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

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As men age, maintaining healthy testosterone levels becomes increasingly crucial for promoting longevity and overall health. The extensive research into testosterone is driven by its diverse anabolic properties, which contribute to various physiological functions in the human body.

Studies have shown that testosterone efficiently reduces amino acid oxidation and elevates skeletal muscle protein synthesis.[1] In simpler terms, testosterone aids in the preservation and enhancement of lean body mass. If you’re experiencing stagnant progress in your fitness journey despite maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, low testosterone levels may be a factor worth considering.

And that’s just the beginning…

Testosterone is crucial for masculine characteristics such as hair growth, muscle development, voice modulation, and libido. Classified as an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS), it’s central to various physiological functions in men.

Just as with human growth hormone (HGH), several factors can influence your body’s natural production of testosterone, either positively or negatively. These factors usually 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

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re concerned about low testosterone (low T). In the upcoming section, we’ll discuss some of the most common symptoms related to 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 vital to acknowledge that while you may experience several or all of these symptoms, confirming low testosterone (low T) mandates proper blood work. A competent physician at Gameday Men’s Health in Northpointe can organize the requisite lab tests and assist you in returning your testosterone levels to a healthy state.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRT

If you’ve decided to embark on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), you might be curious about what lies ahead as you restore your “manhood.”

Depending on the type of testosterone administered, numerous men find relief from low T symptoms within just one month of commencing TRT. Although some individuals may notice enhancements in their health and well-being sooner, for others, it might take a bit more time. While several weeks or months may seem lengthy, it’s relatively short in the grand scheme of things. Remember, TRT offers a long-term solution for an enduring health condition.

Studies indicate that the short-term benefits of TRT may include a heightened sense of vitality, increased libido, enhanced energy levels, improved sleep quality, and other positive transformations.[2] The vast majority of TRT recipients consider the initial waiting period for testosterone to become effective as well justified.

What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED

Starting TRT involves contacting Gameday Men’s Health in Northpointe to schedule your initial consultation. At this appointment, you’ll provide details about your symptoms and receive an overview of TRT.

Blood work is necessary for all prospective patients. This helps us analyze your testosterone levels and other pertinent factors. It’s vital to conduct blood tests before and during TRT to monitor red blood cell counts, blood lipids, prostate-specific antigen, and other key biomarkers.

Under the supervision of a licensed physician, starting TRT should offer peace of mind as they are equipped to administer medication safely and minimize side effects/health risks. If blood work indicates inadequate testosterone levels, you may be a suitable candidate for TRT.

Choosing to initiate TRT with Gameday Men’s Health in Northpointe entails receiving a testosterone injection and instruction on self-administration for future doses. Alternatively, you can receive weekly TRT injections at the Gameday office.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO INJECT YOURSELF

Nervous about needles? Don’t be. Injections are not as frightening as they might initially seem. We recognize that injections can be a significant obstacle for many TRT beginners, even for those with years of experience. However, it’s important to know that the process becomes easier with practice.

In practice, the needle used for injecting testosterone is relatively small in gauge. Once you surpass the initial skin puncture, the needle typically glides smoothly into the muscle tissue with minimal sensation. It’s advisable to maintain deep breaths and steady hands when inserting the needle.

While it may seem intuitive to insert the needle quickly to minimize sensation, this approach lacks control. Ensure a firm grip on the syringe barrel, take a breath, and gently penetrate the skin. The needle should smoothly enter the muscle. Apply pressure to the plunger to dispense the testosterone. While your muscle may twitch slightly, it’s generally not a painful sensation for most individuals; rather, it’s more of a reflex.

The entire injection process usually takes no longer than 15 seconds. It’s essential to uphold a sterile environment throughout. Before administering the injection, use an alcohol wipe to disinfect the injection site. Avoid reusing needles or syringes, as this significantly elevates the risk of infections.

When administering testosterone injections, you’re injecting a depot of oil into muscle tissue, from where it slowly enters the bloodstream (over several days or weeks, depending on the ester). Consequently, you may experience soreness at the injection site for a few days afterward. However, this is a common occurrence and usually resolves on its own. Massaging the muscle and applying a warm gel pack for 5-10 minutes can help alleviate any discomfort or stiffness at the injection site.

DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?

If self-injection proves challenging, Gameday Men’s Health offers in-and-out injection appointments to our TRT patients. This option is commonly chosen by those new to TRT, as it provides the convenience of having the injection administered by our team.

If you opt to administer injections at home, consider asking a friend or family member to assist with the first few injections.

Over time, it’s wise to become skilled at administering TRT injections independently. Relying on others for injections may present logistical challenges, especially if privacy or living circumstances are factors.

Remember to breathe and relax; you’ve got this.

WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT

It’s normal to anticipate seeing results soon after your first TRT injection. However, patience is vital, as TRT is a long-term investment in your health.

Despite this, many patients notice positive changes within the first month, such as:

• 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

Although TRT offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge that responses to testosterone vary. Some individuals may experience rapid improvements on a low dose, while others may require higher doses and additional time to observe changes. If you don’t see any benefits after several months, consult your physician for further assessment.

Remember, TRT is tailored to each person, and comparing treatments isn’t advisable. It often involves trial and error, and the timeframe for results varies for each individual.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT

It’s crucial to address potential experiences on TRT that may not be immediately apparent. Exogenous testosterone, akin to other medications, can result in side effects. One significant effect is the suppression of your body’s natural testosterone production.

This occurs as exogenous testosterone signals your pituitary gland to decrease its testosterone output, initiating a negative feedback loop.

In healthy individuals, the pituitary gland produces luteinizing hormone (LH), stimulating the testes to produce testosterone for maintaining optimal levels. The pituitary’s negative feedback loop serves as a “shutdown” mechanism, as external testosterone adequately fulfills the body’s needs.

External testosterone supplementation reduces the body’s reliance on endogenous testosterone production.

As a result, decreased LH levels lead to potential testicular shrinkage and reduced testosterone synthesis. Moreover, diminished sperm counts may affect fertility.

To tackle these challenges, one approach is to incorporate human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) alongside TRT. HCG, resembling LH produced by the pituitary gland, occurs naturally during pregnancy in females. While commonly used off-label for weight loss, HCG also offers documented benefits for enhancing male fertility and testicular size. It achieves this by promoting testosterone production from the testes, similar to the action of LH.

TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT

Choosing TRT constitutes a significant decision for men. Testosterone, the body’s most potent androgen, profoundly influences masculinity.

Across evolutionary history, heightened testosterone levels were essential for fostering the ‘alpha male’ drive crucial for hunting and protecting family. In modern society, individuals with elevated testosterone levels frequently demonstrate increased vitality, longevity, and confidence.

Recognizing the significance of low T is paramount, as it signifies a deficiency in the fundamental essence of masculinity. TRT serves as a life-altering solution for numerous males, with well-established research supporting its efficacy.

This guide aims to equip you with a better understanding of what to expect from 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 future posts addressing your queries and concerns regarding male health and wellness!

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.