What is testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy, also known as TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), is a treatment that aims to raise low testosterone levels in men back to normal levels. It can be used to treat symptoms associated with low T such as:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
The goal of testosterone replacement is to get testosterone levels into the normal healthy range, improving low T symptoms and overall wellbeing.
There are a few different forms of testosterone therapy:
- Testosterone injections - Injections into a muscle, usually every 1-2 weeks
- Testosterone gels - Applied daily to upper arms, shoulders or abdomen
- Testosterone patches - Patches worn on the skin, changed daily
- Testosterone pellets - Pellets implanted under the skin, lasting 3-6 months
The best form depends on the patient's preference, needs and lifestyle. Doses can be adjusted based on blood tests to keep testosterone in the optimal range.
Who is a candidate for testosterone replacement?
Testosterone therapy may be an option for men with persistently low testosterone levels accompanied by concerning symptoms such as:
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and testosterone blood levels to see if you are a candidate.
What are the benefits?
When used properly and under medical supervision, testosterone therapy can:
- Improve energy and motivation
- Increase muscle mass and bone density
- Boost libido and sexual function
- Improve mood and cognitive function
By raising testosterone back to healthy levels, many men report feeling more youthful, stronger, sharper and more energetic.
I tried to provide a comprehensive overview of testosterone replacement therapy in this answer. Let me know if you have any other specific questions!