A Man’s Guide To TRT In Newport Beach:
Everything You Need To Know
GET STARTED NOW
With age, men in Newport Beach experience a natural decline in testosterone levels, underscoring the importance of sustaining optimal testosterone levels for overall health and vitality. The extensive research on testosterone underscores its pivotal role as a steroid hormone with numerous anabolic effects in the human body.
For example, scientific research shows that testosterone significantly inhibits amino acid oxidation and promotes skeletal muscle protein synthesis.[1] In simpler terms, this means testosterone assists in maintaining (and even building) lean body mass. If you’re not seeing progress in your workouts despite maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, low testosterone levels may be a factor to consider.
And that’s merely scratching the surface…
Testosterone is undeniably the essence of masculinity for men. From promoting hair growth to sculpting muscular size, determining jawline shape, influencing voice pitch, fueling libido, boosting confidence, regulating metabolism, and fortifying bone density, testosterone reigns supreme in defining masculine attributes. Consequently, it’s classified as an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS).
Much like human growth hormone (HGH), numerous factors influence your body’s natural production of testosterone, either positively or negatively. These factors commonly 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 may have found this article because you are concerned about low testosterone. The next section will discuss common symptoms of low T.
SYMPTOMS OF LOW T (TESTOSTERONE)
The following list outlines the most prevalent signs and symptoms that are typically observed in individuals with low testosterone levels:
- 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)
Remember, although you might experience various symptoms listed here, it’s crucial to verify low T through accurate blood tests. Seek assistance from a qualified doctor at Gameday Men’s Health in Newport Beach to arrange the necessary lab examinations and navigate the journey toward revitalizing your testosterone levels.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRT In Newport Beach
If you’ve decided to begin testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in Newport Beach, you might be curious about the journey to reclaim your “manhood.”
The timeline for experiencing a reduction in low testosterone symptoms can vary based on the form of testosterone used. Many men notice changes within the first month of TRT, while for others, it may take longer to see improvements in health and well-being. Although several weeks or months might seem like a long duration, in reality, it’s a relatively short period. It’s essential to understand that TRT addresses a long-term health issue with a long-term solution.
Research indicates that the initial benefits of TRT can include increased vitality, a higher libido, enhanced energy levels, improved sleep quality, and other positive effects. Most TRT patients find the wait for testosterone to take effect to be worthwhile.
What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED
The first step in beginning TRT is to reach out to Gameday Men’s Health in Newport Beach and set up an initial consultation. During this appointment, you’ll describe your symptoms and learn more about how TRT works.
All prospective patients need to undergo blood work. This helps us evaluate your testosterone levels and possibly other related markers. It’s crucial to perform blood tests before and during TRT to ensure that your red blood cell counts, blood lipids, prostate-specific antigen, and other important biomarkers remain within a healthy range.
Having a licensed physician in Newport Beach manage your TRT process should provide reassurance, as they are trained to administer treatment and minimize potential side effects and health risks. If your blood work shows suboptimal testosterone levels, you will likely be deemed a suitable candidate for TRT.
If you decide to proceed with TRT at Gameday Men’s Health, you’ll receive a testosterone injection and be instructed on how to administer future doses yourself. Alternatively, you can visit the Gameday office for quick and easy weekly TRT injections.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO INJECT YOURSELF
Afraid of needles? Don’t worry, injections are not as terrifying as they may initially seem. We’re not trying to downplay the process, as injections can certainly be challenging for many beginners on TRT. Even those who have been on TRT for years can feel a bit apprehensive when it’s time for their injection.
In truth, the needle used for injecting testosterone is quite small; once you get past the initial puncture of the skin, it will glide smoothly into the muscle tissue with minimal sensation. The best approach is to take deep breaths and be steady when inserting the needle.
You might think that jabbing the needle in quickly will bypass any discomfort, but that’s not a very controlled method. Use a firm grip on the syringe barrel, breathe deeply, and penetrate your skin firmly. The needle will glide into the muscle, and you can then apply pressure to the plunger to dispense the testosterone. Your muscle might twitch slightly, but it’s typically not painful, more of a reflex.
The entire injection process usually takes no more than 15 seconds. Always maintain a sterile environment by wiping the injection site with an alcohol wipe beforehand and never reusing needles or syringes to avoid infections.
When you inject testosterone, you deposit oil into muscle tissue that is slowly released into the bloodstream over several days or weeks, depending on the ester. You might experience some soreness at the injection site for a few days afterward, but this is normal and subsides on its own. Massaging the muscle and applying a warm gel pack for 5-10 minutes can help alleviate any soreness or stiffness.
DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?
For those hesitant about self-injecting, Gameday Men’s Health in Newport Beach presents a convenient solution: in-and-out injection appointments tailored for our TRT patients. This hassle-free option is particularly popular among newcomers to TRT, as you simply relax and let our experts administer the injection for you.
Moreover, if you’re more comfortable with assistance, you’re welcome to enlist the support of a friend or family member for the initial injections, especially if you opt to administer them in the comfort of your own home.
Over time, it’s beneficial to become adept at self-administering TRT injections. Relying on others for injections isn’t always feasible, particularly if you live independently or value the privacy of your TRT journey.
Take a deep breath, relax, and trust yourself—you can handle this.
WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT
Naturally, it’s understandable to be eager for immediate results after your first TRT injection. We all wish for instant gratification, but as mentioned earlier, patience is key. TRT isn’t a quick fix—it’s a commitment to long-term health.
However, many TRT patients do experience positive changes in their health and well-being within the first month of starting 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 TRT may offer various potential benefits, it’s crucial to recognize that everyone responds differently to testosterone. Some individuals may notice positive changes swiftly, even with a small dosage, whereas others may require a larger dose or more time to experience therapeutic effects. If you’re not seeing any improvements after several months of TRT, consulting your physician is essential. Additional diagnostic tests may be necessary to understand why.
TRT is a personalized treatment, and comparing your experience to others’ isn’t productive. It often involves some trial and error initially, and the timeline for experiencing benefits varies for each person.
THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT
It’s crucial to highlight some things you might not anticipate with TRT. Exogenous testosterone, like any medication, can induce side effects.
When you start TRT, your body will lower its natural testosterone production. This reduction happens because the pituitary gland’s negative feedback loop manages hormone levels.
Typically, the pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone (LH) to stimulate the testes to produce testosterone. With exogenous testosterone, this loop “shuts down” your body’s internal production as the external source provides the necessary testosterone.
Naturally, your body doesn’t need to produce testosterone since it’s essentially being ‘fed’ with the hormone.
As a consequence, your testicles can shrink in size due to decreased LH production, leading to reduced testosterone synthesis in the testes. You might also see a drop in sperm counts, which can be problematic if you’re trying to have children.
There are ways to mitigate these issues; one such method is to use human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in conjunction with TRT. HCG, an analog of the LH produced by your pituitary gland, is normally made in females by the placenta during pregnancy. It’s often used “off-label” for weight loss but has documented benefits for enhancing fertility and testicle size in males by promoting testosterone production from the testes, much like LH.
TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT In Newport Beach
TRT is a significant decision in a man’s life. Testosterone is the most potent androgen your body produces, influencing every aspect of your masculinity.
From an evolutionary standpoint, men needed higher testosterone levels to fuel their ‘alpha male’ drive for hunting and protecting their families. In contemporary society, men with higher testosterone levels are often shown to live longer, have more vitality, and exude greater confidence.
Naturally, having low T is something to be taken seriously as it means you’re deficient in the very hormone that makes you a man. TRT is a life-changing protocol for many men, with clear research backing its benefits.
Hopefully, this guide has given you a better understanding of what to expect on TRT in Newport Beach and how to start the process of restoring your testosterone levels to a healthy range. Keep an eye on the Gameday Men’s Health Blog for future posts addressing all your questions and concerns about 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.