause of low testosterones is.
In other words, there can be several factors that can cause low testosterone that mainly include thyroid dysfunction and iron deficiency. Changing your diet and sleep habits may help you improve your testosterone levels.
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Taking TRT May Have Side Effects
Whether you agree or not, TRT therapy has side effects and weight gain is one of the most common one. It often happens due to elevated levels of estradiol which is a form of sex hormones. TRT may also disturb hormone levels and can increases hemoglobin count that can cause blood clotting or pulmonary embolism.
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Men Have a Small Chance of Developing Breasts
Bizarre as it may sound, but this is one of the risks when you undergo testosterone replacement therapy. You can develop breasts due to the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. This conversion diminishes the effectiveness of testosterone.
Although the risk of men growing breast is rare, it may happen to anyone. Your doctor, in that case, prescribes an aromatase inhibitor to control it. However, if you don’t monitor it, the medicine may suppress estrogen and can cause fatigue as well.
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You Can Choose How You Take It
You can take TRT in a number of ways, such as patch, a tablet, a gel, cream, an implant, and an injectable. Medical experts consider taking TRT in gel or cream form more effective than others.
It is because many studies have shown the negative effects of TRT on the liver if taken in an oral form. However, it’s always better to weigh your options and choose one that suits you best.
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TRT Doesn’t Just Improve Testosterone Levels
This is another surprising feature of this therapy that many people are not aware of. TRT does not just optimally improve testosterone levels, but also improves cognitive function. It may combat amyloid precursor function that is a leading cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, taking TRT may help you reduce the risk associated with insulin resistance.
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Your Mood Elevator
Many studies have demonstrated the positive effects of TRT therapy on patients’ mood. It does not only increase testosterone levels and muscle mass, but also brings about feeling of happiness and positivity.
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Can Cause Infertility
TRT therapy can affect the function of testicles, causing them to atrophy. The condition leads to an inability to produce sufficient amount of sperms, ultimately impacting your fertility. Besides this, if you are on long-term therapy, TRT can also impair men’s ability to produce healthy hormones naturally.
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TRT Does Not Cause Cancer
There is no need to get overwhelmed regarding myths like TRT can cause cancer. There is no anecdotal evidence that suggests TRT as a cancer causing agent nor is there any clinical evidence. TRT therapy doesn’t increase the risk of prostate cancer.
However, make sure that your doctor screens you for prostate cancer before you undergo TRT therapy as it can metastasize the cancerous cells.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, TRT is one of the most popular therapies that people opt for to improve testosterone levels. It doesn’t only seem promising, but has myriad of other benefits apart from just improving your sex life.
However, it does have some side effects that are important to consider when going for the therapy. Thus, the given information will help you make an informed decision whether you should or shouldn’t take TRT therapy. If you’re still unsure, or you have more questions why not ask a real professional? Contact us for a free consultation today.
Sources
https://www.foxnews.com/health/9-things-men-should-know-about-testosterone-replacement-therapy
https://www.webmd.com/men/replacement-therapy#1
https://gamedaymenshealth.com/a-mans-guide-to-trt-everything-you-need-to-know/