Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Benefits & Side Effects

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Department of Urology

In the first few weeks, you may not feel much of a difference, but this doesn’t mean the therapy isn’t working. Your body needs time to adjust to the hormone levels, and TRT isn’t a quick fix. Gradual improvements are a sign that the therapy is helping, but full results will come with time. Finding the right dosage for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a process that takes time. While you may want quick results, it is important to understand that your body needs to adjust to the hormone therapy, and doctors need time to monitor how you respond. Everyone’s body reacts differently to testosterone, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

“This is because some T can be converted to estrogen, and that estrogen also helps bone density management,” says integrated health advisor and physician Natalie Kunsman, M.D. “After starting TRT, men will notice feeling stronger in general, more motivated to exercise, and a better response to the exercise, as well. This healthier muscle responds to insulin better, especially when paired with exercise” says Watson. An individual participant dataset meta-analysis comprising 3,431 participants reported no increase in thrombotic events among men receiving testosterone therapy. It’s also important to note that the body’s ability to absorb and process testosterone changes with age. Older men might metabolize testosterone more slowly, which could affect how frequently they need to take their TRT medication or how much they need to use.

It may take a few weeks before you start noticing differences in your body and mood once starting TRT. To allow the therapy to take full effect, healthcare providers typically wait 30 days after you start TRT to check your testosterone levels. Finding the right dosage for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is not a one-size-fits-all process. It requires careful monitoring and adjustments to make sure that your body is receiving the right amount of testosterone.

Some of these medications are used off-label to increase testosterone. Cylindrical pellets that are about the size of a grain of rice. The usual starting dose is pellets implanted underneath the skin in the office under sterile condi­tions once every 4 months. Single-use tubes, each containing 50mg of testosterone in 5g of oil-based gel.

This is called gynecomastia, says Dr. Morgentaler, and it’s not as common as other side effects. If you don’t notice an improvement in your symptoms after taking TRT for three to six months, your provider may recommend stopping the therapy. This is because if your symptoms don’t improve, your testosterone level may not be the cause of your symptom.

It’s also important to be monitored by a medical professional as you take T supplements to note any unwanted symptoms or side effects that may occur during treatment. When considering the cost, keep in mind that TRT simply boosts your T levels. It won’t treat the underlying cause of your low T, so you may need life-long treatment. Your best option will depend on your medical needs as well as your lifestyle. Some methods require daily administration, while others only need to be done on a monthly basis.

Some men may require higher doses to achieve the desired effects, while others may need smaller amounts. Additionally, the method of administering testosterone—whether through injections, gels, patches, or implants—can influence the dosage. Understanding why the dosage matters can help you see the importance of this aspect of TRT.

The drop is very gradual (about 1% per year) but increases as you get older. By age 70, the average man’s testosterone is 30% below its peak, but it’s usually still within the normal range. That’s why many men in their 70s and beyond can father children. A person may also note other benefits, such as an increase in bone density and lean body mass, an improvement in well-being, and a boost to energy and libido. It may take from 4 weeks to several months to see positive changes. TRT aims to restore a person’s testosterone levels to normal. The individual can expect improvements in their blood testosterone levels within a week, however, symptoms may take longer to improve.

The only way to know whether you truly have low testosterone symptoms young male T is by seeing a healthcare provider for a testosterone level test. This is a simple blood test, and most providers require it before prescribing TRT. Hypogonadism hampers the ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles. Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that best supports your health. A normal range of testosterone for men is anywhere from 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). But not everyone has symptoms at the same testosterone levels. Others may not have symptoms until their level is at 150 or even 100. Testosterone levels are highest in men around age 17 and drop as they age, starting between ages 30 and 40.