Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Many men have lowered testosterone levels as they age, and these low levels can start to cause a variety of symptoms. Male hormone replacement therapy, or TRT therapy, is a safe and effective treatment option if you have symptoms or difficulty with low testosterone levels.
Individualized, long-term testosterone therapy has been shown to improve bone density, stabilize mood, normalize body fat and body muscle, increase energy, and increase libido.
Hypogonadism Symptoms
If your testosterone levels are low, you may be feeling some of the following symptoms (depending on your age):
- Low sex drive
- Low energy
- Poor concentration
- Weight gain
- Loss of muscle strength
- Low bone density
- Depression
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sperm count
Many treatments are available to get testosterone back to normal levels. It is important to monitor your levels as well as some related blood tests, as it can be dangerous to have testosterone levels that are too high.
Find a Urology Specialist
Video: Low Testosterone Levels
TRT Therapy
To determine if you have low testosterone, we will review your symptoms and do laboratory tests. A good first screening test is the ADAM questionnaire. If we suspect low testosterone, we get a blood test from you. This may need to be repeated.
Treatment options can include these:
- Intramuscular injections
- Patches
- Absorbable tablets
- Creams
- Gels
- Long-acting depots
It is important to remember that having a level of testosterone that is too high is dangerous.
You must use your testosterone medication only as we direct. This includes needle safety for injection therapy as well as limiting exposure to testosterone gel to your friends and family.
It is also important for you to participate in laboratory and follow-up visits to our office. We will monitor your response to testosterone therapy closely.
What Are the Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy?
As with any new medication, you may notice side effects from your testosterone therapy. This may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Pain at the injection site, if you are using injection therapy
- Increased energy
- Increased libido (sex drive)
- Acne
- Increased aggression
- Increased hematocrit, or red blood cell count
- Increased prostate size
If you have questions or concerns about your new medication, or if you develop significant side effects, please contact our office at 801-587-1454.
TRT Therapy Long Term
Long-term testosterone replacement therapy can also limit the amount of testosterone made within your body. This can affect your fertility, as having less testosterone within the testes can cause a significant decrease in your sperm production.
Please contact us if you have further concerns regarding fertility.
Contact Us
If you would like have your testosterone levels measured, please call our office at 801-587-1454.
- Bhasin S, Cunningham G, Matsumoto A, Snyder P, Swerdloff R, Montori V. Testosterone therapy in adult men with androgen deficiency syndromes: An endocrine society clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2006; 91(6):1995-2010.
- De Ronde W. Testosterone gel for the treatment of male hypogonadism. Expert Opinion on Biologic Theory. 2009 Feb;9(2):249-253.
- Laksham K, Basaria S. Safety and efficacy of testosterone gel in the treatment of male hypogonadism. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2009;4:397-412.
Hear From Our Specialists
Lifestyle Changes That Can Boost Testosterone Levels
There are a lot of natural products that claim they can increase your testosterone levels. But according to Dr. James Hotaling, none of them have been proven to help. There are, however, some lifestyle changes you can make that are supported by research. Find out what they are and also what you should avoid if you want to increase your low-T.
The Facts About Testosterone Treatment
Your energy level is down, you're putting on weight, your mood is affected and your sex drive is decreased. You might have low testosterone. Ads for testosterone therapy flood the television and it looks pretty easy to get. Should you get it? Get the facts about testosterone treatments and why some men may need it.
Why a Doctor Should Monitor Your Testosterone Treatments
If you're on testosterone treatments, it's important to be regularly monitored by a physician to avoid potential risks. Dr. Jim Hotaling is an urologist and men's health expert at Â鶹ѧÉú¾«Æ·°æ. Find out what the potential risks are and why it's really important to have a supervising physician and periodic lab tests if you are on testosterone treatments.
