A Man’s Guide To TRT In Mission Valley:
Everything You Need To Know
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Research shows that testosterone significantly inhibits amino acid oxidation and increases muscle protein synthesis, aiding in maintaining and building lean muscle. If your gym results are lacking despite a proper diet and exercise plan, low testosterone might be why.
This is only the initial point…
Testosterone is responsible for many male traits, including hair growth, muscle size, jawline shape, voice pitch, libido, confidence, metabolism, and bone density. It is characterized as an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS).
Similar to HGH, a wide range of factors can affect your body’s natural production of testosterone in either a positive or negative way. These factors usually include:
Positive regulators (these generally increase testosterone)
- Good sleep
- Maintaining a lean physique
- Intense physical activity, notably resistance training
- Temporary abstinence (up to 10 days)
Negative regulators (these typically decrease testosterone)
- Excessive body weight
- Insulin-resistant Type 2 diabetes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- A diet that limits fats (fats are important for making androgens)
- Xenobiotics
- Inadequate sleep
- Continuous stress
- Physical inactivity
- Long-term cardio workouts
SYMPTOMS OF LOW T (TESTOSTERONE)
- Impotence (also called erectile dysfunction)
- Diminished sexual desire (libido)
- Less energy (fatigue)
- Diminished muscle bulk and strength
- Diagnosed depression
- Reduced size of testes
- Difficulty concentrating (brain fog) and remembering
- Reduced RBC count (anemia)
- Fragile bones and reduced strength
- Periodic hot flashes
- Infertility
- Increase in adipose tissue
- Thinning of body and pubic hair
- Conditions such as sleep apnea
- Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRT In Mission Valley
With various methods of testosterone treatment, many men find relief from low testosterone symptoms within a month of starting TRT. But for others, it may take longer to see improvements in health and well-being. Although several weeks or months may seem lengthy, it’s quite quick in the larger context. Keep in mind that TRT offers a long-term solution to a persistent health concern.
Studies show that the short-term benefits of TRT may include feeling more energetic, having a heightened libido, experiencing increased vitality, enjoying better sleep, and other positive outcomes. The majority of TRT patients believe that waiting for testosterone to kick in is worth it.
What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED
We mandate blood work for all potential patients. This helps us assess your testosterone levels (and potentially other relevant metrics). 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 pertinent biomarkers and ensure they are within healthy levels.
Having a licensed physician supervise the start of TRT should instill confidence, as they are trained to prescribe the correct medication and minimize potential side effects or health complications. If your blood work shows low testosterone levels, you’re likely suitable for TRT.
If you choose to begin TRT with Gameday Men’s Health, you’ll receive a testosterone shot and receive guidance on self-administering future doses. Alternatively, you can opt for weekly TRT injections at the Gameday office for ease.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO INJECT YOURSELF
In practice, the needle used for injecting testosterone is very thin in gauge; after piercing the skin, the needle will move easily into your muscle tissue with little sensation. It’s advisable to take deep breaths and remain steady when inserting the needle.
You might assume that jabbing the needle quickly will minimize sensation, but it’s not a very controlled method. Hold the syringe firmly, take a deep breath, and gently insert the needle into your skin. The needle will smoothly enter your muscle, and then you can press the plunger to release the testosterone. (You might feel a slight muscle twitch, but it’s usually not painful, more like a reflex.)
The injection process usually takes no more than 15 seconds. Always maintain sterility. Before disinfecting the skin, wipe the injection site with an alcohol wipe, and never reuse needles or syringes to minimize the risk of infections.
Injecting testosterone involves depositing an oil depot into muscle tissue, and gradually releasing it into the bloodstream (for days or weeks, depending on the ester). Consequently, you might experience soreness at the injection site for a few days afterward. This is a normal occurrence that usually resolves on its own. Massaging the muscle and applying a warm gel pack for 5-10 minutes can help relieve any discomfort.
DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?
If you opt to administer the injections at home, you can also enlist the support of a friend or family member for the initial injections.
In the long term, it’s advantageous for you to become proficient at self-administering TRT injections. Counting on others for injections may not always be possible, especially if you live alone or value discretion regarding your TRT.
Relax and take a breath, you’re more than capable of handling this situation.
WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT
Despite this, many TRT patients notice positive changes in their health and well-being within the initial month of starting therapy. Some short-term benefits may include:
- Boost in libido or sex drive
- Improvement in erectile performance
- Rise in energy levels and attention
- Enhanced feeling of vitality
- Better quality of sleep cycles
- Enhanced ability to recuperate after exercise
- Boosted confidence levels
- Aid in fostering a healthy body structure
- Development of facial hair follicles
- Betterment of bone density and joint function
- Enhanced capability for red blood cell synthesis
TRT is an individualized treatment, so it’s not suitable to compare your regimen with others’. It typically requires some trial and error at the start, and the timeframe for experiencing benefits varies from person to person.
THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT
Starting exogenous testosterone usage can lead to a reduction in your body’s natural (endogenous) testosterone production. This is due to the negative feedback loop controlled by your pituitary gland to regulate testosterone production.
In healthy individuals, the pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone (LH), which directs the testes to produce testosterone, maintaining levels within an appropriate range. The pituitary’s negative feedback loop functions akin to a “shutdown” mechanism for your body’s internal testosterone production, as all required testosterone is obtained externally.
Your body stops making testosterone naturally because it’s being supplied externally. This can result in your testicles shrinking since less LH is produced (leading to reduced testosterone production in the testes). You might also have lower sperm counts, which could affect your ability to conceive.
Ways to tackle these concerns involve using human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) alongside TRT. HCG, akin to LH produced by the pituitary gland, is typically produced in females during pregnancy. Although commonly used off-label for weight loss, HCG also has documented benefits for enhancing fertility and increasing testicle size in males by promoting testosterone production in the testes, like LH.
TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT
From an evolutionary perspective, men evolved with heightened testosterone levels to support their primal instincts for hunting and protecting their families. In today’s world, individuals with elevated testosterone levels tend to live longer, enjoy more vitality, and display increased confidence.
Naturally, having low T is a matter of concern as it implies a deficiency in the hormone crucial for masculine traits. TRT emerges as a life-altering treatment for numerous males, supported by unequivocal research findings.
Hopefully, this guide has offered you a comprehensive understanding of what to anticipate during TRT and how to kickstart the process of bringing your testosterone levels back to a healthy balance. Keep an eye on the Gameday Men’s Health Blog for further posts tackling your inquiries and concerns regarding male health and wellness!
REFERENCES
- 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.
- 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.
- Dohle, G. R., Smit, M., & Weber, R. F. A. (2003). Androgens and male fertility. World journal of urology, 21(5), 341-345.
- 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.