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

GET STARTED NOW

With aging, men typically experience a decrease in testosterone levels, stressing the importance of preserving optimal levels for sustained well-being and vitality. Extensive investigation into testosterone elucidates its diverse anabolic effects in the human body.

Research suggests that testosterone strongly inhibits the oxidation of amino acids and promotes the synthesis of proteins in skeletal muscles.[1] Put simply, this indicates that testosterone contributes to the maintenance (and growth) of lean body mass. If you’re not achieving desired outcomes at the gym despite adhering to a balanced diet and workout plan, low testosterone levels may be a contributing factor.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

Testosterone is essentially the cornerstone of masculinity in males. From the growth of hair to the size of muscles, the contour of the jawline to the pitch of the voice, libido to self-assurance, metabolism to bone density, testosterone influences them all in some manner. Therefore, testosterone is categorized as an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS).

Similar to human growth hormone (HGH), there are numerous factors that can influence the production of testosterone within your body, either positively or negatively. These factors typically encompass:

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

You probably came across this article because you’re worried about low testosterone levels (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 worth noting that even if you demonstrate several (or all) of these symptoms, confirming low testosterone levels requires accurate blood work. The proficient physicians at Gameday Men’s Health in Cottonwood Heights can aid in arranging the necessary lab tests and assisting you in the journey to restore your testosterone levels to a healthy state.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRT

If you’ve made the decision to start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), you might be curious about what lies ahead as you endeavor to restore your sense of masculinity.

The timeframe for experiencing relief from low testosterone symptoms varies depending on the type of testosterone utilized. Many individuals report a decrease in symptoms within the initial month of TRT. However, for others, it may require more time before notable improvements in health and overall well-being are observed. Although several weeks or months may seem prolonged, it’s important to understand that this duration is relatively brief considering the enduring health benefits provided by TRT.

Research indicates that the immediate benefits of TRT may comprise an increased sense of vitality, heightened sexual desire, enhanced energy levels, better sleep patterns, and various other positive changes.[2] The majority of individuals undergoing TRT believe that the initial waiting period for testosterone to start working is extremely rewarding.

What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED

The first thing you need to do to start TRT is to get in touch with Gameday Men’s Health in Cottonwood Heights and schedule your initial consultation. During this appointment, you’ll describe your symptoms and receive information about TRT.

We ask for blood work from all prospective patients. This enables us to assess the quantitative levels of your testosterone (and possibly other relevant tests). It’s crucial to undergo blood work before and during TRT to monitor your red blood cell counts, blood lipids, prostate-specific antigen, and other important biomarkers to ensure they are within healthy ranges.

Having a licensed physician manage the commencement of TRT should offer peace of mind, as they have the training to administer medication correctly and reduce any potential side effects or health issues. If your blood tests reveal inadequate testosterone levels, you are likely to qualify for TRT.

If you decide to proceed with starting TRT at Gameday Men’s Health in Cottonwood Heights, you’ll receive a testosterone injection and receive instructions on self-administering future doses. Alternatively, you can visit the Gameday office for convenient weekly TRT injections.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO INJECT YOURSELF

Nervous about needles? No need to panic, injections are not as scary as they may seem at first glance. We won’t downplay this process, as injections can be a hurdle for many TRT beginners. Even individuals with years of TRT experience may still feel some anxiety when it comes to self-injection.

In reality, the needle used for testosterone injections is typically quite small; once you penetrate the skin, the needle glides smoothly into the muscle tissue with minimal sensation. The key is to take deep breaths and maintain a steady hand while inserting the needle.

While it might seem instinctive to insert the needle quickly to minimize any sensation, this approach isn’t very controlled. Instead, grip the syringe firmly, take a breath, and steadily penetrate the skin. The needle will smoothly enter the muscle, where you’ll then apply pressure to the plunger to administer the testosterone. (You might experience a slight muscle twitch, but it’s usually not painful for most people; more of a reflex.)

The complete injection procedure generally takes no more than 15 seconds. Always ensure sterility. Before injecting, use an alcohol wipe to cleanse the injection site for disinfection and avoid reusing needles or syringes, as this significantly elevates the risk of infections.

When you inject testosterone, you’re depositing an oil depot into muscle tissue, where it gradually enters the bloodstream (over several days or weeks, depending on the ester). This might result in soreness at the injection site for a few days afterward. However, rest assured that this is completely normal and usually resolves on its own. Massaging the muscle and applying a warm gel pack for 5-10 minutes can also aid in alleviating any soreness or stiffness at the injection site.

DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?

If self-administering injections poses a challenge, Gameday Men’s Health provides easy injection appointments for our TRT patients. This is a common choice for many newcomers to TRT, as you can simply let us take care of the injection for you.

If you prefer to administer injections at home, you can also enlist the assistance of a friend or family member for the initial injections.

In the long run, it’s in your best interest to become proficient at self-administering TRT injections. Counting on someone else for injections may not always be feasible, especially if you reside alone or prefer to maintain privacy regarding your TRT.

Just relax and take a deep breath—you can do this.

WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT

It’s natural to be anxious to experience the benefits after your first TRT injection. We all hope for quick results, but as previously noted, patience is crucial. TRT isn’t a rapid solution—it’s an investment in your future health.

Nevertheless, a significant number of TRT patients observe positive changes in their health and well-being within the initial month of treatment. Some short-term benefits may include:

• 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

Although there could be other advantages to TRT, it’s important to note that responses to testosterone can differ among individuals. Some men may experience quick benefits with a small dose, while others might need a larger dose and more time to respond. If you don’t observe any positive changes after several months of TRT, it’s advisable to consult your physician for additional diagnostic testing.

TRT is a customized treatment, and it’s not suitable to compare your TRT protocol with that of others. Initially, TRT requires some experimentation, and the timeframe for experiencing benefits varies for each person.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT

It’s crucial to address some of the unanticipated events you may undergo while on TRT. Exogenous testosterone is a medicinal treatment and, like any other medication, it may induce certain side effects.
When you begin exogenous testosterone intake, your body will lower its natural (endogenous) testosterone production. This is because of the negative feedback loop orchestrated by your pituitary gland to regulate testosterone production.

In healthy individuals, the pituitary gland will release luteinizing hormone (LH) to instruct the testes to produce testosterone and maintain levels within the optimal range. The pituitary’s negative feedback loop operates much like a “shutdown” mechanism for your body’s internal testosterone production pathway, as you’re receiving all the required testosterone from an external source.

Naturally, your body ceases the need to produce testosterone since it’s essentially receiving the hormone.
This may cause your testicles to shrink in size due to decreased LH production (resulting in reduced testosterone synthesis in the testes). Additionally, you might notice a decline in sperm counts, which may pose challenges if you’re attempting to conceive.

There are ways to address these issues; one method involves incorporating human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) into your TRT regimen. HCG, similar to the LH produced by the pituitary gland, is naturally secreted in females by the placenta during pregnancy. Despite its common “off-label” use as a weight loss aid, it also provides documented benefits for enhancing fertility and testicle size in males by stimulating testosterone production from the testes, similar to LH.

TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT

Choosing TRT marks a pivotal moment in a man’s life. Testosterone, the most potent androgen naturally produced by your body, shapes your masculinity comprehensively.

Evolutionarily, men relied on heightened testosterone levels to fuel their ‘alpha male’ instincts for hunting and protecting their families. In today’s society, individuals with higher testosterone levels are observed to enjoy longer lifespans, exhibit increased vitality, and exude greater confidence.

Naturally, experiencing low T is a matter of concern as it suggests a deficiency in the crucial substance that characterizes your manliness. TRT emerges as a life-altering protocol for many males, underpinned by clear research confirming its benefits.

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with a better understanding of what to expect during TRT and how to initiate the process of balancing your testosterone levels. Look out for future posts on the Gameday Men’s Health Blog, which will address all your questions and concerns regarding 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.