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Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Patients of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) are all too aware of the debilitating effects of low testosterone. Many men have suffered from the symptoms of low T for a long time. So after starting treatment, they are often eager to know how long it will take to see the effects of TRT.
Some of the positive effects of TRT include; improved libido, mood, cognition and increased muscle mass.
But to answer the question of how long it takes to see effects from TRT… well it depends. There are a number of reasons for this. In this article, we’ll talk about what determines how long it takes you to see the effects of TRT. In addition, we’ll look at what some of the studies have to say on the timeline to see results.
At its most basic level, how long it takes to see the effects of TRT is determined by the type and dose of medication you take.
So for example, someone who takes 100mg a week of intramuscular testosterone might see some of the benefits of testosterone therapy more slowly than someone who takes 200mg a week. Check out our correct dosages of Sustanon while on TRT, this will provide you with important information that will ultimately ensure TRT is working effectively and you get the results you expect over time.
However, that’s not to say more is better in the case of testosterone, because just as important to the medication you take is your own biological makeup. We are all biochemically unique, and this will also determine how long it takes to see the effects of TRT.
For example, John may feel some of the positive effects of testosterone, including sex drive and improved mood after a few weeks, whereas Jim may follow the same treatment protocol, but it takes him several months to see results.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a timeline which shows the average TRT milestones. Take it with a pinch of salt. As stated above, everyone’s TRT journey looks different.
1. Early Changes (Weeks to a Few Months): Some individuals may experience early changes within a few weeks to a few months of starting TRT. These changes can include improved mood, increased energy levels, and enhanced libido.
2. Physical Changes (3-6 Months): The physical effects of TRT, such as increased muscle mass, decreased body fat, and improved strength, often become more noticeable after several months of consistent treatment.
3. Cognitive and Emotional Changes (3-6 Months): Cognitive improvements, such as enhanced concentration and memory, along with emotional stability, may also become more pronounced within the first few months.
4. Full Benefits (6 Months to a Year): For some individuals, it may take six months to a year to experience the full range of benefits from TRT. This includes maximizing muscle gains, optimizing bone density, and achieving the most significant improvements in mood and libido.
5. Individual Variations: It’s important to note that individual variations in response to TRT are common. Factors such as age, baseline testosterone levels, genetics, and overall health can influence how quickly and dramatically one experiences the effects of treatment.
6. Ongoing Monitoring: Throughout TRT, healthcare providers typically monitor hormone levels and adjust treatment as needed to ensure the best results and minimize side effects.
It’s crucial for individuals considering or undergoing TRT to have realistic expectations and to work closely with their healthcare provider to optimize their treatment plan. TRT is a personalized therapy, and the timeline for experiencing its effects can vary, so patience and consistent adherence to the treatment plan are essential.
As a graph, it looks a little something like this:
One of the most glaring symptoms of low testosterone for a man is the absence of libido, as well as poor erection quality.
And understandably, this is one of the things men look forward to the most with TRT. The good news is libido and sexual function are some of the quickest things to improve.
One meta-analysis looked at studies on testosterone replacement therapy spanning a 35-year period. They concluded that libido, sexual satisfaction, improved erections and increased erection frequency can occur after three weeks to 30 days.
Another interesting point to note is that endothelial function (blood flow), or lack thereof can be a major cause of erectile dysfunction. Poor blood flow can be the result of inflammation.
Testosterone administration can improve inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) within three weeks. And it can promote the production of Nitric Oxide (necessary for blood flow to the penis) within four weeks.
Testosterone is known to have a positive effect on insulin sensitivity in the body.
Essentially, the more insulin-sensitive you are, the better your health will be. This means your body is sensitive to the effects of carbohydrates and has to produce less insulin to process them.
However, low insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance means the body has to produce more insulin to metabolise glucose (i.e. carbohydrates). This can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure and type II diabetes.
Improvements in insulin sensitivity levels can be observed within a week of undergoing testosterone replacement therapy. Decreases in triglycerides can be noted after 4 weeks and 3 months, extending all the way up to 12 months. Researchers have also noted that total cholesterol levels decrease from between 4 weeks to 3 months.
Testosterone is anabolic in nature, meaning it builds tissue. Therefore, if you create the right environment by eating a good diet and exercise regularly, you will be able to put on lean muscle.
Numerous studies attest to the ability of testosterone to build muscle and increase strength and athletic performance.
One study administered 200 mg of testosterone enanthate every 2 weeks over 36 months to men with low testosterone. They observed that significant increases tend to occur within the first 12 months. This is why your first year on TRT is one of the most important in order to build muscle mass.
In my experience of being on TRT for over 2 years, as long as you train right, you will start to notice muscle gains after 3 months. And this might last all the way up to 12 months.
But as always, this will depend on your individual circumstances.
The connection between testosterone and cognitive function is a subject of growing interest and research within the field of neuroscience and endocrinology. Testosterone, a hormone primarily associated with male reproductive function, has increasingly been recognized for its influence on various aspects of cognitive health. Studies suggest that optimal testosterone levels may play a role in enhancing cognitive functions such as memory, spatial abilities, and executive functioning.
For example O’Connor’s study on cognitive function, mood and depression:
O’Connor et al (2002) studied the effects of testosterone on cognitive function. 30 eugonadal 19–45-year-old men received 200mg of exogenous testosterone or 200mg of sodium chloride weekly for 8 weeks. 8 hypogonadal 23–40-year-old men received 200mg testosterone biweekly. The study found reductions in negative mood parameters (tension, anger, and fatigue) in hypogonadal men after 8 weeks of testosterone treatment.
Check out our video series on youtube that will give you an idea of testosterone replacement therapy effects timelines:
TRT EFFECTS AT 2 WEEKS
TRT EFFECTS AT 6 WEEKS
TRT EFFECTS AT 12 WEEKS to 6 MONTHS
We haven’t even scratched the surface of the positive effects of TRT in this article.
Having said that, you should now have a feel for how long it takes to see many of the benefits such as improved sex drive and increased insulin sensitivity. Studies and empirical evidence give us a good idea of how testosterone will work for you but there are no hard and fast rules. Your response to testosterone will ALWAYS be individual. So be patient and don’t get worked up if things don’t materialise straight away for you.
If you feel like you would like to investigate testosterone replacement therapy, get in touch with us today!
This article has been researched and written based on scientific evidence and fact sheets that have then been crossed checked by our team of doctors and subject matter experts.
References, sources and studies used alongside our own in-house research have been cited below, most of which contain external clickable links to reviewed scientific paper that contain date stamped evidence.
Our team of healthcare experts and GMC registered doctors are licensed to UK GMC standards. We strive to provide you with the latest evidence based, researched articles that are unbiased, honest and provide you with accurate insights, statistics and helpful information on the discussed topic to ensure you gain a better understanding of the subject. You can read more about our Editorial Process by clicking here.
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You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
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Mike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones Ltd which offers medical services in the UK and Europe. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, much of that working with people who have hormone imbalances. Mike has appeared on podcasts and radio and is an expert speaker on the subject of hormone imbalance. He specialises in Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and has helped thousands of people suffering from hormone imbalances recover and regain control of their lives. You can follow him on LinkedIn and on the Balance My Hormones YouTube Channel.
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