There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to hormone therapy.
For example, withtestosterone replacement therapy, there are a lot of important questions to answer.
When is it necessary?
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What are the risks, and perhaps more importantly, can the benefits outweigh the potential side effects?
There are a variety of reasons why testosterone replacement therapy might be implemented on a patient.
However, this hormone therapy isn’t for everyone.
Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell
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What Is Testosterone?
Women also have testosterone in their bodies but at much lower levels than men.
Testosterone is responsible for the development of primary sexual characteristics: male genitalia.
It is also responsible for secondary sexual characteristics including muscle bulk, deep voice, and hair pattern.
Testosterone helps regulate other physical factors that impact mood and energy levels and protect heart health.
It is also responsible for maintaining a normal sex drive.
Treatment
There are various options for the administration of TRT.
However, they may cause skin irritation and must be applied multiple times each day.
Furthermore, not all patients absorb this medication well.
Women and children should not be exposed to these gels.
It is convenient to use but may cause gum irritation.
Injections
Intramuscular injections are given anywhere from twice a week to every other week.
Sometimes the dose may be even less frequent.
Dose and frequency are tailored to the patient subjective symptoms and objective lab values.
There are also long acting injections (Aveed) that only require an injection five times a year.
Subcutaneous
This method involves pellets that are placed under the skin every three to six months.
However, they do require minor surgery each time a new dosage is due.
Further, pellets can extrude, and as with any procedure there is inconvenience and small risk of infection.
Oral
Newer oral formulations include Kyzatrex,Jatenzo, and Tlando (testosterone undecanoate).
Capsules are convenient and, unlike some previous oral testosterone formulations, not thought to cause liver damage.
Nasal
Natestois the first FDA-approved intranasal testosterone therapy.
Typically, it is administered three times a day per nostril.
There are numerous ways to boost your testosterone without affecting your fertility.
What Is Hypogonadism?
Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the testicles do not produce enough testosterone, do not producespermor both.
A man may be born with hypogonadism, or it may develop later in life.
This makes a person dependent on taking the hormone replacement long-term.
Symptoms of Age-Related Low Testosterone
Due to aging, testosterone levels naturally decrease.
Unfortunately, there is limited research on the long-term safety of TRT.
Some studies have discovered serious risks that were linked with TRT particularly with long-term use.
Before taking TRT, its important to examine all the pros and cons of its safe and effective use.
In some instances, the benefits of TRT may outweigh the risks.
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