For decades, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been an accepted and effective treatment for low testosterone levels in men.
TRT offers significant benefits to those suffering from low testosterone. Those benefits include better sexual function, improved energy, increased muscle mass, improved mood, increased motivation, improved concentration, and more.
However…testosterone replacement can cause side effects if it isn’t prescribed and administered correctly. The following are some of the potential issues with TRT when treatment isn’t supervised by a physician with sufficient expertise.
Elevated Hemoglobin
In some men, testosterone replacement stimulates the production of excess of red blood cells. If this goes on for too long, a man’s blood can actually become thicker (which makes it harder to pump through the body).
A tendency toward elevated hemoglobin does not mean that the men impacted by this tendency can’t do TRT. It does, however, mean that donating blood periodically will be an aspect of their treatment regimen. Donating blood effectively thins out the body’s red blood cells so blood flows more easily.
When TRT is prescribed and supervised correctly it will involve checking hemoglobin counts regularly, with instructions on when and how often to donate blood (should it be necessary).
Improper Dosing
Dosing for testosterone should be tailored to each man’s individual needs.
Excessive dosing is a common mistake made by medical professionals who have inadequate expertise in TRT and/or who use improper delivery methods (such as pellet therapy). The result from excess dosing is often side effects like hair loss, acne, and irritability. In extreme cases, there can be damage to the liver.
A physician with expertise in TRT will use a combination of lab testing and monitoring for symptoms to finetune each individual man’s dose. A qualified physician will also stick to safe and effective delivery methods (i.e. injections or transdermal cream).
Estrogen Management
When men increase their testosterone levels via TRT, the rate at which testosterone converts to estrogen increases.
While men need small amounts of estrogen for heart, bone, and brain health, too much estrogen is unhealthy for men. Specifically, elevated estrogen is irritating to a man’s prostate. It also causes side effects like fatigue, low sex drive, depression, water retention, and nipple sensitivity.
When testosterone therapy for men is done correctly, it will almost always include an aromatase inhibitor (also known as an estrogen blocker). Aromatase inhibitors simply slow the rate at which testosterone converts to estrogen.
Just as one size does not fit all when it comes to testosterone dosing, the same can be said for aromatase inhibitors. What works from one man to the next can vary significantly.
A physician with expertise in TRT will use a combination of lab testing and monitoring for symptoms to finetune each individual man’s aromatase inhibitor dose.
Testicular Atrophy
When a man’s pituitary gland senses that testosterone levels are low, it sends a signal in the form of a hormone called LH to the testicles. LH signals the testicles to produce more testosterone (if they can). When men have low testosterone, it’s often because the testicles are no longer able to produce testosterone in sufficient amounts.
When men replace testosterone by way of TRT, the feedback loop described above effectively shuts down and the pituitary stops releasing LH. Because the testicles are no longer being stimulated on a regular basis by LH, the result can be testicular atrophy. This shrinkage of the testicles is primarily a cosmetic issue; but it’s a cosmetic issue that most men care about. Testicular atrophy can also negatively impact fertility.
Medical professionals who are not well-versed in prescribing TRT will typically overlook this aspect of treatment.
On the flip side, physicians with expertise in TRT will know how to prevent testicular atrophy for those men for whom it’s a concern.
How to Avoid TRT’s Potential Side Effects
TRT can profoundly impact a man’s health and how he feels for the better. It just needs to be done properly. Following are some important guidelines:
- Work with an experienced TRT provider.
- Make sure your treatment is physician-supervised, and that there will be routine lab testing and monitoring.
- Make sure dosing is customized based upon your body’s needs.
- Insist on bioidentical testosterone, which works exactly like your body’s natural testosterone.
- Make sure your hemoglobin levels are monitored and that you’re being instructed to donate blood should it be necessary.
- Make sure your estrogen level is properly managed.
- Make sure you are given appropriate options relative to preventing testicular atrophy (if that’s important to you).
Renew Youth has been a leader in TRT for men for over 25 years, and our expertise is surpassed by no one. Want to learn more? Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.