A Man’s Guide To TRT In Buckhead:
Everything You Need To Know

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It is crucial to ensure healthy testosterone levels as men age, given the natural decline in testosterone. This maintenance is essential for promoting longevity and overall well-being. Testosterone garners significant research attention due to its diverse anabolic properties, as evidenced by numerous findings in the scientific literature.

Research indicates that testosterone effectively inhibits amino acid oxidation and enhances skeletal muscle protein synthesis.[1] In simpler terms, testosterone supports the maintenance and development of lean body mass. If you’re not achieving desired outcomes in your workout routine despite adhering to a balanced diet and exercise plan, low testosterone levels could be a contributing factor.

And that’s merely scratching the surface…

Testosterone plays a pivotal role in defining masculinity, influencing hair growth, muscle size, voice pitch, libido, and more. As an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS), it’s essential for various physiological processes in men.

Much like human growth hormone (HGH), numerous factors influence your body’s natural production of testosterone, whether positively or negatively. These factors commonly comprise:

Positive regulators (these generally increase testosterone)

• Sufficient sleep
• Healthy body composition (leanness)
• Intense exercise (especially vigorous resistance training)
• Intermittent abstinence (up to 10 days)

Negative regulators (these typically decrease testosterone)

• Obesity
• Diabetes (specifically insulin-resistant/type II diabetes)
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Very-low-fat diet (fat is necessary for synthesizing androgens)
• Xenobiotics
• Lack of sleep
• Chronic stress
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Prolonged cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise

It’s likely you came across this article due to concerns about low testosterone (low T). The following section will outline some of the most prevalent symptoms associated with low T.

SYMPTOMS OF LOW T (TESTOSTERONE)

The list below details the most common signs and symptoms of having low T:

• Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• Reduced libido/sex drive
• Decreased energy (fatigue)
• Reduced muscle bulk and strength
• Depression
• Small or shrinking testes
• Poor concentration (brain fog) and recall
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)
• Brittle bones and general weakness
• Hot flashes
• Infertility
• Body fat increase
• Loss of body and pubic hair
• Sleep apnea (or other sleep disorders)
• Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)

It’s crucial to emphasize that while you may experience several or even all of these symptoms, confirming low testosterone (low T) requires proper blood work. A qualified physician at Gameday Men’s Health in Buckhead can facilitate the necessary lab tests and assist you in restoring your testosterone levels to a healthy state.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRT

If you’ve decided to initiate testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), you may be curious about what to anticipate as you reclaim your “manhood.”

Following the administration of testosterone, many men observe a decline in symptoms associated with low T in as little as one month on TRT, depending on the form used. While some may experience noticeable improvements in health and well-being sooner, for others, it may take a bit longer. While several weeks or months may seem lengthy, in the broader context, it’s a relatively short timeframe. It’s important to bear in mind that TRT is a long-term solution for a persistent health issue.

Studies indicate that the immediate advantages of TRT may encompass heightened vitality, elevated libido, increased energy levels, improved sleep quality, and other favorable outcomes.[2] The overwhelming majority of TRT recipients deem the initial waiting period for testosterone to take effect as highly worthwhile.

What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED

Initiating TRT begins with contacting Gameday Men’s Health in Buckhead to schedule your first consultation. At this appointment, you’ll discuss your symptoms and gain insights into TRT.

Blood work is mandatory for all potential patients. This allows us to assess testosterone levels and other pertinent parameters. Conducting blood tests before and during TRT is essential for monitoring red blood cell counts, blood lipids, prostate-specific antigen, and other crucial biomarkers.

The involvement of a licensed physician in the initiation of TRT should provide comfort, given their ability to administer medication safely and mitigate side effects/health risks. If blood work reveals inadequate testosterone levels, you may be eligible for TRT.

Opting to begin TRT with Gameday Men’s Health in Buckhead involves receiving a testosterone injection and learning self-administration techniques for subsequent doses. Alternatively, you can receive weekly TRT injections at the Gameday office.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO INJECT YOURSELF

Worried about needles? Don’t let fear hold you back. Injections are not as scary as they may seem initially. We understand that injections can be challenging for many TRT newcomers, regardless of their experience level. However, with time and practice, the process becomes more manageable.

In actuality, the needle gauge used for injecting testosterone is quite small. Once you surpass the initial skin puncture, the needle typically glides smoothly into your muscle tissue with minimal sensation. It’s best to maintain deep breaths and steady hands when inserting the needle.

While it may seem intuitive to insert the needle quickly to minimize sensation, this approach isn’t very controlled. Ensure a firm grip on the syringe barrel, take a breath, and gently penetrate the skin. The needle should smoothly enter the muscle. Apply pressure to the plunger to dispense the testosterone. While your muscle may twitch slightly, it’s generally not a painful sensation for most individuals; rather, it’s more of a reflex.

Usually, the entire injection process lasts about 15 seconds. It’s important to maintain sterility throughout. Before administering the injection, use an alcohol wipe to disinfect the injection site. Refrain from reusing needles or syringes, as this greatly increases the risk of infections.

When injecting testosterone, you’re depositing a reservoir of oil into muscle tissue, which gradually enters the bloodstream (over several days or weeks, depending on the ester). As a result, you may experience soreness at the injection site for a few days afterward. However, this is entirely normal and typically resolves on its own. Massaging the muscle and applying a warm gel pack for 5-10 minutes can also ease any soreness or stiffness at the injection site.

DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?

If self-injection poses a challenge, Gameday Men’s Health provides in-and-out injection appointments for our TRT patients. This option is popular among newcomers to TRT, as it allows you to relax and have the injection administered by our team.

If you wish to administer injections at home, you can also seek assistance from a friend or family member for the initial injections.

Long-term, it’s beneficial to become proficient in administering TRT injections independently. Finding someone to assist with injections may not always be practical, particularly if you value privacy or live alone.

Take a moment to breathe and relax; you can handle this.

WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT

Naturally, after your first TRT injection, you’ll be eager to see results. We all desire quick outcomes, but as mentioned earlier, patience is necessary. TRT isn’t a quick fix; it’s a long-term commitment to your health.

However, many TRT patients experience positive changes within the first month, including:

• Increase in libido/sex drive
• Restoration of erectile quality
• Improvement in energy levels and concentration
• A better sense of vitality
• More restorative sleep cycles

Long-term benefits of TRT may include:

• Ability to recover from exercise more efficiently
• More confidence
• Support for healthy body composition
• Facial hair growth
• Improvement of bone and joint health
• More adequate red blood cell production

While there may be additional benefits to TRT, it’s crucial to recognize that not everyone will respond the same way to testosterone. Some individuals may experience benefits more quickly on a low dose, while others may require a higher dose and longer time to see results. If you don’t notice any improvements after several months of TRT, consult your physician for further testing.

Remember, TRT is tailored to each individual, and comparing regimens isn’t appropriate. It often involves some trial and error initially, and the timeline for benefits varies for each person.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT

It’s essential to address some of the unexpected experiences you may encounter on TRT. Exogenous testosterone, like any medication, can lead to side effects. One notable effect is the suppression of your body’s natural testosterone production.
This occurs because exogenous testosterone signals your pituitary gland to reduce its output of testosterone, creating a negative feedback loop.

In healthy individuals, the pituitary gland produces luteinizing hormone (LH), signaling the testes to produce testosterone to maintain adequate levels. The pituitary negative feedback loop acts as a “shutdown” mechanism for your body’s internal testosterone production pathway, as exogenous testosterone fulfills your requirements.

Your body naturally reduces testosterone production since it’s externally supplemented.

Consequently, testicular shrinkage may occur due to decreased LH production and testosterone synthesis in the testes. Additionally, sperm counts may decline, posing challenges for fertility.

Various strategies exist to address these concerns; one such approach involves concurrent administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) alongside TRT. HCG, an analogue of LH produced by the pituitary gland, is typically synthesized in females during pregnancy. While it’s commonly used off-label as a weight loss aid, HCG has documented benefits for improving fertility and testicular size in males. This is achieved by stimulating testosterone production from the testes, akin to the natural action of LH.

TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT

Embarking on TRT marks a significant choice in a man’s life. Testosterone, the most potent androgen produced by the body, intricately shapes masculinity.

Evolutionarily, elevated testosterone was essential for instilling men with the ‘alpha male’ impetus for hunting and safeguarding kin. In contemporary society, individuals with higher testosterone levels often exhibit greater longevity, vitality, and self-assurance.

It’s important to acknowledge the seriousness of having low T, as it means lacking the fundamental substance that defines masculinity. TRT often proves to be a transformative protocol for many men, with clear research supporting its benefits.

This guide ideally provides you with a clearer understanding of what to anticipate on TRT and how to initiate the journey toward restoring your testosterone levels to a healthy range. Stay tuned to the Gameday Men’s Health Blog for forthcoming posts addressing various questions and concerns related to male health and wellness!

REFERENCES

1. Brodsky, I. G., Balagopal, P., & Nair, K. S. (1996). Effects of testosterone replacement on muscle mass and muscle protein synthesis in hypogonadal men–a clinical research center study. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 81(10), 3469-3475.
2. Bassil, N., Alkaade, S., & Morley, J. E. (2009). The benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy: a review. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 5, 427.
3. Dohle, G. R., Smit, M., & Weber, R. F. A. (2003). Androgens and male fertility. World journal of urology, 21(5), 341-345.
4. Shores, M. M., Moceri, V. M., Sloan, K. L., Matsumoto, A. M., & Kivlahan, D. R. (2005). Low testosterone levels predict incident depressive illness in older men: effects of age and medical morbidity. The Journal of clinical psychiatry.