What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Are you considering Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to restore your testosterone to normal levels? Perhaps your normal sex drive is much lower than usual? Or do you want to understand whether declining energy as you age could be linked to low testosterone?

TRT is one solution to help you regain normal hormonal levels. Administered as a tablet, gel or injection, TRT therapy will reduce the symptoms of low testosterone.

Individual results may vary.

Why Is Testosterone So Important?

Testosterone is primarily produced in male testicles and is a crucial hormone for many of the main bodily functions. It plays an important role in maintaining sex drive, muscle mass, bone density and optimising your overall well-being. Testosterone peaks during adolescence and declines gradually as you age.

Suffering from the symptoms of low testosterone, such as a low libido or fatigue? A healthcare professional at Harley Street MD can establish if hypogonadism or the normal ageing process is the cause.

Understanding the Impact of Low Testosterone

There are typical symptoms of unnaturally low testosterone for several reasons. These causes can occur because of smoking, weight gain and high levels of daily stress in your life.

• Heightened levels of fatigue and feeling little energy
• Erectile dysfunction. (Do note that diabetes, high blood pressure and stress are also causes)
• Low sperm count
• A sharp decrease in libido, resulting in a lack of sexual desire and less spontaneous erections
• Depression; this includes a lack of confidence or motivation
• Trouble concentrating on tasks
• Irritability
• Reduced muscle mass and increased body fat
• Hot flashes of heavy sweating
• Hair loss

According to an article on WebMD, about 4 out of 10 men over age 45 have low testosterone.

Male hypogonadism can affect men of all ages, and a decreased testosterone level is a natural part of the ageing process or male menopause. We will carry out an initial blood test to measure your testosterone levels. We usually do the test in the morning when your levels should be at their highest. If below the normal levels, TRT may be a recommendation.

Does TRT Work for Low Testosterone in Men?

Many studies have shown that TRT is effective in improving symptoms associated with low testosterone. Men undergoing TRT have reported:

• Increased energy
• Improved mood
• Enhanced sexual function
• An overall improvement in their quality of life.

However, it's essential to note that TRT may not be suitable for everyone, and individual responses to the therapy may vary. For example, at Harley Street MD, we'll recommend a screening for prostate cancer as TRT can worsen the cancer growth.

The TRT treatment is administered at Harley Street's clinic via a gel, injection or tablet.

Each offers its own advantages: the preference is up to you upon us giving our recommendations.

• Gel or patch treatment: This is a direct treatment as it's applied to your skin and simply absorbs into your bloodstream. This suits you if a consistent treatment is a requirement and is usually applied to the abdomen, shoulders or upper arms. A daily dosage may be advised as around 40 to 100mg per day.
• Injections: This is the most direct and quickest way to apply the TRT treatment and our most prescribed. Known as intramuscular testosterone, this injection is applied intramuscularly, i.e. into your thigh or glutes. The injection is administered through a loading dose six weeks after the initial injection, with intervals of 10 to 14 weeks thereafter.
• Tablets: Oral testosterone allows the application to be absorbed by your gastrointestinal tract. A typical dosage is around 225 to 396mg, twice daily.

Doses shown above are general guidance only. Your actual dose will be determined individually by your prescribing clinician based on your bloodwork and response to treatment.

As your healthcare provider, we will recommend the most suitable method for you. If you have any questions at all, call us for advice and information prior to your consultation.

What Are Men Saying after TRT Therapy?

Many studies have examined the aftereffects of TRT therapy. There are many positive reviews from men who administered testosterone into their bodies to raise their hormonal levels. Muscle mass and better moods are among the benefits reported in reviews online.

Other positive experiences include:

• improved energy levels
• enhanced libido
• better concentration
• overall better sense of well-being.

What Are the Findings of Studies into TRT?

According to the comprehensive drug information site, Drugs.com, “Testosterone has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 503 reviews on Drugs.com. 63% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 19% reported a negative experience.” These are self-reported, unverified user reviews rather than clinical trial results, and individual experiences with TRT vary.

A study in 2017 by the National Library of Medicine reached the conclusion that “TRT improved quality of life, depression, erectile function and libido”.

A 2019 study on men suffering from hypogonadism, written for Science Direct, was prepared by a group of qualified doctors and found that “TRT can ameliorate several aspects of sexual functioning, including libido, erectile function, and overall sexual satisfaction.”

Advantages and Disadvantages of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

As with any medical treatment, TRT has both advantages and disadvantages to consider.

What Are the Advantages?

• Increased energy levels and improved mood
• Enhanced sexual drive
• Increased muscle mass and bone density
• Potential improvement in cognitive function
• Overall improvement in well-being and mood improvements.

The aim of TRT treatment is to restore your normal testosterone levels. Some men begin to notice initial improvements from around three weeks after their first dose, though this varies from person to person, and expect a gradual release from the symptoms. Most men will need check-ups on their testosterone levels every 6 to 12 months after the first treatment.

So, What Are the Risks?

A common question, of course: Is TRT safe? While there are pros, these are the major risks to be aware of.

• Skin reactions that can include acne, itching, rashes
• Reduced sperm production
• Hair loss is possible, such as male pattern baldness
• Sleep apnoea. If you're already suffering from the condition, it can worsen
• Blood clots from excessive red blood cell production. Men suffering from polycythaemia risk deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism
• Enlarged prostate, which may make urination difficult
• Men who have had congestive heart failure or a history of high blood pressure must avoid TRT treatment.

Summary: Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Right for You?

A variety of factors can affect your testosterone levels, and you should speak to a doctor first. This will establish whether you have a medical condition causing your low testosterone levels.

Lower testosterone levels are normal as men age. If these health issues disrupt your daily life, it's worth finding out if low testosterone levels are the cause. Studies have found TRT to reduce the following symptoms:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Constant tiredness
• Low libido
• Reduced muscle mass
• Mental health problems (depression, bouts of anger, low self-esteem).

Speak to our team to find out if TRT therapy could be a suitable treatment option for you. Get in touch with us at Harley Street MD in London to book a consultation for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) treatment and Therapeutic Venesection. We will explain the procedure and if it's the best choice for you.