TRT stands for testosterone replacement therapy, which is sometimes referred to as androgen replacement therapy. It's most commonly used to treat low testosterone levels, which might arise as a result of ageing or a medical condition.
However, it's becoming increasingly popular for non-medical purposes, such as:
increasing sexual performance
achieving high energy levels
muscle mass gain for bodybuilding
According to some research, TRT may be able to help you in achieving some of these objectives. There are, however, certain drawbacks. Let's take a closer look at what happens to your testosterone levels as you age and what you may expect from TRT.
Why does testosterone decrease with age?
As you become older, your body produces less testosterone. The average male's testosterone production drops by roughly 1% to 2% each year, according to an article in American Family Physician.
What are the signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency?
Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TDS) or Androgen Deficiency is the medical term for this condition. As men get older, they may develop a variety of signs and symptoms. The following are some of the symptoms that may develop as a result of reduced testosterone levels:
Other health problems, such as drug side effects, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and depression, might produce some of these signs and symptoms. Low testosterone levels may also be a result of other several illnesses. As a result, a blood test is required to diagnose a low testosterone level.
What are the Testosterone Replacement Therapy options?
If your doctor has diagnosed you with andropause, low testosterone, or testosterone deficiency, they will totally recommend testosterone replacement therapy to treat your problem. Injections and gels are among the two types of testosterone replacement therapy that works by raising the amount of circulating testosterone in your body.
According to the American College of Physicians, testosterone therapy can help people with hypogonadism or Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome restore sexual function and reverse the effects of low testosterone levels.
Some of the available forms of testosterone replacement therapies are:
Gels
Androgel comes in transparent testosterone gel sachets. When you apply the gel once a day, testosterone is absorbed straight through the skin.
Injections
Testosterone can also be injected straight into the muscles, but this requires medical supervision. Depending on the type and severity of your illnesses, it may be given every 2-3 weeks or months. The testosterone is progressively absorbed into the bloodstream by your body.
Oral pills
Testosterone pills are easy to use, painless, and convenient to take every day. Because testosterone is oil soluble, the pills must be taken with a meal that contains oils in order for the testosterone to be properly absorbed into the system.
Transdermal or skin patch
Androderm is a skin patch that is placed once a day to the arm or upper body.
Oral patch
Striant is a pill that attaches to the gums just above the incisors or front teeth. It is administered twice a day and delivers testosterone into the bloodstream continuously through the oral tissues.
TYPE OF TESTOSTERONE INJECTIONS
Testosterone Undecanoate (Nebido)
This medication is given by injection into the buttock muscle as directed by your doctor. After the first dose, it is usually given 4-6 weeks later, then every 10-12 weeks. The dosage is determined by your medical condition, testosterone blood levels, and response to treatment. To receive the best benefit from this drug, use it on a regular basis. Use a calendar to highlight the days you'll be getting an injection to help you remember.
Testosterone Cypionate (Depo-Testosterone)
Testosterone cypionate comes in the form of an injectable solution that is injected into the muscle. Testosterone cypionate is a medication that can be self-injected. After your doctor demonstrates how to do so, you can administer this medication to yourself at home.
Depo-Testosterone is a brand-name medication for testosterone cypionate. Testosterone cypionate injectable solution is used for short to moderate term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.
Your medication may not work as effectively if you stop taking it suddenly or don't take it at all. A specific amount of this drug must be present in your body at all times for it to act properly. If you don't take this treatment as prescribed, you may still experience low testosterone symptoms.
Testosterone Undecanoate (Nebido)
This medication is given by injection into the buttock muscle as directed by your doctor. After the first dose, it is usually given 4 weeks later, then every 10 weeks. The dosage is determined by your medical condition, testosterone blood levels, and response to treatment. To receive the best benefit from this drug, use it on a regular basis. Use a calendar to highlight the days you'll be getting an injection to help you remember.
Testosterone Enanthate (Sustanon)
Sustanon is a well-known medical drug to treat men with low testosterone levels. Sustanon is an oil base injectable anabolic steroid, similar to testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate. Sustanon, however, is composed of a combination of four testosterone esters. Each testosterone ester that comprise the medication Sustanon has a different half life and therefore may promote a more steady state release of testosterone from the injection site. Usually, one injection of 1ml (250mg) per 3 weeks is adequate.
What are the difference IN SU?
Testosterone cypionate and enanthate are commercial steroids used in bodybuilding for increased muscle weight.
Testosterone cypionate is an English steroid while enanthate is European. Both have the same functions and effects.
Testosterone when taken at large can cause numerous side effects, such as: gynecomastia, fat gain, reduced fat breakdown, loss of sex drive, testicular shrinkage, and water retention.
Water retention may lead to weakened blood vessels over a period of time because it increases the blood pressure.
As we age, the testosterone levels decrease leading to loss of muscle mass and strength, fat gain, and loss of sex drive. Thus, testosterone replacement is a good idea to replace testosterone loss especially for middle to old-age people.
Testosterone replacement improves the quality of life although caution must be observed when taken in larger amounts because of its side effects.
Few months after you start taking this medicine, your doctor will check your total testosterone level. They'll monitor your testosterone levels once a year after that to make sure the medicine is effective. Depending on your testosterone levels, your doctor may change your dosage.
Your medication may not work as effectively if you stop taking it suddenly or don't take it at all. A specific amount of this drug must be present in your body at all times for it to act properly. If you don't take this treatment as prescribed, you may still experience low testosterone symptoms.