Did you know that testing for testosterone levels, and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) prescriptions, have more than tripled in the past few years? An estimation of the prevalence of TRT use among men in the U.S. is actually 0.9–2.9%.
Testosterone replacement therapy, also known as TRT or HRT, is a treatment that has been used to relieve the symptoms of low testosterone for both men and women. Testosterone is an essential hormone that affects more than just sexual function.
Low T can affect men and women differently, so we’re going to look at what it actually is, the benefits, and how it works. Keep reading to find out more about TRT and how it could help you.
What Does Testosterone Do?
So, now we know what Testosterone is. It’s a hormone that is produced in the testes for men and the ovaries for women. It helps to regulate moods, energy levels, sexual function, bone mass, red blood cell production, and even weight gain.
There are many different ways to take testosterone as well. It can come in the form of a pill, injection form, topical cream, or implantable pellets.
What are the Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
There are many benefits to testosterone replacement therapy. Not just for men but for women as well. Some benefits include increased sex drive and better sleep quality. Other benefits are improved moods and more energy, as we’ve mentioned.
Testosterone replacement therapy can be a great way to relieve some of the symptoms of low testosterone levels. Speaking of benefits, one of the main examples is an increase in muscle mass.
This occurs because your body will convert carbohydrates into glucose so they can be used immediately by muscles that need energy during intense workouts. Also, if you train regularly while supplementing testosterone naturally, then your recovery time after every workout would become shorter, meaning faster development of muscle mass.
Additionally, testosterone not only helps you gain muscles faster but also aids in burning body fat. This is due to the hormone’s ability to increase metabolic rate as well as thermogenesis. They are both processes that help burn more calories and fats, respectively.
Let’s take a look at more benefits of testosterone in terms of what it does. Here are results you can expect to see from using testosterone replacement therapy.
Potential Mental Acuity Increase
Testosterone has been shown to increase mental acuity and help people stay focused on hard tasks. This may be different per person as testosterone treatment doesn’t always show an increase in focus. However, there is the potential that you may experience this.
It increases metabolism throughout the body, which means a bit more energy. This is so you have more endurance during exercise or activities throughout the day instead of tiring out easily. This also helps with weight loss goals by increasing your metabolic rate.
Testosterone treatments can also help to burn fat faster while providing an overall feeling of wellness. This happens without the feeling of fatigue later in the day. This main point is one of the reasons that drive patients to try this form of therapy because it can offer benefits without fatigue or feelings of low energy.
In addition, if achieving weight loss was a goal, then this may even reduce your feelings of cravings (for sweets and carbs) since your body is able to regulate itself better.
Mood Regulation
Testosterone also helps with mood regulation by increasing a person’s well-being. One way that it does this is by increasing the overall quality of sleep. This is important because often when people feel less tired or drowsy throughout the day, you increase the time you have to do other things.
Arguably, testosterone therapy may indirectly lead to an increase in happiness. This is due to the increased sense of productivity and focus. Adjusted physical feeling and appearance are also possible if this is a goal.
Look Younger With Anti-Aging Properties
Testosterone also has anti-aging properties. It helps reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging on the skin. It does this by increasing collagen production. Collagen production gives skin a more elastic look and feels hydrating instead of presenting dryness or possible thinning.
Additionally, testosterone replacement therapy can help improve hair growth and prevent balding in men (androgenetic alopecia). This is possible because testosterone helps protect hair follicles from DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels. This is known to cause hair loss over time. So not only will you appear younger but also have thicker hair.
Increase in Libido
Testosterone replacement therapy can help increase libido and sexual function in both men and women. This is because testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for regulating sexual desire and functionality. TRT can even help to increase pelvic floor strength.
It’s able to increase pelvic floor strength by stimulating the production of growth hormone and estrogen. This, in turn, helps to improve muscle tone and strength. Additionally, TRT can help to increase blood flow to the pelvic region, which can also promote better muscle function.
By improving pelvic floor strength, TRT can help to reduce the risk of urinary incontinence and other pelvic health issues.
What Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Do?
So, what is testosterone replacement therapy? Testosterone replacement therapy replaces testosterone when the body no longer produces enough on its own. This can happen due to age, illness, or injury.
Some people may not know that TRT can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease. TRT can help relieve certain symptoms, promote risk reduction for certain diseases, and improve quality of life.
How About Side Effects?
Some common side effects of TRT include acne and breast enlargement. Others could be increased blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and sleep apnea. These side effects are easily managed with medication or changes in lifestyle habits.
You should always speak with a medical professional if you are considering TRT. This is important so that you can have a full assessment of any risks as well as the benefits specific to your health.
What Can Be Done to Increase Testosterone Levels?
There are many things that can help with increasing testosterone levels. Some of the most common methods include:
- Taking certain supplements
- Exercising on a regular basis
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
Each of these methods is often shown to be effective in increasing testosterone levels. Additionally, there are other things that can be done to help boost testosterone production. Some things could be reducing stress levels and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins.
If you are looking for ways to increase your testosterone levels, these are some of the best options available. However, you may find that testosterone replacement therapy could benefit you even more.
Why Is Testosterone Important?
There are a few issues associated with testosterone levels. Low testosterone can cause a number of problems, as we’ve mentioned from decreased energy levels to erectile dysfunction or depression. There are a number of treatments available for low testosterone, including lifestyle changes, medications, and testosterone replacement therapy.
When you’re young, testosterone levels increase with age. However, around the middle-age range, they start to decline. The timing of this change varies between individuals. Some are 40 when their level starts dropping, while others that may be 60 years old still have plenty of natural testosterone production.
The decline in testosterone production as we age is natural. However, it can also lead to a number of health concerns. Some of them are, decreased bone density, loss of muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, mood swings, trouble sleeping, and low libido.
You may also suffer from hair loss or infertility. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to more serious health problems such as heart disease, as we touched on.
TRT is one way to help offset some of the issues that come with declining levels of this essential hormone.
Interested in Learning More About Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
While testosterone replacement therapy is most often prescribed for aging males experiencing low levels, women can benefit from this treatment as well. Blue Sky MD works to provide a wide range of treatment and supplement options. We do this to provide a personalized treatment experience.
Some options can help with reducing symptoms of depression and treating chronic fatigue syndrome. Aside from the positive effects we’ve mentioned, the treatment also promotes the prevention of bone loss and osteoporosis.
If you’re interested in learning more about testosterone replacement therapy and how it could help promote wellness, schedule an appointment with Blue Sky MD today.
