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

GET STARTED NOW

With age, men experience a natural decline in testosterone levels, emphasizing the importance of sustaining optimal levels for overall health and longevity. The extensive study of testosterone highlights its diverse anabolic effects in the human body.

Evidence shows that testosterone has a potent effect on inhibiting amino acid oxidation and boosting skeletal muscle protein synthesis.[1] To put it plainly, this means that testosterone helps in maintaining (and building) lean body mass. If you’re not seeing improvements in the gym despite adhering to a healthy diet and workout regimen, low testosterone levels might be a factor worth considering.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

Testosterone is essentially the embodiment of masculinity in men. From hair growth to muscle size, jawline structure to voice tone, libido to confidence, metabolism to bone density, testosterone influences them all to varying degrees. Hence, testosterone is classified as an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS).

Like human growth hormone (HGH), a variety of elements impact the natural production of testosterone in your body, either positively or negatively. These elements typically consist of:

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 here reading this article, chances are you’re worried about experiencing low testosterone (low T). In the next section, we’ll discuss some of the typical 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)

Remember, even if you display several (or all) of these symptoms, it’s essential to confirm low testosterone through accurate blood work. The team of skilled physicians at Gameday Men’s Health in Summerville can facilitate the process by arranging the appropriate lab tests and guiding you in restoring your testosterone levels to optimal levels.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRT

If you’ve opted to undergo testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), you might be interested in understanding what lies ahead as you endeavor to regain your sense of masculinity.

The timeline for experiencing relief from low testosterone symptoms differs depending on the type of testosterone treatment utilized. Many men report a decrease in symptoms within the first month of initiating TRT. However, for some individuals, it may take more time before significant improvements in health and overall well-being are noticed. Although several weeks or months may appear lengthy, it’s essential to acknowledge that this duration is relatively brief considering the long-term health benefits offered by TRT.

Research suggests that the immediate perks of TRT may involve an elevated feeling of vitality, heightened sexual drive, increased energy levels, improved sleep quality, and other favorable adjustments.[2] Most individuals undergoing TRT find that the initial waiting period for testosterone to activate is immensely gratifying.

What THE PROCESS IS LIKE TO GET STARTED

The first step to initiate TRT is to get in touch with Gameday Men’s Health in Summerville and schedule your initial consultation. During this meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to describe your symptoms and gain a deeper understanding of TRT.

We require blood work from all prospective patients. This helps us assess the quantitative levels of your testosterone (and possibly other related tests). It’s important to undergo blood work before and during TRT to monitor your red blood cell counts, blood lipids, prostate-specific antigen, and other relevant biomarkers to ensure they are within healthy ranges.

Entrusting a licensed physician to supervise the initiation of TRT should provide comfort, as they are skilled in prescribing medication appropriately and managing potential side effects or health complications. If your blood work shows insufficient testosterone levels, you will likely be deemed eligible for TRT.

If you choose to begin TRT at Gameday Men’s Health in Summerville, you’ll receive a testosterone injection and learn how to administer future doses yourself. 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 are not as intimidating as they might seem initially. We won’t gloss over this process, as injections can indeed be a hurdle for many TRT beginners. Even individuals who have been on TRT for years may still feel some apprehension about self-injection.

Practically speaking, the needle used for testosterone injections is typically quite small; once you break through the skin, the needle glides smoothly 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 intuitive to jab the needle in quickly to minimize any sensation, 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 experience a slight muscle twitch, but it’s usually not painful for most people; more of a reflex.)

The entire injection process usually lasts less than 15 seconds. It’s essential to maintain sterility. Prior to injection, clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe to sterilize the skin and never reuse needles or syringes, as this significantly heightens the risk of infections.

When administering testosterone injections, you’re introducing an oil depot into muscle tissue, from which it gradually enters the bloodstream (over several days or weeks, depending on the ester). This may lead to soreness at the injection site for a few days afterward. However, rest assured that this is completely normal and typically resolves on its own. Massaging the muscle and applying a warm gel pack for 5-10 minutes can also help alleviate any soreness or stiffness at the injection site.

DO I HAVE TO INJECT MYSELF ON TRT?

If self-administration of injections proves difficult, Gameday Men’s Health in Summerville offers efficient injection appointments for our TRT patients. This option is favored by many newcomers to TRT, as you can simply sit back and let us handle the injection for you.

If you opt to perform injections at home, you can also seek help from a friend or family member for the first few injections.

In the grand scheme of things, mastering the art of self-administering TRT injections is advantageous. Depending on others for injections isn’t always practical, especially if you live solo or value discretion with your TRT.

Just take a moment to breathe and unwind—you’re capable of handling this.

WHAT BENEFITS YOU NOTICE FIRST ON TRT

It’s understandable to be eager to witness the benefits following your first TRT injection. We all crave instant results, but as previously mentioned, patience is key. TRT isn’t a quick solution; it’s an investment in your long-term health.

Nonetheless, numerous TRT patients experience positive changes in their health and well-being within the initial month of 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

Although there might be other perks to TRT, it’s essential to recognize that not everyone will respond to testosterone in the same way. Some individuals may experience swift benefits even with a small dose, while others might need a larger dose and more time to respond. If you don’t see any positive changes after several months of TRT, it’s advisable to consult your physician for further diagnostic testing.

TRT is a tailored treatment, and it’s not appropriate to compare your TRT routine with others. Initially, TRT entails some experimentation, and the timeframe for noticing benefits varies for each person.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T EXPECT ON TRT

It’s essential to discuss some of the unexpected occurrences you might face while on TRT. Exogenous testosterone is a pharmaceutical substance and, similar to other medications, it can lead to specific side effects.
Upon initiating exogenous testosterone intake, your body will decrease its natural (endogenous) testosterone production. This is due to the negative feedback loop controlled by your pituitary gland to regulate testosterone production.

In healthy individuals, the pituitary gland will generate luteinizing hormone (LH) to stimulate the testes to produce testosterone and maintain levels within the desired range. The pituitary’s negative feedback loop acts much like a “shutdown” mechanism for your body’s internal testosterone production pathway, as you’re obtaining all the required testosterone from an external source.

Naturally, your body ceases the need to produce testosterone since it’s essentially receiving the hormone externally.
As a result, your testicles may shrink in size due to reduced LH production (and subsequently, decreased testosterone synthesis in the testes). Additionally, you might experience a decrease in sperm counts, which could be problematic if you’re aiming to start a family.

Various solutions exist for these concerns; one approach involves using human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) alongside TRT. HCG, an analogue of the LH produced by the pituitary gland, is typically synthesized in females by the placenta during pregnancy. While it’s frequently utilized “off-label” as a weight loss aid, it also offers documented benefits for improving fertility and testicle size in males by stimulating testosterone production from the testes, akin to the function of LH.

TAKE-HOME POINTS ABOUT TRT

Opting for TRT represents a major decision in a man’s life. Testosterone, the most potent androgen your body produces, profoundly shapes your masculinity.

Evolutionarily, men depended on elevated testosterone levels to fuel their ‘alpha male’ instincts for hunting and protecting their families. In modern culture, individuals with higher testosterone levels are found to live longer, possess greater vitality, and radiate more confidence.

Naturally, low T demands serious consideration as it indicates a lack of the essential substance that defines your manhood. TRT serves as a life-changing protocol for many males, backed by clear research affirming its benefits.

We hope this guide has offered you insight into what to anticipate while on TRT and how to begin the journey of restoring your testosterone levels to optimal levels. Keep an eye on the Gameday Men’s Health Blog for future posts addressing all your queries and worries about 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.