Stopping TRT may cause symptoms of low testosterone to return, such as fatigue, mood changes, changes in bone density, and decreased libido. Any time your hormone balance changes, you can expect side effects. Because testosterone is such a powerful hormone, the termination of treatment can negatively affect patients. Weight gain, muscle loss, headaches, and loss of sexual desire are all possible outcomes. Because testosterone essentially allows your body to work at full speed, the decline will generally return you 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. If you stop TRT, you will return to your normal testosterone level. It will take a while for your body to restart testosterone production naturally.
Most people need about 3 to 12 months for their body to produce testosterone again, if it ever occurs. If a man's testosterone is below the normal range, it's best to repeat it one more time to be safe before starting testosterone therapy, often keeping it indefinitely. There is a kind of testosterone trap. Men start with testosterone replacement and feel better, but then it's hard to stop doing it.
During treatment, the body stops producing testosterone. Men often feel a big difference when they stop treatment because their body's testosterone production hasn't recovered yet. It's important to work with a healthcare professional when making decisions about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and to seek medical supervision throughout the treatment process. Stopping TRT without proper guidance could cause side effects such as erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass and possible weight gain. It's crucial to find the right healthcare provider who specializes in hormone therapy and has extensive experience treating patients with low testosterone levels.
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 stopping 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. Yes, if you decide that stopping taking TRT isn't the best option for you, you can discuss resuming treatment with your Gameday Men's Health provider. Your hormone levels and symptoms will be re-evaluated to determine if resuming TRT is appropriate and safe for you.
Keep in mind that you may need to undergo a gradual adjustment process to avoid possible side effects when restarting treatment. Dr. Francois Eid, former director of the Center for Sexual Function at New York Presbyterian Hospital, warns on his office's website: “Men often confuse the increased energy and improved mood they experience using testosterone replacement as evidence of its effectiveness. Actually, the steroidal nature of testosterone is what causes these changes.
Once treatment is discontinued, men may experience withdrawal and severe depression, as well as a permanent inability to produce testosterone naturally. Some have described abstinence from TRT at once as debilitating, since their bodies had become so used to external testosterone.
