Is TRT Safe? Why More Men Are Taking Testosterone

Low testosterone (known colloquially as “Low T”) in men has become quite an epidemic. Countless men across America – and the rest of the world – are being prescribed testosterone (either as an injection, gel, or skin patch) to restore their health and vitality. While the advantages and benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are promising, is TRT safe for men?

Read on as this article details the nature of low T, why more men are being prescribed TRT and the safety concerns of TRT you should know about. You can learn about Low T on our page here or sign up for a free consultation on our TRT San Diego page.

WHAT IS LOW T AND WHAT CAUSES IT?

Testosterone is what makes a man, a man. It’s the primary androgenic steroid in humans, meaning it promotes the development of male sexual characteristics. Testosterone also plays a myriad of other physiological roles due to its anabolic properties.

Without adequate testosterone, even seemingly simple daily activities can become quite a chore. No man likes the feeling of crawling out of bed and having no energy or motivation to be productive. Sure, an occasional “lazy day” can serve as a nice respite from the daily grind, but when that becomes routine, something is off.

INDICATIONS OF LOW T (TESTOSTERONE)

In past decades, males were less educated about testosterone. Many were not aware that low T could be the underlying cause of their debilitating symptoms.

Due to recent advances in our understanding of low T and its prevalence, endocrinologists and pharmaceutical companies alike have been more proactive about direct-to-consumer marketing. Men are becoming more aware that they should have their testosterone levels checked if they are experiencing specific symptoms. Having testosterone levels checked is pertinent for men over 30, as research suggests that testosterone levels start to decline right around this age.

But what exactly are the symptoms and signs that you might have low T?

Here’s an abridged list of what a man may experience from low T:

For example, depression is a symptom of some mental disorders. If you were to treat a mental disorder with TRT, the results won’t be favorable.

If you’re experiencing low T symptoms, contact Gameday Men’s Health today. One of our licensed physicians can order the proper lab work for you. We will guide you through the process of restoring your testosterone to healthy levels if you have low T.

IS LOW T ON THE RISE?

It’s also postulated that exposure to man-made toxins, like xenoestrogens found in various personal care products and environmental contaminants, may disrupt the human endocrine system.

Of course, we can’t rule out the fact that men these days are just more proactive about their health, as well as being more knowledgeable about how important testosterone is for their well-being. This is primarily due to an increase in male health clinics across the country and the uprise of social media – allowing doctors and pharmaceutical companies to connect with consumers in a more personable manner than ever before.

The issue of low T has ostensibly been an epidemic for quite some time; we are now just more proactive about treating it.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS OF TRT?

Men with low T often have reservations about taking testosterone. Is TRT safe in the long run? What are the potential health risks of TRT? Let’s take a more in-depth look at these pressing concerns.

A relatively small number of males who start TRT will experience some initial side effects of testosterone use, such as oily skin, acne, breast swelling or inflammation, and night sweats. These tend to subside as TRT progresses.

For older men who are on long-lasting TRT, there appears to be at a slightly greater risk of metabolic issues, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Routine blood testing and medication adjustments can help avoid these issues.. Gameday specialists require periodic lab work with TRT patients to ensure metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers are in-check, thereby reducing any potential health risks.

Ironically, the health risks of neglecting to treat low T are arguably more life-threatening than TRT itself. Longitudinal data suggests that males with lower testosterone generally have a shorter lifespan (i.e., are at a higher risk of all-cause mortality) than those with testosterone levels in the healthy range.

Due to advances in hormone replacement therapy and medications – like the bioidentical hormones prescribed by physicians at Gameday Men’s Health – many men find that the advantages of TRT far outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Ultimately, TRT should be a mutual decision made with your physician. Be wary of doctors and specialists who are quick to prescribe you TRT without first confirming the diagnosis through proper blood testing (and possibly medical imaging, if necessary).

At Gameday Men’s Health, each patient undergoes testing for Low T before being given a comprehensive consultation with a medical provider.

Additionally, Gameday always measure PSA levels and hematocrit before prescribing TRT. If your PSA is below 4.0, you can safely begin TRT. If your hematocrit is above 50, you will need to donate blood first before beginning TRT (this is to ensure safety and long-term success).

We are not just out to make a quick buck by taking advantage of males who don’t feel well. TRT is a significant life decision. Gameday physicians treat it as such by making it as safe and effective as possible.

IS TRT SAFE FOR YOU?

All in all, TRT will be much safer for you if you have accurate assessments for low T performed and are under the care of a knowledgeable licensed physician, such as the specialists at Gameday Men’s Health.