Why Testosterone Replacement Is the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
Aging is hard. When you’re feeling achy or tired, can’t sleep or are walking around in a mental fog all the time, it’s easy to wish for some miracle pill or even a magical time machine to transport you back to when you felt energized and youthful. Of course, there are no such things.
But there is something that might come close—Testosterone Replacement Therapy or TRT.
Of course, while TRT is no miracle and it’s not magic, it has been proven highly effective in addressing worrisome, stressful, and even serious physical and mental health conditions both men and women may experience as they age.
What Is “Low T” and How Do You Get It?
Low testosterone levels, or “Low T,” is a condition that many men experience as they age. Primarily, it affects men in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, but it can also be found in men under age 30. For men of all age groups, Low T can produce debilitating symptoms that can lower the quality of life, and even be an indication of grave medical conditions.
It’s simply a fact of life that as men age, they experience a gradual drop in testosterone levels. Twenty percent of men over 60 have the condition, with that number increasing to 30 percent in men in their 70s and 80s. However, aging alone rarely results in Low T.
There are many other causes of Low T, including:
- 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
Not Just for Men!
Women need small amounts of testosterone to keep hormone levels in balance, so they too, are susceptible to Low T. Unfortunately, women are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed as Low T symptoms can mimic symptoms of stress, depression, and menopause.
Some of the causes for Low T in women include:
- Early menopause
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Surgical removal of the ovaries
- Hypopituitarism
- Oral estrogen therapy
How Do I Know if I Have Low T?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of Low T, it’s worth exploring diagnosis and treatment. For both men and women, Low T can prove incapacitating, robbing you of energy, joy, and quality of life.
Men with Low T can experience a wide range of symptoms, including:
- 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
To determine if you have Low T, a doctor will perform a physical exam along with blood tests to reveal testosterone levels. They’ll also consider your medical history, ask about your sex drive, experiences with erectile dysfunction, current or past illnesses and any genetic conditions in your family.
Women with Low T can often be misdiagnosed. Symptoms include:
- Diminished sexual desire
- Affected sexual satisfaction
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Muscle weakness
Blood tests can determine if a woman’s testosterone levels are high or low, though diagnosis can sometimes be difficult as women’s hormone levels fluctuate daily. In addition, other blood and imaging tests may be performed if the Low T is being brought on by underlying diseases that are contributing to your symptoms.
TRT Recipients Report Life-Changing Results
Many men and women who have received TRT report life-changing results, including:
- 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
In addition to improving quality of life, recent studies show a link between low testosterone and shorter life expectancy. And while of course, it’s not some magic immortality treatment, if TRT can vastly improve the quality of your life, then it seems like it might just be the best thing since sliced bread.
Is TRT Safe?
As with any medical procedure, you should always consider the risks as well as the benefits. For both men and women, TRT can produce some side effects and pose some risks.
Potential risks of TRT for men include:
- Increased risk for blood clots and stroke
- Sleep apnea
- Acne
- Breast enlargement
- Ankle swelling
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
Is TRT Right for Me?
If you’ve been diagnosed with Low T and are considering Testosterone Replacement Therapy, it’s important to follow a course of treatment that is right for you. Begin by asking yourself some important questions:
- Is the quality of my life compromised because of Low T?
- Are my relationships suffering because of my Low T symptoms?
- Have I talked to a medical professional about TRT, the risks and benefits, and the most effective and affordable way to administer it?
- Will the benefits of TRT significantly improve my life?
It’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis and a solid course of treatment. To find out if you’re suffering from Low T and could enjoy the benefits of TRT, contact the professional medical team at Balance Hormone Center. Call 480-718-9960 today.
