TRT is a treatment that involves administering drugs to increase the levels of the male hormone testosterone in the body of a man. Males secrete a sex hormone called testosterone, and testosterone plays a significant role in the growth of male sex tissue and features. It is also responsible for maintaining muscle mass, bone mineral density and red blood cell production. Testosterone levels begin to drop as we get older and some men start experiencing symptoms such as reduced sex drive, reduced muscle mass and strength, depression and tiredness. TRT is prescribed to alleviate these symptoms in an individual and achieve better health and wellness. But, as with any medicine, there are pros and cons to TRT that need to be addressed.
Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
The primary advantage of TRT is to cure symptoms of low testosterone. Men who get TRT can gain in energy, sexual desire and muscle. TRT is also known to increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The treatment also increases mood, cognition, and overall well-being in men with low testosterone.
TRT also has an energising effect on men with hypogonadism, which means that their bodies lack adequate testosterone. In such cases, TRT can be used to normalize testosterone levels and improve symptoms like infertility, reduced muscle mass, and delayed puberty.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Side Effects
Like all medicines, TRT can be potentially dangerous. Acne, fluid retention, red blood cell production, and prostatic growth are the most common side effects.
Acne:
Acne is one of the most frequent TRT side-effects. This is because testosterone functions in the creation and repair of skin cells, which produce sebum, a greasy substance that clogs pores and causes acne. Although not all men treated by TRT will develop acne, those susceptible to it might have more breakouts. Most of the time, the acne caused by TRT is mild to moderate and can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, in extreme cases acne can require prescription medication.
Fluid Retention:
Fluid retention is another of the most common side-effects of TRT. This can happen because testosterone increases erythropoietin, which boosts red blood cell production. Too many red blood cells can increase blood volume, resulting in fluid retention. Most of the time, the fluid retention associated with TRT is low and does not cause major health complications. But sometimes, it makes your arms and legs swollen, and increases the chances of heart diseases.
Increased Red Blood Cell Count:
As mentioned above, TRT can raise erythropoietin levels and thus promote the development of more red blood cells in the body. Though this is useful for certain conditions, including anemia, it can also cause polycythemia, an aberrant excess of red blood cells. Polycythemia increases blood viscosity, which makes it more prone to clots and other cardiovascular conditions. For the most part, the red blood cell boost associated with TRT is minor and does not lead to any major health complications. But in some instances you may need to lower the TRT dose or even give blood to control the condition.
Enlargement of the Prostate Gland:
Lastly, TRT has been found to increase the risk of prostate gland enlargement. This is because testosterone aids in the proliferation of the prostate gland. Although no one knows precisely how TRT raises the risk of prostate gland enlargement, it’s believed to have something to do with testosterone’s conversion into dihydrotestosterone, a stronger form of the hormone that can grow prostate cells. Most of the time, TRT-induced prostate growth is relatively benign and does not pose major medical issues. But in some cases, it can cause benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate gland grows too large and urination becomes difficult.
These side effects are typically minor and can be controlled by altering the dosage or the testosterone type taken.
But TRT can have worse side effects as well. The biggest issue here is the chance of developing a blood clot which can trigger a heart attack or stroke. This risk increases in men who have a history of heart disease or clotting problems. Prior to taking TRT, make sure you tell your doctor about any pre-existing condition.
One of TRT’s potential adverse effects is sleep apnea, in which breathing stops and restarts while you sleep. It is most common among men who are overweight or who have had asthma. TRT may also increase the risk of prostate cancer, although research is conflicting.
Considerations for Testosterone Replacement Therapy
There are no safe doses of TRT and you need to check with a doctor about all the potential benefits and dangers prior to starting treatment. For men with a history of heart disease, prostate cancer or sleep apnea, TRT is not recommended. Moreover, it is important to regularly check your testosterone levels and reduce the dose if needed. TRT isn’t a performance enhancer because it’s physically toxic and could count as cheating in sport.
The various ways to administer TRT include injections, gels, patches and pellets. There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach and the decision will ultimately come down to what one likes and needs. — Do not take it beyond the dosage instructions because overdose can have fatal side effects.
Conclusion:
Low Testosterone Men Can Benefit A Lot From Testosterone Replacement Therapy. It alleviates symptoms such as libido loss, muscle weakness, and mood swings. Nevertheless, it is imperative to be aware of potential side effects and discuss any medical issues with your physician before taking TRT. It is important to monitor and adjust the dose to obtain the most benefits and minimise the risk of side effects. TRT is permitted only under the guidance of certified medical professionals and not for performance enhancement or for non-medical reasons.
