Most importantly, these include beneficial effects on patients' mood, energy levels and sense of well-being, sexual function, lean body mass and muscle strength, erythropoiesis and bone mineral density (BMD), cognition, and some benefits on cardiovascular risk factors. Hypogonadism hinders the ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone because of a problem in the testicles or in the pituitary gland that controls the testicles.
Testosterone replacement
therapy, in the form of injections, pills, patches, or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels in these men. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenues support our nonprofit mission.Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help improve symptoms of low testosterone levels caused by male hypogonadism. TRT has certain risks and benefits, so your healthcare provider will carefully evaluate if it's safe and right for you. Low testosterone levels can cause irritability, anxiety, and Depression. TRT has been linked to improved mood, and participants reported better emotional well-being and a reduction in depressive symptoms.
There is no conclusive evidence that taking testosterone causes aggression. One of the most important long-term benefits of TRT is increased bone mass, which helps protect against osteoporosis. Muscle growth continues to accelerate, and by then, many patients notice a marked improvement in their overall strength and endurance. In addition, TRT can cause skin problems such as acne due to increased oil production in the sebaceous glands.
However, understanding the chronology of the effects of TRT is crucial to setting realistic expectations. These benefits may begin to appear almost immediately after the start of treatment and continue well into 12 months and beyond. These additions ensure that you enjoy the full range of benefits that TRT can offer while minimizing the risks. With adequate medical follow-up, TRT can be a powerful and transformative solution for men seeking to optimize their testosterone levels and regain vitality.
In a year-long study, men who received TRT experienced a marked reduction in fatigue compared to those who didn't receive the therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a widely recognized and extensively researched treatment for low testosterone levels. Sleep disorders are common when testosterone is low, but TRT helps to normalize sleep patterns, resulting in more rest repairman. TRT can help improve bone density, reduce the risk of bone-related problems, and promote skeletal health.
Testosterone therapy can help reverse the effects of hypogonadism, but it's not clear if testosterone therapy would benefit older men who are otherwise healthy. It may take a few weeks before you start to notice differences in your body and mood once you start taking TRT. The FDA does not approve the use of TRT in men with low testosterone levels without an associated medical condition. For all of these reasons, your healthcare provider will carefully consider whether TRT is safe for you based on your unique characteristics.
Certain existing health conditions make TRT unsafe, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and heart failure. This includes checking your testosterone level and having other blood tests to make sure that TRT isn't harming your health. Although small-scale studies show acceptable benefits and risks of treating older men with lower than normal testosterone levels (46, 9), a verdict can only be reached with large scale studies involving 5000 men over 5 years of age (9), for whom funding is currently not available.
