Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age

Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age

They also serve as your body’s personal energy storage warehouse and help promote the signaling of electrical impulses throughout your brain. As that happens, those bouts of fatigue you’ve been fighting will lessen, and your blood pressure should stabilize closer to within the normal range. TRT, fortunately, gets your red blood cell count back into the flow of things. Testosterone plays a major role in cognitive performance, including memory, concentration, and reasoning. When your levels of testosterone are low, your mental function can suffer. But usually, you’ll start feeling better psychologically within three to four weeks of starting treatment (2).

Working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is the best way to find the perfect dose and achieve the desired results from testosterone replacement therapy. The key to safe and effective TRT lies in regular monitoring, individualized dosing, and clear communication with your healthcare provider. Whether you’re just starting therapy or already well into your journey, staying informed and proactive helps ensure long-term success. Low testosterone can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, such as diabetes, liver disease, or sleep apnea. Identifying and addressing these conditions may improve testosterone levels naturally or alongside TRT.

This condition, benign prostatic hypertrophy, can be made worse by testosterone therapy. You might confuse low testosterone (low T) with erectile dysfunction. TRT is a common treatment for low testosterone levels, but it may not suit everyone. A 2021 study suggests that long-term TRT improves liver function and reduces cardiovascular risks. However, further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects.

If your testosterone levels are too low, your dose may be adjusted. At the same time, your doctor will check your red blood cell levels. If you wonder whether testosterone therapy might be right for you, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

It’s natural for testosterone to decline as you age and not necessarily a reason for TRT. Some options require daily administration, others weekly or monthly and some every three months. If any individual takes medications they believe lowers testosterone, they should consider discussing this with their doctor. Research recommends that clinicians need to exercise caution when prescribing TRT to people who have severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Males aged 40 years older, preadolescent people, and those with migraine or epilepsy may require special considerations. Most tablets also come with warnings about the drug causing hypertension and stroke. As a result, only individuals who cannot use other forms of TRT resort to taking testosterone by mouth.

They can help you determine whether your goals with TRT are safe and realistic. Many countries, including the United States, don’t allow people to legally purchase T supplements for TRT without a prescription. There’s also a form of TRT that involves rubbing testosterone on your gums twice daily.

Especially in older men, you’ll want to have your level taken in the morning because a decline is more noticeable if blood is drawn at that time. People can take TRT orally, via intramuscular injections and implants or transdermal patches, mouth patches, and topical creams or gels. If a person has TRT as a treatment for a health condition, their medical insurance should cover this cost. Research has shown a link between TRT raising antigen levels in men over the age of 65 years.

Doctors will often check your icd 10 testosterone therapy levels about every three to six months during the first year of treatment. These checks are important because they allow the doctor to make any necessary changes to your dosage. Some people may need a higher or lower dose depending on how their body absorbs and uses the testosterone. While most are mild and manageable, others may require closer attention or adjustments to your treatment plan.

Regular follow-ups with your doctor, careful monitoring of your symptoms, and a healthy lifestyle are key to finding the dosage that works best for you. With consistent care, you will eventually reach the right balance, and the benefits of TRT will become clear. It’s also worth noting that weight changes can affect testosterone levels and TRT dosage needs over time. If a man loses weight, especially body fat, his dosage may need to be adjusted downward because his body will process testosterone differently. Similarly, if a man gains weight, he may need a higher dose to maintain optimal testosterone levels.

What you eat can also have a significant effect on your TRT dosage. A balanced diet that is rich in nutrients helps your body function properly, which includes the absorption and effectiveness of testosterone. Certain nutrients, such as zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D, are especially important for testosterone production. On the other hand, those who do not engage in regular exercise may need a different approach to TRT. A sedentary lifestyle, where someone does little or no physical activity, can lead to muscle loss, weight gain, and fatigue. In these cases, TRT can help, but it may take longer to notice improvements.