For men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as decreased libido and low energy levels, testosterone replacement therapy may help. Testosterone replacement therapy is a type of hormone treatment that will help increase your testosterone levels back to normal so you can function at your best.
We sat down with our in-house doctor, Dr. Peter Ramsussen, to answer commonly asked questions about TRT treatments. If you’re wondering if TRT may be right for you, hear him weigh in on our TRT treatments and how they may be able to help you.
What Happens When You Stop TRT Therapy?
It’s a common misconception that once you start TRT, you can’t stop it. It’s true that if you want to continue to experience the benefits of TRT, you’ll have to continue the treatment. However, you can stop it anytime you choose. If you do stop TRT therapy, your testosterone levels will return to the levels they were before you started treatment, and any symptoms you experienced will likely return as well. Additionally, all benefits of being on TRT, like immune optimization and improved cardiovascular health will be lost. It’s important to taper off of TRT over a period of 3 to 4 weeks, though, so your body can adjust. While it’s not dangerous to quit TRT cold turkey, it can be uncomfortable.
Do People Get Extreme Fatigue on TRT?
No, it’s the opposite! When you start TRT, you’ll probably experience an increase in energy. Fatigue is a common symptom of low testosterone, so TRT often helps relieve fatigue so you can feel your best. In addition, many men report increased energy within a few weeks of starting their customized Men’s Revival treatment plan.
How Can You Increase Your Sperm Count on TRT?
TRT decreases your sperm count by suppressing another hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a negative feedback loop. However, at Men’s Revival, we can also customize your treatment plan for fertility preservation. We’ll monitor your endocrine and metabolic functions to ensure your TRT is tailor-made for you and if fertility is your goal, you achieve that.
Can TRT Help With Losing Fat?
Low testosterone is associated with being overweight in several ways. First, excess fat causes your body to convert more testosterone into estrogen. Additionally, when your testosterone levels are lower, you have less motivation to work out and stay in shape. This cycle makes the problem worse. The good news is that increasing your testosterone level has been shown to cause significant and sustained weight loss and a trimmer waistline.
How Can You Lower Your Blood Pressure on TRT?
If you have high blood pressure, it may need to be treated by your doctor. However, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to help improve your blood pressure without medication. Once you start TRT, you may find it easier to implement these lifestyle changes because of your increased energy and vitality.
- Lose excess weight
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet centered around plants
- Cut out saturated fat and dietary cholesterol
- Cut back on salt
- Limit alcohol to no more than two drinks daily
- Manage your stress
- Watch your caffeine
Does TRT Increase Your Cholesterol?
Some research suggests a link between testosterone and cholesterol levels; however, it’s more likely that TRT will decrease your cholesterol than increase it. High testosterone levels are directly correlated with cardiovascular disease so lowering LDL cholesterol is a good thing!. As your testosterone level increases, your cholesterol will likely decrease. One five-year study found that men who took TRT experienced a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Does TRT Cause Sleep Apnea?
TRT does not cause sleep apnea. TRT may worsen untreated sleep apnea so the team at Men’s Revival is committed to getting you assessed for sleep apnea if it is suspected. If one has sleep apnea, it can often be noted with an increased number of red blood cells in addition to symptoms such as snoring and fatigue. Speaking with our team may help uncover a sleep apnea diagnosis. If one is being treated for sleep apnea, they can also be treated with TRT.
Does TRT Cause Hair Loss?
Testosterone is associated with hair loss, but it’s an indirect association. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a byproduct of testosterone responsible for shutting down the hair follicles in men who have a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness. However, the most significant predictor for baldness is genetics, not your levels of testosterone or DHT. If the men in your family are prone to baldness, you probably will be as well. At Men’s Revival, we can prescribe a medicine called a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor to prevent high DHT levels and worsening baldness. In some cases, hair on the head can grow back!
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low T, reach out to our team to find out how we can help you.