What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Men who are feeling tired and drained are often told that it’s just a normal part of ageing and that they should learn to live with it. However, in a significant amount of cases, deficient levels of testosterone are to blame. Fortunately, there are treatments and advice available. If you are struggling with fatigue, weight gain despite working hard at the gym, unexplained mood swings, and decreased libido, there is no need to accept these symptoms as the process of normal ageing. When these symptoms are experienced by men in their 40’s and 50’s it is sometimes termed the male menopause or andropause.

Testosterone levels can decrease for a plethora of reasons, some of which can be addressed by making changes to your daily routines. For instance, obesity and type 2 diabetes are very common causes of testosterone deficiency and can therefore potentially be corrected by dietary changes, taking more exercises and reviewing medications. But in some cases when the testosterone levels are very low, simple lifestyle changes are simply not enough and then testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be used to re-establish energy levels and restore hormonal balance. It is important to note that while TRT will restore the levels of testosterone that your body would make naturally if there was no underlying problem, it will not increase levels above and beyond that. If you are hoping to become like Arnie following a course of TRT, then you will probably be disappointed.

If you experience any of the symptoms of lowered testosterone then ideally you should book an appointment with a specialist GP who is qualified to treat and prescribe TRT, as not all GP’s are equal in this case. If you do not have a men’s health specialist locally, your own GP will offer you a blood test and may refer you to an endocrinologist at your local hospital if you have a testosterone deficiency.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Benefits

Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a medical treatment that provides restoration of testosterone levels back to the optimal physiological range. It is used to treat symptoms that arise from having insufficient levels of testosterone. There are several ways in which testosterone can be administered including gel and by injection, your practitioner will discuss the best method for you based on your individual circumstances and you will be monitored carefully during your course of treatment.

TRT does not work for everyone and some only see a small improvement to their symptoms. Fortunately for most, when combined with lifestyle changes TRT can be quite revolutionary and the benefits may include:

• Less fat build-up and lean muscle production
• Increased muscle mass
• Clarity of mind
• Increased confidence
• Better quality sleep
• Reduced chance of getting diabetes
• Raised libido
• Less fatigue
• Higher degree of focus
• Less chance of mental health issues
• Stronger erections
• Strengthened hair and more facial hair

The question of side effects may concern some when trying to weigh the pros and cons of TRT, however, there have been limited studies looking at the potential benefits and health risks of testosterone replacement therapy, and it is difficult to make a clear conclusion on these risks. The best course of action is to discuss the potential side effects with your doctor.

There certainly are many GPs and endocrinologists in the NHS who undoubtedly do an excellent job. However, qualifying for TRT on the NHS, it can be a painful, time-consuming process. The best course of action is to see an expert in men’s health issues including testosterone deficiency such as Dr Jeff Foster, who will offer a broader range of options and endeavour to not just treat the symptoms but will work with you to discover the root cause of the problem.