Testosterone Therapy: What You Need to Know

WHY IT MATTERS: Unbalanced testosterone levels cause significant symptoms within our bodies. Testosterone therapy (TRT) regulates hormone levels and tackles these unfavorable side effects to help us improve our quality of life in all areas. Here, we’ll unpack what you need to know before turning to testosterone therapy.

Where to Start

If you’re considering TRT, there are some important considerations you should consider in your decision-making process.

Most people who turn to testosterone therapy do so because they’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Decreased libido

• Erectile dysfunction

• Low energy levels

• Reduced muscle mass

• Mood irregularities

• Increased body fat

• Hair loss

Evaluating your symptoms is the best way to determine whether TRT will benefit you and your health in the long term. If you’re experiencing any combination of the above symptoms, consider scheduling a free discovery call with one of our Marek Health professionals to discuss your concerns in more detail.

What is TRT?

TRT is a prescribed therapy that is most often used to treat low testosterone levels that occur in men as they age or begin dealing with certain medical conditions. 

As time goes on, though, more and more men are turning to TRT to help with symptoms of low T, like sexual performance, energy levels, and building muscle mass. 

TRT is commonly referred to as androgen replacement therapy. This is because the way the treatment works is by replenishing the depleting supply of testosterone (an androgen) with more of it to manage and minimize the symptoms. 

Benefits of Testosterone Therapy

TRT aims to regulate the hormone to manage these unwanted symptoms. With effective treatment, you should experience increased energy levels, sex drive, bone density, muscle mass, and boosts in your mood. 

Are you a good candidate?

The best candidates for testosterone therapy include men struggling with the symptoms mentioned above of low T that meet several qualifications. Men with certain conditions like untreated heart issues, sleep apnea, elevated red blood cells, and prostate or breast cancer should either avoid testosterone therapy altogether or approach it with careful caution under medical supervision.

Regardless of your health status, medical professionals will conduct thorough testing before prescribing testosterone therapy as a solution for individuals. 

It’s also most often considered a viable solution for older men. In younger men, testosterone therapy can potentially impact fertility and sperm production.

Prepping for Testosterone Therapy

Taking steps to maximize TRT's effectiveness before starting it is critical. First, blood work labs are essential. This ensures that certain levels, like red blood cell count, blood lipids, and other markers, are within an optimal range prior to treatment. 

It’s also essential to develop a prior understanding of the potential side effects of TRT but keep in mind that preparation (or lack thereof) could play a role in these. When diving into testosterone therapy, Marek Health professional Dave Lee explains that it’s similar to revamping a car’s engine. But what's the point if the rest of the vehicle isn’t taken care of?

This analogy aims to highlight the importance of upgrading poor dietary and lifestyle habits as a “prep” for T therapy. This will set your body up for success in managing its optimal testosterone levels.

Potential Side Effects

While specific estrogenic side effects (symptoms indicating that your body isn’t well enough equipped to handle its optimal testosterone levels) are in control of the patient’s habits, there are other common ones to look out for. Some of these include:

• Acne or other unwanted skin reactions

• Increased red blood cell count

• Limited sperm production

If you begin experiencing symptoms like these or any other, be sure to bring them to the attention of your healthcare professional.

Types of Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone therapy is conducted in several different ways depending on patient needs and preferences. And there is no one-size-fits-all dosage for all candidates. 

For example, a dose provided to a very healthy young man could be physiological (optimal for his body), but if that same dose were offered to treat a less healthy older man, it would likely be supraphysiological (more than what should be occurring in his body). Optimal dosage mainly depends on age, baseline health status, and how it is administered. 

Administration Techniques for TRT

The most common ways your healthcare provider will administer your TRT include:

• Injections: Testosterone injections can be given intramuscularly up to several times per week

• Topical Gels: Testosterone gels are administered daily and spread on the patient’s shoulders, thighs, and upper arms.

• Patches: A medical patch containing testosterone is placed and then absorbed through the skin.

• Pellets: Pellets are inserted under the skin and gradually release testosterone throughout the body.

Similar to effective dosing, the administration is patient-dependent. Consult with your healthcare professional to determine which is right for you.

Maximizing Results

Testosterone therapy is only as effective as you allow it to be—you’ll get out of it what you put into it. You'll miss much of the potential TRT offers by failing to implement healthier habits into your daily life.

Supplement testosterone therapy with regular exercise and a protein-packed, nutritious diet.

Exercise

Prioritize cardio and weight training to simultaneously reduce body fat and build lean muscle mass—a combination will help your body naturally produce more testosterone.

Diet

Make critical changes to your diet that fuel your body with balanced nutrition. 

• Healthy fats are critical, as research indicates that low-fat diets may decrease testosterone.

• Whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean proteins are crucial to any healthy, balanced diet.

• Foods rich in zinc help your body produce more testosterone naturally. These include beans, poultry, and lean proteins.

• Foods high in Vitamin D are also essential for hormone production and regulation. These include fatty fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms.

Testosterone therapy isn’t a panacea

If you take nothing else from our deep dive into testosterone therapy, let it be this: TRT is not a panacea. It is not a magic pill that will cure all ailments and negative symptoms. 

With proper knowledge, preparation, supplementation, and guidance, however, it can make a massive difference for men experiencing signs of low T. If you’re ready to see if testosterone therapy may be the solution to your symptoms, schedule your free discovery call with a Marek Health professional today.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your wellness routine.