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

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As men age, their testosterone levels decline, so it’s important to keep levels healthy for long-term health and vitality. Research highlights the multiple anabolic effects of this key hormone.

Research shows that testosterone inhibits amino acid oxidation and promotes skeletal muscle protein synthesis. In simple terms, testosterone helps maintain and build lean muscle mass. If you’re not seeing results in the gym despite a proper diet and exercise routine, you might have low testosterone.

And that’s just the beginning of the advantages…

Testosterone is what fundamentally makes a man masculine. It affects hair growth, muscle mass, jawline shape, voice pitch, libido, confidence, metabolism, and bone density. Consequently, testosterone is classified as an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS).

Just as HGH is affected by different factors, your natural testosterone production can also be influenced positively or negatively by a variety of elements. These typically include:

Positive regulators (these generally increase testosterone)

• Restful sleep
• Sustaining a lean physique
• High-intensity fitness training, focusing on resistance exercises
• Intermittent abstinence intervals (up to 10 days)

Negative regulators (these typically decrease testosterone)

• Excessive adiposity
• Type II diabetes, particularly related to insulin resistance
• Alcohol intake beyond moderation
• Severely low-fat eating plan (fat is crucial for synthesizing androgens)
• Xenobiotics
• Sleep deficit
• Recurring stress
• Insufficient physical activity
• Lengthy cardiovascular sessions

You’ve likely landed on this article because you’re concerned about low testosterone (low T). The upcoming section will detail common signs of low T.

SYMPTOMS OF LOW T (TESTOSTERONE)

The following list outlines the most common signs and symptoms of low testosterone (low T):

• Erectile issues
• Lowered libido levels
• Decreased stamina levels
• Decrease in muscular bulk and strength
• Feelings of despondency
• Shrunken testes
• Reduced cognitive focus (brain fog) and memory function
• Decrease in red blood cell levels (anemia)
• Brittle bones and a general lack of stamina
• Sudden warmth occurrences
• Infertility
• Growth in body fat
• Decline in body and pubic hair quantity
• Breathing interruptions during sleep or other sleep-related concerns
• Enlargement of male bust area (gynecomastia)

A healthcare professional can guide you through confirming low T with appropriate blood tests. At Gameday Men’s Health in O’Fallon, a qualified physician can assist in ordering necessary lab tests and supporting you in restoring your testosterone to optimal levels.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRT In O’FALLON

If you’ve decided to begin testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), you may be curious about what to anticipate as you work towards reclaiming your masculinity.

Different testosterone types can alleviate low T symptoms in just one month of TRT for many men. However, some may need more time to feel better. While it may seem like weeks or months is a long wait, in the bigger picture, it’s relatively short. It’s important to understand that TRT is a lasting fix for a long-term health issue.

Studies indicate that TRT’s short-term perks may involve improved vitality, higher libido, increased energy, better sleep, and other positive shifts. Most TRT recipients feel that waiting for testosterone to take effect initially is worthwhile.

What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED

To begin TRT, your first step is to reach out to Gameday Men’s Health and set up an initial meeting. In this appointment, you’ll discuss your symptoms and get an understanding of how TRT works.

We ask for blood work from every potential patient. This helps us check your testosterone levels and other related factors. It’s crucial to have blood tests before and during TRT to monitor important markers like red blood cell counts and prostate-specific antigens.

When a licensed physician guides you through starting TRT, it can ease your concerns. They’re trained to prescribe medication safely and reduce any side effects. If your blood tests show low testosterone levels, you’re likely eligible for TRT.

If you decide to start TRT with Gameday Men’s Health, you’ll receive a testosterone shot and learn how to inject yourself for future doses. Alternatively, you can visit the Gameday office for convenient weekly TRT injections.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO INJECT YOURSELF

Worried about needles? Don’t be. Injections may seem intimidating at first, but they are manageable. While injections can be challenging for TRT beginners, even long-time TRT patients sometimes feel a bit nervous about injecting themselves.

The needle used for testosterone injections is quite small. After the initial puncture, it glides smoothly into the muscle with minimal sensation. It’s best to take deep breaths and remain steady while inserting the needle.

Intuitively, you might think that jabbing the needle in quickly will avoid any sensation, but this approach lacks control. Instead, hold the syringe firmly, take a deep breath, and penetrate your skin steadily. The needle will glide smoothly into your muscle, then apply pressure to the plunger to dispense the testosterone. You might experience a slight muscle twitch, which is more of a reflex than a painful sensation.

The entire injection process usually takes no more than 15 seconds. Always ensure a sterile environment. Disinfect the injection site with an alcohol wipe before injecting and never reuse needles or syringes to minimize the risk of infections.

Injecting testosterone deposits oil into muscle tissue, which gradually enters the bloodstream over days or weeks, depending on the ester. This may cause injection site soreness for a few days. This is normal and will subside. Massaging the muscle and applying a warm gel pack for 5-10 minutes can help relieve any soreness or stiffness.

DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?

If you have difficulty injecting yourself, Gameday Men’s Health provides quick injection appointments for our TRT patients. Many newcomers to TRT prefer this option as they can relax and let us handle the injection.

You can also ask a friend or family member to assist with the first few injections if you prefer to do them at home.

In the long term, it is beneficial to become comfortable with performing TRT injections yourself. It may not always be practical to rely on others, especially if you live alone or wish to keep your TRT private.

Take a deep breath and relax, you can do this.

WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT

It’s understandable to be eager for results after your first TRT injection. However, as mentioned before, patience is key. TRT isn’t a quick fix; it’s a long-term commitment to your health.

However, many TRT patients experience improvements in their health and well-being within the initial month of starting treatment. These short-term benefits may include:

• Heightened libido/sex drive
• Improvement in erectile function
• Increase in energy and focus
• Enhanced vitality and well-being
• Enhanced quality of sleep

Potential long-lasting perks of TRT:

• Enhanced exercise recovery capability
• Enhanced self-assurance
• Assistance in maintaining a healthy body structure
• Promotion of facial hair development
• Enhancement of bone and joint wellness
• Enhancement of red blood cell production

While TRT can bring about various benefits, it’s important to understand that everyone’s response to testosterone can differ. Men react differently to testosterone treatment; while some see quick improvements with a low dose, others may need more time or a higher dose for results. If you experience no positive results from TRT after a few months, consult with your physician for additional diagnostic tests.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is personalized, so comparing your treatment to others isn’t helpful. It often involves some trial and error at the start.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT

It’s important to mention some unexpected experiences you might have on TRT. Exogenous testosterone, like any medication, can cause side effects.

Initiating exogenous testosterone intake reduces your body’s natural testosterone production. This occurs because your pituitary gland regulates testosterone production through a negative feedback loop.

In healthy people, the pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone (LH), which prompts the testes to produce testosterone to maintain appropriate levels. The pituitary’s negative feedback loop acts like a “shut-off” switch for your body’s internal testosterone production because you’re getting all the testosterone you need from an external source.

Due to external testosterone intake, the body no longer requires natural production of the hormone. Decreased LH signaling can result in testicular shrinkage and diminished testosterone synthesis. Additionally, you might notice a decrease in sperm counts, which could affect your ability to conceive.

Solutions exist for these challenges, one being the concurrent use of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) alongside TRT. In females, HCG is typically produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It’s sometimes used off-label to aid weight loss and also has proven advantages for boosting fertility and testicle size in males. This is because it stimulates testosterone production from the testes, much like LH does naturally.

TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT

Starting TRT is a significant choice for any man. Testosterone is a powerful hormone that plays a central role in defining masculinity.

Throughout evolution, men required elevated testosterone levels to fuel their instincts for hunting and safeguarding their families. Research indicates that men with higher testosterone levels tend to have longer lifespans, increased energy, and greater self-assurance.

Low testosterone levels should be treated seriously as they affect your masculinity. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can be transformative for many men, supported by clear research evidence.

This guide aims to help you understand what to expect with TRT and how to begin restoring your testosterone levels. Stay tuned to the Gameday Men’s Health Blog for more insights on 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.