Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or testosterone therapy, is a medical treatment prescribed for men with clinically low testosterone levels, often referred to as hypogonadism. It involves supplementing the body with testosterone to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, loss of muscle mass, mood issues, and sexual dysfunction.
TRT aims to restore healthy testosterone levels, typically above 300 ng/dL, using medications like testosterone injections, gels, creams, pellets, patches, or oral formulations. The benefits of properly-managed TRT include increased sex drive, improved mood, mental clarity, motivation, confidence, energy, endurance, vitality, healthier body composition, stronger bones, joints, and connective tissue, and better heart health and disease prevention.
Diagnosis of low testosterone relies on both blood test results and clinical symptoms. A doctor may diagnose low testosterone if the total testosterone level is below 300 ng/dL, the free testosterone level is low, and the patient exhibits three or more clinical symptoms. These symptoms may include low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, low energy and stamina, loss of muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, difficulty losing weight, poor concentration, mood changes, depression, hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep issues.
Choosing an experienced testosterone therapy provider is crucial for safe and effective treatment. Look for doctors specializing in hormone therapy who stay updated on the latest research and best practices. Ideal TRT providers will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and health history, check your total and free testosterone levels along with other relevant hormones, create a customized treatment plan, prescribe a proven testosterone medication and dosage, regularly monitor your hormone levels and symptoms, make dosage adjustments as needed, and provide ongoing medical care and advice.
Table 1: Key Factors in Choosing a TRT Provider
| Provider Qualities | Description |
|---|---|
| Specialized expertise | Specializes in TRT and men's health/anti-aging medicine |
| Patient-focused | Spends enough time understanding your unique needs |
| Customized protocols | Tailors medication and dosage to your physiology |
| Ongoing symptom tracking | Regularly assesses treatment effectiveness |
| Hormone level testing | Checks testosterone and other hormones with bloodwork |
| Dosage adjustment | Modifies dosage over time for optimal balance |
| Safety-focused | Minimizes side effect risks through best practices |
The process of starting TRT treatment involves: 1) physical exam and lab testing, 2) choosing an optimal delivery method, 3) starting testosterone medication, and 4) follow-up monitoring and dosage adjustments.
Before prescribing
