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

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As men age, maintaining healthy testosterone levels becomes crucial for promoting longevity and well-being. Research extensively explores testosterone, revealing its numerous anabolic properties and vital role in human physiology.

Research indicates that testosterone effectively hinders amino acid oxidation and enhances skeletal muscle protein synthesis. Put simply, this implies that testosterone plays a vital role in preserving and even augmenting lean body mass. If your efforts at the gym aren’t yielding desired outcomes despite adhering to a suitable diet and exercise routine, low testosterone levels could be a potential concern.

And this is merely the beginning…

Testosterone is intricately linked to male traits, encompassing hair growth, muscle mass, jawline contour, voice tone, libido, confidence, metabolism, and bone density. This hormone, classified as an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS), influences numerous aspects of masculinity.

Similar to human growth hormone (HGH), several factors influence the body’s natural testosterone production, whether positively or negatively. These factors commonly include:

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’re likely reading this article because you’re concerned about low testosterone levels (low T). In the next section, we’ll delve into some of the most common symptoms of 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 although you may experience several (or all) of these symptoms, diagnosing low testosterone (low T) necessitates proper blood work. An experienced physician at Gameday Men’s Health in Englewood can aid in arranging the required lab tests and guide you through the process of restoring your testosterone levels to a healthy range.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRT

If you’ve made the choice to start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), you may be wondering what lies ahead as you seek to reclaim your masculine vitality.

With various forms of testosterone available, many men find relief from symptoms of low testosterone (low T) within just one month of commencing TRT. However, for some individuals, it may take a longer duration before experiencing improvements in overall health and well-being. Although the timeframe may seem extensive, it’s relatively swift in the larger context. It’s important to understand that TRT is a prolonged remedy for a persistent health concern.

Studies indicate that the short-term advantages of TRT may encompass improved vitality, heightened libido, increased energy levels, better sleep quality, and other positive alterations. The overwhelming majority of TRT recipients deem the initial waiting period for testosterone to take effect as highly rewarding.

What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED

Getting started with TRT involves scheduling an initial consultation with Gameday Men’s Health in Englewood. During this appointment, you’ll describe your symptoms and receive information about TRT.

We require blood work for all prospective patients to assess testosterone levels and other relevant markers. Regular blood tests before and during TRT are vital to monitor parameters like red blood cell counts, blood lipids, and prostate-specific antigen levels.

Allowing a licensed physician to oversee the initiation of TRT should instill confidence, as they possess the expertise to administer medication correctly and mitigate side effects or health risks. If your blood work indicates insufficient testosterone levels, you are likely eligible for TRT.

Upon choosing to initiate TRT with Gameday Men’s Health in Englewood, you will receive a testosterone injection and receive guidance on self-administering future doses. Alternatively, you can visit the Gameday office for weekly TRT injections, providing a quick and easy option.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO INJECT YOURSELF

Anxious about needles? There’s no need to worry, injections are not as scary as they seem. We understand that injections can be a challenge for many newcomers to TRT, and even those with experience may have some apprehension.

However, in practice, the needle gauge used for testosterone injections is small, and once you overcome the initial skin puncture, the needle slides smoothly into the muscle tissue with minimal sensation. Remember to take deep breaths and maintain a steady hand when inserting the needle.

Although it might seem natural to jab the needle quickly to reduce sensation, this isn’t a very controlled approach. Instead, grip the syringe barrel firmly, take a deep breath, and gently penetrate your skin. The needle will smoothly glide into your muscle. Apply pressure to the plunger to dispense the testosterone. Your muscle may twitch slightly, but it’s typically not painful for most people; it’s more of a reflex.

Typically, the entire injection procedure lasts around 15 seconds. It’s essential to uphold a sterile environment throughout. Before administering the injection, disinfect the injection site with an alcohol wipe. Refrain from reusing needles or syringes, as this substantially heightens the risk of infections.

When injecting testosterone, you’re introducing an oil depot into muscle tissue, which slowly disperses into the bloodstream over several days or weeks, depending on the ester. Consequently, you may experience injection site soreness for a few days afterward. However, this is a normal response and generally resolves spontaneously. Massaging the muscle and applying a warm gel pack for 5-10 minutes can also help alleviate any discomfort or stiffness at the injection site.

DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?

Gameday Men’s Health provides in-and-out injection appointments to TRT patients who encounter difficulty with self-injection. This option is commonly chosen by newcomers to TRT, as it enables them to have the injection administered by our skilled professionals.

For those who opt to administer injections at home, seeking assistance from a friend or family member for the initial injections is a possibility.

Long-term, it’s valuable to feel confident about self-administering TRT injections. Depending on others to administer them may not always be feasible, especially if you live independently or prioritize privacy regarding your TRT.

Remember to take a deep breath and remain calm; you’ve got this.

WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT

It’s natural to eagerly await the benefits following your initial TRT injection. While immediate results may be desired, patience is crucial. TRT isn’t a rapid solution; it’s an investment in your health over time.

Nonetheless, many TRT patients report positive changes within the first month, such as:

• 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 advantages to TRT, it’s important to understand that responses to testosterone can differ among individuals. While some men may experience swift benefits on a lower dose, others may require a higher dose and longer duration for therapeutic effects. If you notice no improvements or positive changes after several months of TRT, it’s essential to consult your physician for additional diagnostic assessments.

TRT is a personalized treatment, and comparing one person’s TRT regimen to another’s is not advisable. Initially, TRT requires some trial and error, and the duration for noticing benefits differs for each individual.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT

It’s important to discuss certain aspects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) that may be unforeseen by many men. Exogenous testosterone, acting as a medication, can result in side effects akin to those of other drugs.
Upon initiating exogenous testosterone, your body’s natural testosterone production will decrease due to the negative feedback loop regulated by your pituitary gland.

Within healthy individuals, the pituitary gland secretes luteinizing hormone (LH), which instructs the testes to produce testosterone, ensuring levels remain balanced. This negative feedback loop controlled by the pituitary gland acts as a mechanism to halt the body’s internal testosterone production pathway, given that all necessary testosterone is obtained externally.

Due to the external supply of testosterone, your body ceases its internal production of the hormone.

As a result, there’s a possibility of testicular shrinkage because of reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) production, leading to decreased testosterone synthesis in the testes. Additionally, this alteration might contribute to a decline in sperm counts, impacting fertility.

To tackle these issues, one possible strategy is to incorporate human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) alongside TRT. HCG, akin to the LH produced by the pituitary gland, is naturally produced in females by the placenta during pregnancy. Despite being commonly used off-label as a weight loss aid, HCG offers documented advantages for enhancing fertility and increasing testicular size in males. It achieves this by stimulating testosterone production from the testes, mirroring the role of LH.

TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT

Opting for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a substantial choice for men. Testosterone, the body’s most powerful androgen, intricately regulates masculinity in every aspect.

Across history, men relied on elevated testosterone levels to fulfill roles such as hunting and protecting their families. In contemporary culture, heightened testosterone is associated with longer life expectancy, increased vigor, and greater self-assurance.

Naturally, low testosterone levels should be approached with seriousness, as they indicate a deficiency in the essential hormone that defines masculinity. For many men, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a life-altering treatment, supported by clear and compelling research evidence.

Our hope is that this guide has provided you with helpful insights into the TRT experience and the steps you can take to begin restoring your testosterone levels to their optimal range. Be sure to follow the Gameday Men’s Health Blog for forthcoming articles addressing all aspects of 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.