Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Is it safe?

testosterone

First of all, what is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and why would an individual need it?

Almost 40% of males over the age of 45 experience low levels of testosterone. This may lead to various health concerns, such as insomnia, which in turn may lead to stress, or in some more serious cases, depression and anxiety. Lack of sleep may also prevent the pituitary gland from communicating to the testicles how much testosterone to produce during rest. Also, as it is the primary male sex hormone, low levels may lead to a reduced interest in sexual intercourse, erectile dysfunction and in some extreme cases, infertility.

How do I know if I need TRT?

As you age, your testosterone levels will naturally drop. Physical signs will include loss of muscle mass and weak bone density. In certain areas of your body, fat levels may increase.  Combined with the signs above, a visit to your doctor may be a good idea, where blood tests will determine your testosterone levels. Given your medical history, certain individuals, such as those who may be a high risk for prostate cancer or heart disease may not be suitable candidates for this form of therapy.

Is TRT safe?

Research shows conflicting reports regarding the safety of TRT, but the consensus appears to be that there are more pros than cons to using this treatment, depending on your medical history. As with every medical treatment, there are some side effects, and for TRT these can include rashes, irritation and itching which may occur to the area where the treatment is administered.

Healthy lifestyle

Before trying TRT you should know that there are also some lifestyle changes that you can implement to improve your general wellbeing and boost your testosterone levels naturally:

  • Begin a moderate exercise program, such as walking daily for about thirty minutes. This will aid stress relief by reducing cortisol levels. High levels of the latter may inhibit the production of testosterone. Walking has other benefits too:  It will boost endurance, strengthen bone, and increase cardiovascular fitness levels. It will help with stress relief too.
  • Add foods such as tuna, low-fat milk, egg yolks, beef and shellfish to your diet.  These foods aid the biological creation of this essential male sex hormone. Also, include two cups of fresh fruit and three cups of vegetables in your diet, and fibre too, to maintain healthy gut function. If you feel the urge to snack, try some of these suggestions from one of our archived posts.
  • Get enough sleep, as testosterone is naturally produced during rest. A good night’s rest is also vital for energy levels to be replenished and the brain to remove toxic build-up that occurred during the day. It also allows for muscle and bone regeneration.
  • Drink water. Your body is 60% water and hydrating plays an important role in various bodily functions, such as helping to deliver oxygen throughout the body, and aiding the brain to manufacture hormones and neurotransmitters.

If boosting your testosterone levels naturally doesn’t work for you, then it is wise to consider Testosterone Replacement Therapy as it will help you improve your health and wellbeing.

How do I go about finding the right treatment supplier?

Conditions related to low testosterone levels may be uncomfortable to discuss and thus finding a company to take you on your TRT journey can be a daunting task. It’s best to check for sites with trusted reviews like https://balancemyhormones.co.uk/ who have many positive Feefo reviews.

What to expect from TRT?

Results will differ from person to person, but TRT may positively impact the gain of muscle mass, improve memory and concentration span, and increase sexual desire, and in some patients aid with erectile dysfunction problems. Research shows that noticeable changes take place about four to six weeks after treatment begins. In some cases, issues related to low levels of testosterone have been reversed.

In the end, you will have higher levels of vitality allowing you to enjoy a healthy, happy life.

Author Bio
Born and bred in South Africa, Priscilla Fick enjoys being outdoors but she is not overly fond of the beach. She is currently employed as a Marketing Assistant with one of South Africa’s biggest ostrich leather suppliers, which allows her to utilise her skills and unleash her creative side on occasion. In her spare time, she is a passionate blogger, voracious reader, hopeless romantic, wannasee-more-places-traveler, and lover of all things peanut butter, coffee and cheesecake.