What are the benefits of TRT?

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Testosterone plays a crucial role in the body, influencing various functions such as muscle mass development, bone density maintenance, sexual function and energy levels. Some men are deficient in testosterone making it hard for their bodies to carry out everyday processes. Testosterone Replacement Therapy(TRT)  is a great way to bring your testosterone levels back up to a normal range.

In this article, we outline 6 outstanding health benefits of TRT.

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 What is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?

Testosterone replacement therapy is a medical treatment designed to bring your testosterone back to an optimal physiological range. By supplying the body with bioidentical testosterone, TRT helps alleviate the symptoms associated with low testosterone such as erectile dysfunction, weight gain and fatigue. The most common methods of administering testosterone include testosterone gel, injections and creams, but it can also be delivered via patches, pills, or implants.

Who needs TRT?

Testosterone replacement therapy is typically recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with low testosterone levels, a condition known as male hypogonadism. This can occur due to various factors, including age related decline, certain medical conditions, or injury to the testicles. Men experiencing the following symptoms may be candidates for testosterone replacement:

• Fewer spontaneous erections/low libido
• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Decreased muscle mass
• Decreased cognitive function
• Increased body fat
• Reduced body hair/male pattern baldness

A healthcare provider will evaluate these symptoms, often through blood tests, to determine if TRT is appropriate. It’s important that TRT is only pursued under medical supervision to ensure it’s both safe and effective.

Benefits of testosterone treatment

Testosterone therapy is increasingly recognised as a transformative treatment for men experiencing low testosterone levels. While it’s a treatment often associated with restoring hormone balance, the impact of TRT extends beyond just the physical. Have a look at how TRT can enhance your well-being and quality of life.

1# Improved Body Composition and Strength

Many studies state that Testosterone serves as a key player in enhancing body composition and strength. Its anabolic properties contribute to the development of lean body mass while simultaneously decreasing fat mass. This hormone plays a pivotal role in sculpting a more muscular physique and promoting optimal body composition. Additionally, testosterone has been linked to increased strength, providing the necessary foundation for improved physical performance. Regular exercise, combined with the influence of testosterone, synergistically contributes to a more robust and resilient body.

2# Improved Cognition

The Oxford Dictionary defines cognition as “The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.” This process can include memory, judgment and decision-making. It appears that testosterone can have a dramatic effect on cognition.

In one study, healthy men aged 50 to 90 years were given exogenous testosterone alone or in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (AI). Spatial memory was improved in both groups, whereas verbal memory only improved in the men receiving testosterone without an AI.

This suggests that estradiol also plays an important part in cognition.  Estradiol is created via the aromatisation process, which requires testosterone. So whichever way you cut it, testosterone is vital to cognition.

3# Increased Libido

Testosterone is a crucial factor in influencing libido. In males, testosterone is primarily produced in the testes, and its levels are linked to the intensity of libido. Low testosterone is associated with a decreased sex drive and poor erectile function. In contrast, one of the benefits of testosterone therapy is its ability to increase libido and improve erectile function.

In one single-blind, placebo-controlled study, 31 normal men were given 200mg of intramuscular testosterone enanthate for 8 weeks, or an injectable placebo for 4 weeks then 200mg of testosterone enanthate for the remaining 4 weeks. The researchers observed an increase in sexual arousal.

4# More energy

Fatigue and lethargy are two of the most classic low testosterone symptoms. Conversely, maintaining optimal testosterone levels can enhance your daily energy levels. Testosterone achieves this by improving insulin sensitivity, aiding in body fat loss, enhancing physical stamina via an increased red blood cell count, and motivating exercise through dopamine signalling pathways. This sets in motion a positive feedback loop where improved physical well-being corresponds to elevated energy levels.

5# Improved Sleep

Optimal testosterone levels contribute significantly to promoting healthy sleep patterns. Research suggests that testosterone plays a vital role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and overall sleep quality. Adequate levels of this hormone are associated with improved deep sleep stages, enhancing the restorative aspects of rest. Testosterone also influences the production of melatonin, a key hormone involved in sleep regulation. Moreover, individuals with balanced T-levels often report fewer sleep disturbances and better overall sleep efficiency.

One study looked at sleep duration in 531 Asian males between the ages of 29-72. The researchers noted that sleep declined with age, and age determined sleep quality and concentrations of sex hormones. They found a positive association between serum testosterone levels and sleep duration in men. This was independent of age, aerobic exercise and body fat.

#6 Improved Heart Health

Many worry that testosterone replacement therapy could cause heart disease. However, low testosterone is actually associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Testosterone therapy benefits include improved blood markers of triglycerides, cholesterol and heart health.

In a review of over 30 studies on testosterone therapy, doctors from the Mayo Clinic found no increase in cardiovascular disease among men who received testosterone. They found that testosterone, if anything had a protective and beneficial effect on the heart that has “not yet been widely appreciated.”

Is testosterone therapy safe?

Testosterone therapy is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for men with low testosterone levels, but like any medical intervention, it carries certain risks.

One of the potential concerns is the possibility of an increased risk of prostate cancer, although current research offers mixed conclusions on this link. Other risks include an enlarged prostate, which can lead to urinary problems, and an elevated risk of developing blood clots, which can pose serious health threats. Additionally, TRT can sometimes cause fluid retention and an imbalance in red blood cell counts. it can also worsen lower urinary tract symptoms and sleep apnea.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) production causing decreased sperm production and fertility. Luckily there are medications such as hCG that you can take alongside TRT to counteract it’s effects.

Despite these risks, many men experience significant benefits from TRT when it is closely monitored by a healthcare provider.

Improving testosterone deficiency naturally

Boosting testosterone levels naturally involves making certain lifestyle changes that can positively impact your body’s hormone production. Boosting T-levels naturally can be achieved through a few key lifestyle changes:

• Physical fitness: Engage in regular strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
• Balanced Diet: Ensure a diet rich in essential nutrients, especially zinc and vitamin D.
• Adequate Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep, as poor sleep can lower testosterone.
• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation to reduce stress and prevent cortisol from negatively impacting testosterone.

Please note that making lifestyle changes will only provide a boost to your hormone levels. If you have particularly low testosterone levels, taking a more intensive approach like TRT is recommended. Find out if your T-levels are too low with a Balance My Hormones blood test, delivered right to your front door in discrete packaging!

 Final Thought

To conclude, testosterone supplementation has an array of positive impacts on both physical and mental well-being. From enhanced muscle mass and strength to improved mood, cognition, and energy levels, TRT is a valuable tool in addressing the effects of low testosterone and bringing you to a normal testosterone level. While acknowledging the potential benefits, it’s crucial to approach TRT under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

Here at Balance My Hormones we prescribe bespoke treatment that addresses your individual health needs. If you’re wondering whether your testosterone levels are low or simply would like to enquire about TRT, don’t hesitate to get in contact by clicking the button above.

Evidence Based Research

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.

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