Cheat Sheet on Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Unless you’re a nursing or med student, it’s not likely you’re going to be quizzed on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) anytime soon. However, if you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of men and women who suffer from low testosterone—commonly called “Low T”—it might help to have a quick reference guide to review on TRT before heading to the doctor.

Facts About “Low T”

The result of low testosterone levels is a condition known as “Low T.”
Both men and women can suffer from Low T.
For men, the causes of Low T can include:

Autoimmune diseases
Chronic liver or kidney disease
Chronic obstructive lung disease
Heart failure
HIV/AIDS
Metabolic disorders
Obesity
Testicular cancer
Type 2 diabetes
Certain drugs such as alcohol, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and opioids

For women, the causes of Low T can include:

Early menopause
Adrenal insufficiency
Surgical removal of the ovaries
Hypopituitarism
Oral estrogen therapy

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a life-changing course of treatment for the condition known as Low T.

Symptoms of Low T

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important for you to share this information with your medical provider:

Men with Low T may experience:

Low libido
Erectile dysfunction
Low semen volume
Hair loss
Persistent fatigue
Loss of muscle mass
Increased body fat
Decreased bone mass
Mood changes
Enlarged breasts
Sleep disturbances
Brain fog
Depression

Women with Low T may experience:

Diminished sexual desire
Affected sexual satisfaction
Depression
Lethargy
Muscle weakness

Diagnosing Low T

Your medical professional will perform the following to determine if you are suffering from low testosterone:

Physical exam
Blood tests to determine hormone levels
Medical history review
Consideration of any issues with sex, including decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or diminished sexual satisfaction
Review of past illnesses
Questions regarding family genetic conditions

Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Low T

For those suffering from Low T, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has produced the following results:

Improved and more balanced mood
Increased sex drive
More energy
Greater lean muscle mass
Faster recovery after exercise
Greater ability to focus
Stronger bones
Decreased body fat
Improved memory
Thicker hair
Lower triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels
Better sleep

Risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Low T

As with any medical procedure, there are benefits as well as risks. For both men and women, TRT can produce some side effects and pose some risks.

Potential risks of TRT for men include:

Acne
Breast enlargement
Nipple tenderness
Water retention

Additional risks that rare, but more serious include

Sleep apnea
Blood clots

Potential risks of TRT for women include:

Increase in oily skin or acne
Fluid retention
Male pattern hair loss
Increased facial hair
Deepening of the voice
Menstrual cycle changes

Additional risks that are rare, but more serious include:

Increased risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome
Increased risk of heart disease
Increased risk of blood clots

For these reasons, it is crucial that you provide your physician with a complete medical history or any genetic conditions that may be present in your family.

Questions to Ask Before Beginning TRT

Questions to ask yourself:

What impact has Low T had on the quality of my life?
Has Low T impacted my relationships in a negative way?
Am I open to discussing TRT with a medical professional regarding the risks, benefits, and most effective and affordable way to administer it?
Will the benefits of TRT significantly improve my life?

Questions to ask your medical professional:

Given my symptoms, what form of TRT therapy do you feel is most effective?
What are the pros and cons of each form?
If I experience side effects, how will they be managed?
How will you monitor my progress after beginning TRT?
What is my target testosterone level?
How long will it be before I start experiencing results?

Print This Cheat Sheet & Bring It with You

Once you’ve had a chance to review all the facts on this cheat sheet, bring it with you to your medical exam. Include any additional questions you may have for your health care provider and write down their answers. Being fully informed on your condition, as well as on treatment options for your low testosterone, is one of the most important steps to improving your health and your life.

The medical team at Balance Hormone Center are ready to answer questions and help treat your Low T. Call 480-718-9960 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.