What does TRT do for the body?

Historically there hasn’t been much interest in men’s health, but over the last few years with us living longer than ever before, having increasingly stressful and tiring lifestyles, and more diseases, society has taken a bit more of an interest in the men’s healthsphere;it’s wonderful to see so many discussing the important subject of men’s health, whether that’s mental or physical. An aspect of men’s health that has been gaining interest in particular is low testosterone and the use of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). But what is it, and what does TRT do for the body?

Rise of TRT clinics and online service

Testosterone replacement therapy has seen an increase in popularity over the last few years. You may have even noticed more adverts for TRT on social media offering online services. More and more men are turning to TRT treatment to achieve better energy levels and sex drive.

When you think of testosterone you likely picture bodybuilders in the gym with big muscles and using anabolic steroids. But in truth this is a very small percentage of people using testosterone and using it either illegally, or not under medical guidance, which can be dangerous. When used under professional guidance, TRT can be a really helpful tool for men who are experiencing signs of low testosterone.

In men, testosterone naturally declines as we age at a rate of approximately 2% per year from the mid thirties. Men with low testosterone levels may begin to notice symptoms such as feeling tired, having a poor libido, struggling to maintain an erection, having an increasing amount of fat distributed around the gut area, struggling to maintain muscle mass, irritable mood, and poor sleep.

What role does testosterone play in the body?

Testosterone is a naturally occurring steroid in the body and is vitally important for many bodily functions including bone density, muscle mass, sex drive, production of red blood cells, energy, recovery, and glucose control. It also plays an essential role in metabolic function, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing.

But since 1987, the average testosterone level in men has dropped by around 1% each year, according to research from New England Research Institute which was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2007). They hypothesise that smoking and obesity in the male population are potentially two large contributing factors to this decline.

What causes low testosterone levels?

From the mid-30s testosterone naturally declines in the body and men may start to notice the signs of low T. Outside of age-related decline there are many other reasons that men might be experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, and many factors that can contribute to or exacerbate the issue. These include but are not limited to obesity, smoking, pesticides, chemicals, environmental toxins, underlying health issues, chronic stress, anabolic steroid use, and medications such as antidepressants, statins, and opioids.

What does TRT do for the body?

TRT is a treatment that is designed to top up testosterone levels in individuals with testosterone levels below normal. By doing so, and replenishing depleted hormone levels, men are relieved of the symptoms associated with low testosterone and can focus on leading a better quality of life again.

Is there a downside to TRT?

Most men on TRT are very happy with the results but as with any medical treatment you should exercise some caution and understand that there are side effects and risks involved. Testosterone therapy must be carefully overseen by a doctor as with any medical treatment there are risks of side effects and must be monitored carefully.

One of the side effects that men are often concerned about is gynecomastia, also known as ‘man boobs’. Testosterone can encourage production of breast tissue and this is a valid concern but can easily be managed by your clinic. You should discuss this with them if it is a worry for you. Acne and mood swings are also some of the side effects that can come from TRT. In the past there have been concerns that TRT could potentially increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, research from Harvard Medical School shows that appropriate use of TRT does not seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Although you don’t need to be on testosterone replacement therapy forever, it is worth bearing in mind that once you stop treatment, the symptoms that you experienced before beginning treatment will slowly return.

Gels are available but application can be messy and tedious. Some people also don’t absorb it as well as others and so the amount you absorb into the bloodstream can vary greatly. Most men on TRT prefer injections for reliability and ease, but it is possible (though uncommon) to get infection at the injection site.

Do you need TRT?

Although you can get TRT on the NHS, the waiting times can be very long and the eligibility criteria are very tight; unless you are experiencing a severe testosterone deficiency, it is possible you may not be able to get treatment through public healthcare. Considering how significant the impact of low T can be, many men choose to look into private testosterone replacement therapy.

In the UK, 6-27 nmol/L is considered a ‘normal’ testosterone level. But whilst, ‘normal’ may be sufficient to keep the body working as it should, having optimal levels can really help you feel even better. But what is optimal? Well, this varies between individuals. How do you find out your optimal testosterone level? Seeking guidance from a health optimisation clinic is a good place to start. They will be able to assess your symptoms, medical history, and carry out relevant testing. Once treatment has started they will closely monitor how you feel and then adjust the dosage accordingly to find the optimal level for you as an individual. Many clinics offering TRT in the UK will also address your lifestyle and other health concerns alongside TRT to help you implement any other changes that can help you to improve your quality of life.