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

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Testosterone levels decline with age in men, underscoring the critical need to uphold healthy levels for enhanced longevity and wellness. The extensive exploration of testosterone demonstrates its multifaceted anabolic properties within the human body.

Studies indicate that testosterone effectively suppresses amino acid oxidation and enhances the synthesis of skeletal muscle proteins.[1] In simpler terms, this implies that testosterone aids in preserving (and developing) lean muscle mass. If your gym efforts yield no noticeable results despite following a healthy diet and exercise routine, low testosterone levels could be a potential concern.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

Testosterone epitomizes masculinity in men. Hair growth, muscle mass, jawline structure, voice modulation, sexual desire, self-esteem, metabolic rate, bone density—all of these attributes are linked to testosterone in various capacities. Hence, testosterone is identified as an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS).

Much like human growth hormone (HGH), your body’s endogenous production of testosterone is influenced by a multitude of factors, which can have either positive or negative effects. These factors usually 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

If you’ve stumbled upon this article, it’s probably because you’re anxious about low testosterone levels (low T). The subsequent section will explore some of the most frequent 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 important to understand that although you may experience many (or all) of these symptoms, confirming low testosterone levels requires precise blood tests. The knowledgeable physicians at Gameday Men’s Health can help facilitate the process by organizing the appropriate lab tests and guiding you through restoring your testosterone levels to an optimal range.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRT

Should you have opted to initiate testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), you may be interested in understanding what to anticipate as you work towards reclaiming your masculinity.

The timeline for experiencing alleviation from low testosterone symptoms differs depending on the type of testosterone treatment administered. Some individuals notice a reduction in symptoms within the first month of starting TRT. However, for others, it may take longer before significant enhancements in health and well-being become evident. While several weeks or months may appear lengthy, it’s crucial to recognize that this timeframe is relatively short in the context of TRT’s enduring effectiveness in addressing health issues.

Studies suggest that the short-term benefits of TRT could involve an augmented sense of vitality, heightened libido, enhanced energy levels, improved sleep quality, and other positive adjustments.[2] Most TRT recipients find that the initial waiting period for testosterone to become effective is well justified.

What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED

To begin TRT, the first step is to reach out to Gameday Men’s Health and arrange an initial consultation. In this meeting, you’ll discuss your symptoms and gain a better understanding of TRT.

We need blood work from all potential patients. This helps us evaluate the levels of your testosterone (and potentially other related measurements). Getting blood work done before and during TRT is crucial to monitor your red blood cell counts, blood lipids, prostate-specific antigen, and other important biomarkers to ensure they are within a healthy range.

Entrusting a licensed physician to manage the beginning of TRT should provide reassurance, as they are skilled in prescribing the appropriate medication and reducing potential side effects or health issues. If your blood work indicates low testosterone levels, you’re likely eligible for TRT.

If you decide to start TRT with Gameday Men’s Health, you’ll receive a testosterone shot and learn how to self-administer future doses. Alternatively, you can visit the Gameday office for simple weekly TRT injections.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO INJECT YOURSELF

Scared of needles? No need to fret, injections are not as daunting as they may appear at first glance. We won’t sugarcoat this process, as injections can pose a challenge for many newcomers to TRT. Even those with years of experience on TRT may still feel a bit hesitant about self-injection.

In practice, the needle gauge for testosterone injections is typically very small; once you break through 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 intuitive to quickly insert the needle to minimize any discomfort, 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 feel a slight muscle twitch, but it’s usually not painful for most people; more of a reflex.)

The entire injection process usually requires less than 15 seconds. Maintaining a sterile environment is crucial. Before administering the injection, use an alcohol wipe to sanitize the injection site and refrain from reusing needles or syringes, as this greatly enhances the risk of infections.

When injecting testosterone, you’re introducing a depot of oil into muscle tissue, where it 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, rest assured that 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 help ease any soreness or stiffness at the injection site.

DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?

If self-injection proves to be problematic, Gameday Men’s Health in Lehi offers hassle-free injection appointments for our TRT patients. This is a popular option for many individuals starting TRT, as you can simply sit back and allow us to administer the injection for you.

If you opt to perform injections at home, you can also seek help from a friend or family member for the first few injections.

Ultimately, it’s to your advantage to become comfortable with self-administering TRT injections. Depending on someone else for injections might not always be convenient, particularly if you live independently or wish to keep your TRT confidential.

Just take a moment to breathe and calm your nerves—you’ve got this.

WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT

It’s understandable to feel impatient to see the benefits following your initial TRT injection. We all crave instant gratification, but as stated earlier, patience is vital. TRT isn’t a quick fix—it’s a commitment to your long-term health.

However, many TRT patients report positive changes in their health and well-being within the first 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

While there might be other benefits to TRT, it’s crucial to recognize that not everyone will respond to testosterone in the same manner. Some individuals may notice rapid benefits with a small dose, while others might require a larger dose and more time to respond. If you don’t see any improvements after several months of TRT, it’s important to consult your physician as further diagnostic testing may be necessary.

TRT is a personalized treatment, and it’s not appropriate to compare your TRT plan to someone else’s. Initially, TRT involves some trial and error, and the duration for benefits to manifest differs for each individual.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT

It’s vital to recognize some of the surprising occurrences you may undergo during TRT. Exogenous testosterone is a medication, and similar to any other medication, it can trigger specific side effects.

When you commence exogenous testosterone intake, your body will diminish its natural (endogenous) testosterone production. This is a result of the negative feedback loop overseen by your pituitary gland to regulate testosterone production.

In individuals in good health, the pituitary gland will secrete luteinizing hormone (LH), signaling the testes to produce testosterone and maintain levels within the appropriate range. The pituitary’s negative feedback loop functions similarly to a “shutdown” mechanism for your body’s internal testosterone production pathway, as you’re obtaining all the necessary testosterone from an external source.

Naturally, your body doesn’t need to produce testosterone since it’s essentially being supplied with the hormone.

As a consequence, your testicles may shrink in size due to diminished LH production (leading to decreased testosterone synthesis in the testes). You may also experience a reduction in sperm counts, which could be problematic if you’re trying to conceive.

Various approaches exist to tackle these concerns; one approach is to include human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your TRT protocol. HCG, an analogue of the LH produced by the pituitary gland, is typically synthesized in females by the placenta during pregnancy. While it’s often utilized “off-label” as a weight loss aid, it also offers documented benefits for enhancing fertility and testicle size in males by promoting testosterone production from the testes, similar to LH.

TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT

Opting for TRT is a significant choice for any man. Testosterone, the most powerful androgen produced by your body, influences your masculinity in all aspects.

Evolutionarily, men required elevated testosterone levels to fuel their ‘alpha male’ instincts for hunting and safeguarding their families. In contemporary society, individuals with higher testosterone levels are documented to lead longer lives, possess greater vitality, and radiate more confidence.

Naturally, having low T is a serious issue as it implies a shortage of the fundamental substance that defines your masculinity. TRT stands as a life-changing protocol for numerous males, supported by unambiguous research affirming its benefits.

This guide aims to give you a clearer picture of what to anticipate while undergoing TRT and how to kickstart the journey of restoring your testosterone levels. Stay tuned to the Gameday Men’s Health Blog for upcoming articles that will address all your inquiries and concerns related to male health and fitness!

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.