A Man’s Guide To TRT In North Overland Park:
Everything You Need To Know

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As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline, making it crucial to uphold healthy levels for prolonged well-being and vitality. Extensive research into testosterone underscores its significance, revealing its numerous anabolic properties within the human body.

As an illustration, research indicates that testosterone significantly reduces amino acid oxidation and elevates the synthesis of skeletal muscle proteins.[1] Simply put, this implies that testosterone aids in the preservation (and enhancement) of lean muscle mass. If you’re experiencing a lack of progress in your fitness journey despite following a well-rounded diet and exercise routine, low testosterone levels could be a potential explanation.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

Testosterone is the fundamental essence of masculinity in men. Whether it’s hair growth, muscle development, jawline definition, vocal pitch, sexual desire, self-assurance, metabolic rate, or bone strength, testosterone plays a role in all these aspects. Consequently, testosterone is recognized as an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS).

Much like human growth hormone (HGH), numerous factors influence your body’s natural production of testosterone, either enhancing it or inhibiting it. 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 probably came across this article because you’re worried about low testosterone levels (low T). The following section will outline some of the most prevalent 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 many (or all) of these symptoms, confirming low testosterone levels requires proper blood tests. A qualified physician at Gameday Men’s Health in North Overland Park can assist in ordering the necessary lab tests and navigating the journey to restore your testosterone levels to a healthy state.

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 reclaiming your masculinity.

The timeframe for experiencing improvements in low testosterone symptoms varies depending on the form of testosterone administered. Some men observe a reduction in symptoms within just one month of starting TRT. However, for others, it may take longer before noticeable enhancements in health and well-being occur. While several weeks or months may seem lengthy, it’s important to recognize that this timeframe is relatively swift in the context of long-term health solutions provided by TRT.

Studies indicate that the immediate advantages of TRT may encompass an improved sense of vigor, heightened libido, boosted energy levels, better sleep quality, and various other positive alterations.[2] The overwhelming majority of TRT recipients discover that the initial waiting period for testosterone to take effect is highly rewarding.

What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED

The primary step in beginning TRT is to reach out to Gameday Men’s Health in North Overland Park and arrange an initial consultation. At this appointment, you’ll discuss your symptoms and gain insight into the functions of TRT.

We mandate blood work for all potential patients. This enables us to evaluate the quantitative levels of your testosterone (and potentially other related tests). It’s crucial to undergo blood work both before and during TRT to monitor your red blood cell counts, blood lipids, prostate-specific antigen, and other pertinent biomarkers to ensure they remain within healthy parameters.

Allowing a licensed physician to oversee the commencement of TRT should offer peace of mind, as they have the expertise to prescribe medication accurately and mitigate any potential side effects or health issues. If your blood tests reveal low testosterone levels, you are likely to qualify for TRT.

Should you proceed with starting TRT at Gameday Men’s Health in North Overland Park, you’ll receive a testosterone injection and receive guidance on self-administering future doses. Alternatively, you can visit the Gameday office for easy weekly TRT injections.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO INJECT YOURSELF

Fearful of needles? Fear not, injections are not as terrifying as they might initially appear. We won’t downplay this process, as injections can indeed be daunting for many TRT newcomers. Even individuals with years of TRT experience may still feel some unease when it comes to self-injection.

In practice, the needle gauge for testosterone injections is typically quite small; once you break through the skin, the needle slides easily 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 instinctive to insert the needle quickly 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 complete injection procedure typically lasts no longer than 15 seconds. Always ensure a sterile environment. Beforehand, use an alcohol wipe to disinfect the injection site and avoid reusing needles or syringes, as this significantly raises the risk of infections.

Injecting testosterone involves depositing an oil depot into muscle tissue, from where it slowly enters the bloodstream (over several days or weeks, depending on the ester). Consequently, you may encounter soreness at the injection site for a few days afterward. Nevertheless, rest assured that this is entirely normal and usually diminishes on its own. Massaging the muscle and applying a warm gel pack for 5-10 minutes can also aid in relieving any soreness or stiffness at the injection site.

DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?

If self-injection is challenging for you, Gameday Men’s Health in North Overland Park provides quick injection appointments for our TRT patients. This is a popular choice for many new to TRT, as you can simply relax and allow us to administer the injection for you.

Should you choose to conduct injections at home, you can also request assistance from a friend or family member for the initial injections.

Ultimately, it’s advantageous for you to become adept at self-administering TRT injections. It may not always be feasible to rely on someone else for injections, especially if you live independently or prefer to keep your TRT private.

Just take a deep breath and relax—you can handle this.

WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT

It’s natural to feel eager to experience the benefits after your initial TRT injection. We all desire immediate results, but as mentioned earlier, patience is necessary. TRT isn’t a quick fix—it’s a commitment to long-term health.

However, many TRT patients observe 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 there could be additional advantages to TRT, it’s crucial to acknowledge that individual responses to testosterone vary. Some men may experience rapid benefits even on a low dose, while others might require a higher dose and more time to respond. If you don’t notice any improvements after several months of TRT, it’s important to consult your physician as further diagnostic testing may be required.

TRT is a personalized approach, and it’s not suitable to compare your TRT plan with others’. Initially, TRT requires some trial and error, and the period for benefits to manifest differs for each individual.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT

It’s important to mention some of the unexpected experiences you may encounter on TRT. Exogenous testosterone is a medication and, like any other drug, it can cause certain side effects.

Upon beginning exogenous testosterone intake, your body will reduce its natural (endogenous) production of testosterone. This occurs because of the negative feedback loop managed by your pituitary gland to control testosterone production.

In individuals with good health, the pituitary gland will generate luteinizing hormone (LH) and prompt the testes to produce testosterone to maintain levels within the appropriate range. The pituitary’s negative feedback loop acts akin 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 no longer needs to produce testosterone since it’s essentially being supplied with the hormone.

Consequently, your testicles may shrink in size as less LH is produced (resulting in decreased testosterone synthesis in the testes). You may also observe a decline in sperm counts, which could pose a challenge if you’re attempting to conceive.

There are strategies to address these issues; one option is to incorporate human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) into your TRT regimen. HCG, which mimics the LH produced by the pituitary gland, is naturally produced in females by the placenta during pregnancy. While it’s commonly used “off-label” as a weight loss aid, it also provides documented benefits for enhancing fertility and testicle size in males by stimulating testosterone production from the testes, similar to LH.

TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT

Choosing TRT is a significant decision for any man. Testosterone, the most potent androgen naturally produced by your body, plays a pivotal role in defining your masculinity.

From an evolutionary perspective, men required heightened testosterone levels to drive their ‘alpha male’ instincts for hunting and safeguarding their families. In today’s society, individuals with higher testosterone levels are observed to have longer lifespans, exhibit increased vitality, and exude greater confidence.

Naturally, low T warrants serious attention as it signifies a deficiency in the core substance that defines your masculinity. TRT stands as a transformative protocol for numerous males, supported by unequivocal research demonstrating its benefits.

This guide aims to provide you with a clearer understanding of what to anticipate on TRT and how to initiate the process of restoring your testosterone levels to a healthy range. Stay tuned to the Gameday Men’s Health Blog for forthcoming articles addressing your inquiries and concerns regarding 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.