A Man’s Guide To TRT In South Fort Wayne:
Everything You Need To Know

GET STARTED NOW

It’s essential for men to sustain healthy testosterone levels as they age to promote longevity and wellness. Testosterone, a key steroid hormone, is the subject of intensive research due to its many anabolic properties within the human body.

Studies show that testosterone strongly prevents amino acid oxidation and promotes skeletal muscle protein synthesis.[1] Put simply, this indicates that testosterone helps sustain (and develop) lean body mass. If you’re not achieving gym goals despite adhering to a proper diet and exercise regimen, low T might be to blame.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

Testosterone is essentially the essence of masculinity in men. Hair growth, muscle size, jawline definition, voice tone, libido, confidence, metabolism, bone density, and more are all influenced by testosterone to some extent. Hence, testosterone is labeled as an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS).

Similar to human growth hormone (HGH), numerous factors influence your body’s internal production of testosterone, whether positively or negatively. These factors typically 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 next section, we’ll discuss some of the most prevalent symptoms of 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)

Keep in mind that even if you display several or all of these symptoms, it’s vital to confirm low testosterone (low T) through comprehensive blood work. A knowledgeable physician at Gameday Men’s Health in South Fort Wayne can facilitate ordering the relevant lab tests and supporting you in restoring your testosterone to healthy levels.

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 the journey to reclaim your masculinity.

The timeframe for alleviating low testosterone (low T) symptoms on TRT varies depending on the testosterone formulation used. While many men observe a reduction in symptoms within just one month, others may require more time to experience improvements in health and well-being. Although it may seem like several weeks or months, in the grand scheme of things, this timeframe is relatively quick. Remember, TRT is designed as a long-term solution for a chronic health concern.

Research indicates that short-term advantages of TRT may encompass heightened vitality, improved libido, enhanced energy levels, better sleep quality, and other positive outcomes.[2] The majority of TRT recipients find the initial waiting period for testosterone to kick in to be highly beneficial.

What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED

The first step to starting TRT is to contact Gameday Men’s Health and schedule an initial consultation. At this appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms and learn more about TRT.

We insist on blood work for all potential patients. This enables us to accurately measure your testosterone levels and other relevant indicators. It’s critical to undergo blood tests before and during TRT to track your red blood cell counts, blood lipids, prostate-specific antigen, and other essential biomarkers for maintaining optimal health.

Entrusting a licensed physician with overseeing the start of TRT should alleviate any worries, as they are skilled in administering medication safely and minimizing side effects or health complications. If your blood work reveals inadequate testosterone levels, you’re likely eligible for TRT.

If you opt to begin TRT with Gameday Men’s Health in South Fort Wayne, you’ll receive a testosterone shot and guidance on self-administering future doses. Alternatively, you can visit the Gameday office for quick and convenient weekly TRT injections.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO INJECT YOURSELF

Scared of needles? No need to panic, injections aren’t as terrifying as they seem at first glance. We’re not glossing over this process, as injections can be daunting for many TRT newcomers. Even individuals with years of TRT experience may still feel a bit nervous when it’s time to administer their own injections.

In truth, the needle used for injecting testosterone is quite thin; after piercing the skin, the needle will smoothly enter your muscle tissue with little sensation. The key is to take deep breaths and remain calm while inserting the needle.

While it might seem logical to insert the needle rapidly to reduce sensation, it’s not a controlled method. Hold the syringe firmly, take a breath, and gently pierce your skin. The needle will glide smoothly into your muscle, then press the plunger to administer the testosterone. (Your muscle might twitch slightly, but it’s usually not painful, more of a reflex.)

Generally, the injection takes no more than 15 seconds. Always ensure cleanliness. Prior to injection, sanitize the injection spot with an alcohol wipe to sterilize the skin and avoid using needles or syringes multiple times to minimize the risk of infections.

When injecting testosterone, you’re delivering an oil depot into muscle tissue, slowly released into the bloodstream over several days or weeks, depending on the ester. As a result, you might experience soreness at the injection site for a few days afterward, which is normal and usually goes away on its own. Massaging the muscle and using a warm gel pack for 5-10 minutes can also ease any soreness or stiffness.

DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?

Gameday Men’s Health in South Fort Wayne offers in-and-out injection appointments for TRT patients who struggle with self-injection. This option is widely preferred by newcomers to TRT, allowing us to handle the injection.

Alternatively, you can have a friend or family member assist with the initial injections at home.

Ultimately, it’s best to feel comfortable with self-administering TRT injections. Depending on someone else may not always be feasible, particularly if you value your privacy or live independently.

Remember to breathe and stay calm—you can manage this.

WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT

It’s natural to be eager for improvements following your first TRT injection. We all desire immediate results, but patience is essential. TRT isn’t a quick solution; it’s a commitment to your long-term well-being.

Nonetheless, many TRT patients observe positive changes within the initial 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 there might be other perks to TRT, it’s important to recognize that individual responses to testosterone differ. While some may experience early benefits on a small dose, others may need a higher dose for therapeutic effects. If you don’t see improvements after several months, consult your physician for additional diagnostic testing.

TRT is tailored to each person, so comparing your TRT regimen to others’ isn’t suitable. Initially, TRT involves some trial and error, and the timeframe for benefits to manifest differs for everyone.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT

It’s necessary to disclose potential occurrences on TRT that many males may not foresee. Exogenous testosterone acts as a drug and may result in side effects, much like other medications.

Upon starting exogenous testosterone, your body decreases its natural testosterone production due to the negative feedback loop regulated by the pituitary gland.

In a healthy individual, the pituitary gland secretes luteinizing hormone (LH), which signals the testes to produce testosterone to maintain optimal levels. The pituitary negative feedback loop functions as a “shutdown” mechanism for your body’s internal testosterone production pathway, as exogenous testosterone provides all the necessary testosterone.

Naturally, your body doesn’t require testosterone production because it’s essentially receiving the hormone externally.

This can lead to shrinkage of the testicles due to reduced LH production (resulting in decreased testosterone synthesis in the testes). Additionally, you may experience a decrease in sperm counts, which may impact fertility.

There are ways to address these issues, such as combining human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) with TRT. HCG, similar to LH produced by the pituitary gland, is typically secreted in females during pregnancy. Although commonly utilized off-label for weight loss, HCG also offers documented advantages for enhancing fertility and enlarging testicle size in males by stimulating testosterone production from the testes, similar to LH.

TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT

Selecting TRT is a pivotal choice for men. Testosterone, the body’s primary androgen, plays a pivotal role in defining masculinity.

Throughout history, elevated testosterone levels were essential for the instinctual “alpha male” drive necessary for hunting and familial protection. In today’s society, individuals with higher testosterone levels often enjoy longer lives, enhanced vitality, and heightened confidence.

Having low T is a significant concern as it indicates a deficiency in the core element of manhood. TRT is a life-altering intervention for numerous males, backed by substantial research demonstrating its advantages.

This guide aims to offer a better understanding of what to anticipate with TRT and how to begin the journey of restoring testosterone levels. Stay updated with the Gameday Men’s Health Blog for more insights into 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.