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

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The natural decline in testosterone levels as men age emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy levels to promote longevity and overall wellness. The considerable research conducted on testosterone underscores its myriad anabolic properties in the human body.

Studies have shown that testosterone effectively suppresses amino acid oxidation and enhances skeletal muscle protein synthesis. In simpler terms, testosterone is vital for maintaining and building lean body mass. If you’re finding it challenging to make progress in your workouts despite maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, low testosterone levels could be a potential explanation.

And that’s only the beginning…

Testosterone is essentially the hormone that defines masculinity in men. Its influence extends to various aspects such as hair growth, muscle size, jawline shape, voice pitch, libido, confidence, metabolism, and bone density. Consequently, testosterone is classified as an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS).

Like human growth hormone (HGH), numerous factors influence your body’s natural production of testosterone, both positively and negatively. These factors generally 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 might have stumbled upon this article because you’re concerned about low testosterone levels (low T). In the next section, we’ll outline some of the most common 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 understand that even if you experience several or all of these symptoms, diagnosing low testosterone (low T) necessitates thorough blood work. The knowledgeable healthcare professionals at Gameday Men’s Health in Jersey City can coordinate the appropriate lab tests and provide guidance in restoring your testosterone to healthy levels.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRT

If you’ve decided to begin testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), you may be curious about what to anticipate as you embark on the journey to reclaim your masculinity.

The timeline for experiencing improvements in low testosterone (low T) symptoms through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) varies depending on the form of testosterone utilized. While some men may notice a reduction in symptoms within just one month of starting TRT, for others, it may take longer before changes in health and well-being become noticeable. Although several weeks or months may seem lengthy, in the broader context, this timeframe is relatively short. It’s important to recognize that TRT is a long-term solution addressing a persistent health issue.

Research indicates that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can provide short-term advantages including a heightened sense of vitality, increased libido, enhanced energy levels, improved sleep quality, and other positive changes. Most TRT patients consider the initial waiting period for testosterone to become effective as highly valuable.

What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED

To commence TRT, the first step is to contact Gameday Men’s Health in Jersey City and schedule an initial consultation. During this initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to elaborate on your symptoms and acquire insights into the purpose and process of TRT.

At Gameday Men’s Health, we mandate blood work for all potential patients. This enables us to evaluate the numerical values of your testosterone levels (along with potentially other associated assays). Conducting blood tests before and during TRT is crucial to monitor parameters such as red blood cell counts, blood lipids, prostate-specific antigen, and other pertinent biomarkers, ensuring they remain within healthy ranges.

Under the supervision of a licensed physician, the process of commencing TRT should be reassuring, as they are skilled in administering medication safely and mitigating any potential side effects or health risks. If your blood work indicates inadequate testosterone levels, you are likely to qualify for TRT.

Should you proceed with starting TRT at Gameday Men’s Health in Jersey City, you will be administered an initial testosterone injection and provided with instructions for self-administering subsequent doses. Alternatively, you may opt to visit the Gameday office for weekly TRT injections, offering a convenient alternative.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO INJECT YOURSELF

Are you nervous about needles? Don’t fret; injections are not as daunting as they may seem initially. We’re not attempting to minimize the process; injections can indeed pose a challenge for many TRT newcomers. Even individuals with years of experience on TRT may still feel a bit uneasy when it comes to self-administering injections.

In practice, the needle gauge for injecting testosterone is relatively small. After piercing the skin initially, the needle will slide smoothly into the muscle tissue without much discomfort. It’s recommended to take deep breaths and remain steady while inserting the needle.

Instinctively, you may assume that quickly jabbing the needle will minimize any sensation, but this approach isn’t very controllable. Instead, maintain a firm grip on the syringe barrel, take a breath, and gently penetrate your skin. The needle will smoothly enter your muscle, allowing you to apply pressure to the plunger and administer the testosterone. While your muscle may twitch slightly, it’s typically not a painful sensation for most people, more of a reflex.

The entirety of the injection process generally lasts no more than 15 seconds. Maintaining a sterile environment is paramount. Before administering the injection, use an alcohol wipe to thoroughly disinfect the injection site and ensure cleanliness. Avoid reusing needles or syringes, as this significantly increases the risk of infections.

When administering testosterone injections, you’re delivering an oil depot into the muscle tissue, where it gradually enters the bloodstream over several days or weeks, depending on the ester composition. Consequently, you may experience soreness at the injection site for a few days afterward. This soreness is a common side effect and usually resolves on its own. Massaging the muscle and applying a warm gel pack for 5-10 minutes can aid in relieving any discomfort or stiffness.

DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?

For those struggling with self-injection, Gameday Men’s Health offers in-and-out injection appointments for our TRT patients. This option is commonly chosen by newcomers to TRT, as it offers a convenient solution with our trained staff administering the injection.

Alternatively, if you prefer to administer injections at home, you can seek assistance from a friend or family member for the initial injections.

Over time, it’s beneficial to feel confident administering TRT injections on your own. Relying on someone else for injections may not always be practical, especially if you live independently or value privacy concerning your TRT.

Just breathe and relax, you got this.

WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT

It’s natural to anticipate seeing improvements after your initial TRT injection. However, it’s essential to recognize that TRT is not a quick fix but rather a long-term investment in your well-being.

Nonetheless, many TRT patients report experiencing positive changes in their health within the first month of treatment. These 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 TRT can provide numerous benefits, it’s important to acknowledge that responses to testosterone treatment can vary from person to person. While some individuals may experience rapid improvements on a small dose, others may require a larger dose and longer duration to observe therapeutic benefits. If you find that you’re not experiencing any positive changes after several months of TRT, it’s advisable to consult with your physician, as further diagnostic testing may be warranted.

TRT is tailored to each individual, and it’s not appropriate to compare your treatment with others’. The initial stages of TRT may require some trial and error, and the duration for noticing benefits varies from person to person.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT

It’s essential to discuss certain aspects of TRT that might catch many males off guard. Exogenous testosterone, being a medication, can lead to side effects akin to those of other drugs.
Upon commencing exogenous testosterone, your body may decrease its natural (endogenous) testosterone production. This adjustment is part of the negative feedback loop overseen by your pituitary gland to regulate testosterone levels.

In individuals with good health, the pituitary gland generates luteinizing hormone (LH), prompting the testes to produce testosterone to maintain appropriate levels. The pituitary’s negative feedback loop serves as a mechanism similar to a “shutdown” of your body’s internal testosterone production pathway because the necessary testosterone is supplied externally.

Naturally, your body ceases its internal production of testosterone as it receives the hormone externally.

This could lead to testicular shrinkage as a consequence of diminished LH production, resulting in decreased testosterone synthesis in the testes. Additionally, it may cause a decrease in sperm counts, potentially affecting fertility.

To address these concerns, one option is to combine TRT with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG, similar to LH produced by the pituitary gland, is typically associated with pregnancy in females but is also used off-label for weight loss. It has established benefits for male fertility and testicular size by promoting testosterone production from the testes.

TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT

Starting TRT is a pivotal choice for men. Testosterone, the body’s most potent androgen, profoundly influences masculinity in every aspect.

In terms of evolution, men historically benefited from elevated testosterone levels, crucial for fostering their “alpha male” traits essential for hunting and familial protection. Presently, individuals with higher testosterone levels are often correlated with extended lifespan, heightened vitality, and enhanced self-assurance.

Having low testosterone (T) levels naturally demands serious attention, as it indicates a deficit in the essential hormone that defines masculinity. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) stands as a life-altering regimen for many males, backed by clear-cut research evidence validating its benefits.

This guide is designed to offer you a comprehensive overview of what to expect from TRT and how to begin the journey of optimizing your testosterone levels. Stay connected with the Gameday Men’s Health Blog for additional resources and articles addressing your queries and interests in male health and well-being.

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.