Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Right For You

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

1. What is Testosterone?

2. What Happens when Testosterone is in Decline?

3. When to Consider TRT

4. Side Effects of TRT

5. Can Women also do TRT?

1. What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a sex hormone that is mainly produced in the male gonads (testicles). In women, testosterone is also produced in the ovaries but in much smaller amounts than in men. Testosterone is an anabolic androgenic steroid that produces typically male characteristics. When we talk about "anabolic steroids" those are synthetically produced in a lab to augment the natural function of testosterone.

When the fetus is developing, testosterone will help build male sex organs. After a child is born, testosterone is responsible for puberty and the growth of body and pubic hair, increasing height, and increasing libido. In adult males, the hormone signals the creation of new red blood cells, maintains bone and muscular development, enhances mood and sexual well-being. 

In women, testosterone is responsible for bone health, energy, mood, fertility and menstrual cycles, libido and sexual desire. It also helps build muscle. But in women, the majority of testosterone is converted to estradiol. This is the reason why personal trainers are always telling women they will not get bulky when they lift weights. Women simply do not produce enough testosterone on their own to develop muscles in the same way men do without other synthetic interventions and significant changes in nutrition to produce anabolic effects. Men produce 10-20 times the testosterone women do. Ladies, you need to lift heavy!

2. What Happens when Testosterone is in Decline

Men will begin to notice weight gain, hair loss, lower libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased mood, and fatigue when testosterone is in decline. Men may experience bone density loss (osteoporosis), and reduction in muscle mass. It's concerning because low testosterone can lead to obesity and other metabolic conditions like diabetes. 

To combat testosterone decline naturally, men may find that lifting weights and doing high intensity interval training (HIIT) can boost their levels temporarily, from 15 minutes to one hour.  Doing exercise may be enough for men with just a borderline condition of low testosterone but may not be enough for others with lower levels that require intervention.

Remember, not all low testosterone levels require medical intervention as there are always side effects associated with supplementing anything to your regular regime. It's best to speak to a doctor or specialist as there may be underlying causes that can be addressed without TRT.

3. When to Consider TRT?

When blood tests confirm that your testosterone is lower than normal levels or you've been diagnosed with hypogonadism, it may be time to consider doing TRT. Speaking to a doctor who specializes in hormone health is the first step in getting the help you need.

Testosterone may be prescribed in patches, gels, pellets or injections. 

Some of the benefits reported when men begin TRT include:

• increased muscle mass, fat loss, increased insulin sensitivity, and bone density
• increased libido, sexual desire, quality of erections, and mental health
• improved focus, concentration, memory and cognitive function
• improved confidence and self-esteem

This is not a quick fix, TRT will take months to optimize with the right dosage and see all the benefits from. 

4. Side Effects of TRT

Unfortunately, there is not a lot of long term research available on TRT. There could be itching or a rash on the site of the testosterone patch. Some people have reported issues with heart attacks and strokes by increasing the risk of blood clots. This is especially true of older men with pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure. There is a concern that prostate cancer cells could grow when we increase our testosterone. TRT can lead to increased urinary frequency as a result of stimulating the prostate.

If you are trying to use TRT for bodybuilding, you cannot be using other drug enhancements. Talk to your doctor about any other supplements you may be using before going on TRT. 

It can cause oily skin and increase acne. TRT may worsen sleep apnea. Some men have reported swelling or fluid retention in the ankles. TRT can reduce fertility by lowering sperm count and shrinking testicles. Too much testosterone can be converted to estrogen in the body and lead to breast enlargement in some cases.

These are by no means applicable to everyone. Individual monitoring is required when you go on TRT so that a doctor can address any side effects. 

5. Can Women also do TRT?

The short answer: yes! Women can benefit from doing testosterone therapy to improve libido, bone density, muscle mass, cognitive decline, boost mood, and improve well-being.

However, for women there are other risks associated with increasing testosterone that need to be taken into account. They can also experience androgenic effects like increased acne, boosting body hair growth, deepening voice, and increased weight when lifestyle changes are not made. Obesity is a risk factor for TRT and it can make women more susceptible to diabetes, heart disease, cancer or liver disease.

Unfortunately, TRT is not a cure-all. It can work to improve some things, but make other conditions worse. Check with your doctor before you decide to add testosterone to your health care routine.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy May be Right for You, but there are risks!

At Rage Fitness, we prefer to do lifestyle interventions first to improve your bone health, muscle mass, fat loss, and lower energy levels. What we find is with clients who seek our help, we start to see improvements everywhere within one month. As people maintain their lifestyle habits, those improvements compound. 

We've seen mood improvements from people who are feeling stronger and more confident in their own skin. Their energy levels are through the roof. They walk lighter, crack jokes, and laugh more! 

Most of our clients are only taking supplements like creatine and protein powder. We generally look to whole foods as our source of fuel and energy. People who follow our advice are the ones who see the best results!

But if you need other medical interventions, we are happy to work with whatever your doctor has prescribed to ensure you are optimizing your workouts and nutrition to improve outcomes. Your health is a priority and you deserve to reap the rewards of all the hard work you are putting in!

We offer nutrition coaching, small group training and 1:1 training to help older individuals incorporate sustainable resistance and strength training into their lives.  Please call/text us at 1-825-945-7733, or fill out the online contact form today!