Testosterone Therapy: Expectations vs. Reality
A hormonal imbalance can do a number on the human body. That is especially true when it comes to low testosterone levels. Available data shows that between 4 and 5 million men in the U.S. struggle with low testosterone. For those unaware, low testosterone, also known as male hypogonadism or low-T, occurs when a man’s testicles fail to produce the hormone testosterone. From libido and sexual function to strength and stamina, testosterone plays a crucial role in the male body. Of course, most men don’t realize the extent to which that is the case until after they develop a testosterone deficiency.
How Low Testosterone Can Impact Your Health and Overall Quality of Life
When a man’s testosterone levels fall too low, it can trigger a whirlwind of symptoms, and they can each adversely affect their physical, emotional, and mental health in a variety of ways. According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, an esteemed nonprofit academic medical center in Rochester, Minnesota, testosterone is responsible for the following in the male body:
- Bone density
- Fat distribution
- Muscle Mass
- Muscle strength
- Facial and body hair
- Red blood cell production
- Sex drive and sperm production
Many things can cause low testosterone, but the leading cause for most men is aging. Typically, testosterone levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood. As men age, their testosterone levels gradually decline, typically by about 1% annually after age 30 or 40. Measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), healthy testosterone levels for a man are between 280 and 1,100 ng/dL. When a man’s testosterone levels fall below what is considered healthy, it can disrupt many bodily processes. And that disruption can open the door to numerous unpleasant symptoms, some of which include the following:
- A decline in muscle strength and mass
- An inability to concentrate
- Decreased endurance
- Depressed mood
- Erectile dysfunction
- Gynecomastia
- Hot flashes
- Infertility
- Memory problems
- Low sex drive
- Thinning hair
- Weight gain
Testosterone Replacement Therapy To Boost Low Testosterone: Expectations vs. Reality
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an effective treatment for low testosterone. Available in injectable, gel, or patch form, TRT works by adding or replacing testosterone in the male body. That said, there are a few misconceptions associated with drugs prescribed to boost low-T, the first being that they work quickly. And that couldn’t be further from the truth.
For most people, it takes weeks to experience the full effects of TRT. After 3 to 4 weeks of being on TRT, most men notice improved sex drive. Others purchase Tadalafil online in combination with TRT to help improve the erectile function of those who do not respond to a single treatment. Many also experience mood changes, namely a reduction in or the complete cessation of anxiety and depressive symptoms. After three months of being on a TRT regimen, most experience a noticeable increase in strength and stamina.
After 12 to 16 weeks, changes in body composition become apparent, with most people seeing a reduction in body fat and an increase in strength and lean muscle. Long story short, the effects of TRT are not immediate. They take time and come on gradually. For these reasons, exercising patience and having realistic expectations when starting a TRT regimen are both highly recommended by physicians.
The Downsides of Taking TRT To Boost Low Testosterone
While TRT is an effective way to boost low testosterone levels, there are some downsides. Taking certain beta blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood thinners along with TRT can cause dangerous drug-to-drug interactions. The same applies to diabetes and steroid medications. Even when taken alone, some people experience numerous unpleasant side effects. Some of the more notable ones include the following:
- An increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke
- Edema of the ankles
- High cholesterol
- Osteoporosis that leads to hip fracture
- Polycythemia
- Shrinkage of the testicles
- Sleep apnea
- Urinary problems
Along with these side effects, TRT can worsen symptoms and may even trigger complications for individuals who have existing health problems. Some of those health problems include the following:
- Polycythemia or erythrocytosis
- An enlarged prostate
- Cardiovascular problems
- Male breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
How Much Does TRT Cost? Several factors dictate how much someone will have to pay for testosterone replacement therapy, some of which include the type of medication they are required to take and the length of treatment. Whether or not someone has health insurance coverage also plays into how much they might have to pay. According to data from GoodRx, TRT medications start from as low as $10 and can go as high as $598. Fortunately, two of the more commonly prescribed drugs, Androgel and Depo-Testosterone, are partially covered by most health insurance policies.
The same data from GoodRx notes that 71% of health insurance policies cover Androgel, and most people will only have to pay a copay of $32 to $50 to receive the medication. The data further notes that 77% of health insurance policies cover Depo-Testosterone, and the average copay for most people is $60 to $80. Along with discounts available through health insurance providers, many people save on TRT medications by using discount coupons and taking advantage of promotions offered by drug manufacturers.
How To Boost Low Testosterone Naturally
Resolving a testosterone deficiency does not always have to entail taking a testosterone replacement medication. There are natural ways to go about getting low testosterone levels where they need to be, one of which is regular exercise. Studies show that aerobic exercise and resistance training can trigger the body to produce more testosterone. Managing and reducing stress, getting plenty of sleep, and consuming a well-balanced diet can also help. As an added benefit, these same healthy lifestyle habits can significantly reduce someone’s chances of developing cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
In summary, low testosterone levels can affect the male body in many ways and can quickly take a toll on someone’s life if left untreated. Fortunately, there are natural and medicinal ways to combat such a hormonal imbalance. That said, if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms detailed in this article, especially if you’re an older adult, you should speak with a physician as soon as possible.