The long-term prognosis after stopping TRT depends on individual health factors and the body's ability to resume natural testosterone production. When you stop TRT, your body will experience a rapid decline in testosterone levels, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and a decline in muscle mass. You may also notice an increase in body fat, especially around the abdomen, and a possible decrease in bone density. The mental and emotional consequences of discontinuing TRT can be as important as the physical effects.
You may experience irritability, depression, mood changes, and a reduced sense of general well-being. Cognitive function may also be affected, and some men report difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and a general sense of “mental confusion.” A decrease in testosterone levels can also lead to a decrease in sexual desire and even erectile dysfunction. If you stop TRT, you'll return to your normal testosterone level. It will take a while for your body to restart testosterone production naturally.
However, after 10 years or more of testosterone treatment, the endocrine system may become suppressed or even inactive. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA), responsible for natural hormone production, has been absent for so long that it needs to be persuaded to reactivate. Every time if your hormonal balance changes, you can expect side effects. Because testosterone is such a powerful hormone, terminating treatment can negatively affect patients.
Weight gain, muscle loss, headaches, and loss of sexual desire are all possible outcomes. Because testosterone basically allows the body to work at full speed, the decline will generally return it to the pre-treatment state (or to a lower level). Once testosterone levels return to their naturally “low” “normal” level, you'll start to see the benefits diminish. In addition to physical factors, decreased levels can lead to depression, insomnia, loss of appetite and lack of mental clarity, also known as “mental confusion”.
Because testosterone replacement often has such positive benefits, side effects can be equally negative once treatment is stopped. Testosterone has a range of effects on the male body. This review attempts to determine, based on published studies, the temporal evolution of the effects induced by testosterone replacement therapy from its first manifestation until maximum effects are reached. It should be noted that almost none of the studies cited were specifically designed to evaluate the temporal evolution of the effects.
Some studies measure the effects of testosterone only after 3 months (3) and, in particular, the effects on libido and erections have occurred long before this time period (14, 6). We have observed significant differences in the onset of the effects of testosterone. The effects on libido and other psychological variables and the effects on the vasculature occur quite rapidly. It is quite possible that these effects are not mediated by the classic androgen receptor, but by other mechanisms, such as effects on membranes (6,.
In addition, the effects on erection occur quite rapidly and can be explained in part by non-genomic effects on the vascular erectile tissue of the penis (8). TRT doesn't cure low testosterone levels, so symptoms may come back if you stop taking it.) Most people need about 3 to 12 months for their body to produce testosterone again, if at all. Even if men continue with TRT, some believe they can simply discontinue treatment after correcting their hormonal imbalance and achieving normal testosterone levels. It's important to remember that, once you start TRT, you'll likely have to rely on treatment for the rest of your life to maintain your levels of testosterone.
If you decide to stop treatment at any time, your body will return to its previous state and symptoms will return. Of course, if you're more comfortable without TRT and want to stop treatment, that's ultimately your decision. However, as with other medications, ending treatment with TRT can also cause several unwanted side effects if not done properly. Therefore, before you finally abandon TRT, it is advisable to consult with your doctor to understand the risks of discontinuing therapy and to learn how to make the appropriate treatment transition to avoid further complications.
Some have described cold withdrawal from TRT as debilitating, since their bodies had become so used to external testosterone. If you've been diagnosed with abnormally low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) offers many benefits. Some men are very affected when they try to stop taking testosterone, especially if their initial levels were low. The decision to discontinue testosterone treatment is a very personal one and should be made in close consultation with your Gameday Men's Health provider.
For most men, testosterone withdrawal can only last a week or two after stopping testosterone replacement therapy. However, when their testosterone levels fall below normal parameters for their age, hormonal imbalance can cause them to experience several symptoms, such as unexplained weight gain, muscle weakness, joint swelling, low sexual desire and fatigue. Whether you're quitting smoking for a short time or forever, knowing what to expect can help you stay healthy and in control. The hormonal crisis, testosterone deficiency, and subsequent withdrawal symptoms can be so disturbing that patients often resume TRT only to return to normal functioning.
With a commitment to the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle, the absence of TRT will become your “new normal”. If you stop taking testosterone, your body will have to regain its ability to produce testosterone again. If you don't notice an improvement in your symptoms after taking TRT for three to six months, your healthcare provider may recommend that you stop treatment.
