do females make testosterone

Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age

Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age

Low testosterone can lead to irritability, anxiety, and depression. TRT has been linked to improved mood, with participants reporting better emotional wellbeing and reduced depressive symptoms. There’s no conclusive evidence that taking testosterone leads to aggression. Although TRT has become a popular treatment, many experts do not recommend TRT for age-related symptoms of low testosterone. Newer oral formulations include Kyzatrex, Jatenzo, and Tlando (testosterone undecanoate).

Its effects can vary depending on individual health conditions. Careful monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are crucial for older men and those with pre-existing heart issues. Doctors may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy to treat low testosterone levels.

A doctor will recommend a dosage ranging from 225–396 mg, and a person will typically take oral testosterone tablets twice daily. As for the risk of prostate cancer, the link to prostate cancer is fuzzy. Because there are androgen receptors in the prostate, testosterone can make it grow. So if you already have an enlarged prostate that makes it difficult to urinate, testosterone could exacerbate the issue, says Dr. Tamler. However, there isn’t evidence to suggest that T actually causes prostate cancer. One thing to worry about if you’re going the topical testosterone therapy route is transference, especially to female partners or children, Dr. Patel says. Testosterone from gels or creams can be spread from skin-to-skin contact or from your clothing and absorbed by someone else.

Experts are still trying to fully understand the risks and side effects of TRT. According to Harvard Health, many existing studies have limitations, such as being small in size or using larger-than-usual doses of T. Find out what’s known — and not known — about testosterone therapy for normal aging. TRT can also lead to temporary infertility in some men by suppressing sperm production. This effect is typically reversible if you stop taking TRT [36-37]. Alternative treatments or sperm banking may be considered for men who wish to preserve fertility while undergoing TRT.

Around half of the participants in the 2019 study still had bone mineral density in the ranges of osteopenia or osteoporosis while on TRT. TRT doesn’t fix or cure the underlying cause of low testosterone. This means that you’ll need the medication to continue having a normal level of testosterone in your body. If you stop taking testosterone, your body will have to recover its ability to make testosterone again.

There don’t seem to be any benefits for women as far as energy, mood, or bone health. Gradual absorption causes more stable testosterone levels in the blood. And a large randomized trial of testosterone, the T Trials, showed that men who received T had a greater improvement in mood than men who received a placebo. Muscles respond to testosterone, and starting T-therapy can does wellbutrin increase testosterone muscle mass, says Dr. Morgentaler.

TRT is traditionally used to treat hypogonadism, which occurs when your testes (also called gonads) don’t produce enough testosterone. According to an article in American Family Physician, the average male’s T production goes down by about 1 to 2 percent each year. Hone-affiliated medical practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians who provide services using the Hone telehealth platform. For more information about the relationship between Hone and the medical practices, click here. As long as you follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor, you’ll stay ahead of the problem. You must understand going into the process that the journey to self-improvement is not a sprint, but a marathon.

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a critical role in male sexual health and various physiological processes. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can restore normal testosterone levels in people with hypogonadism, relieving symptoms and improving overall health and well-being. It requires careful monitoring, regular blood tests, and open communication with your healthcare provider. Over time, as your doctor adjusts your dosage based on your testosterone levels and symptoms, you will get closer to the dose that is right for your body. Testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment for hypogonadism, diagnosed by low testosterone levels in a blood test. Benefits of TRT include increased muscle mass, stronger bone density, better sexual function, more energy, improved mental health, less inflammation, and better sleep. When starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), it’s important to understand that the dosage can vary from one person to another.

Testosterone declines by 1% per year, 10% per decade starting at age 30 years in all men. You may feel more energetic, less depressed, and have a higher sex drive. You might also notice you gain more muscle mass and lose body fat.

Your healthcare provider will gradually increase the dose, while monitoring improvements in your symptoms and for side effects [1-8]. It is important to note that TRT should not be taken by people with normal testosterone levels or those seeking to enhance athletic performance or muscle mass beyond normal levels. The therapy is specifically designed for those with hypogonadism who meet the eligibility criteria and have been thoroughly evaluated for potential risks and benefits. When you start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), your dosage will likely need adjustments over time. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and different people need different amounts of testosterone to maintain healthy levels. The process of monitoring your dosage is crucial to making sure your therapy is effective and safe in the long run. Below are the main ways doctors monitor and manage TRT dosage over time.