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Testosterone is a hormone that plays a role in many body processes, including the development of muscle mass and sex drive. Testosterone levels naturally change over a person’s lifetime. Levels tend to decline gradually after age 30 in men, but the rate varies from person to person. When the body does not produce enough testosterone, a person can notice changes in energy, mood, or physical health. Testosterone therapy is one approach that physicians may discuss with patients whose hormone levels fall below the typical range.
What Is Testosterone Therapy?
Testosterone therapy, sometimes called testosterone replacement therapy or TRT, is a medical treatment that supplies the body with testosterone from an outside source. The goal is to bring hormone levels closer to the typical range for a person’s age and sex. The therapy is administered under the supervision of a physician; they select a form and dosage based on each patient’s health history and lab results.
Who Can It Benefit?
Testosterone therapy is generally intended for individuals who have been diagnosed with low testosterone, a condition known as hypogonadism. This condition can occur when the testicles do not produce enough of the hormone, or a deficiency forms when the parts of the brain that signal hormone production do not function as expected. Some individuals with low testosterone report symptoms such as:
- Reduced energy or persistent fatigue
- Decreased sex drive
- Irritable or low mood
- Decreased muscle mass or strength
- Increased body fat
A physician will typically confirm low testosterone through blood tests before recommending treatment.
What Does It Involve?
Treatment begins with an evaluation. A physician will review the patient’s symptoms and medical history, perform a physical exam, and order blood tests. Testosterone levels are usually measured in the morning, when they tend to be highest, and testing can be repeated on a separate day to confirm the results. If treatment is recommended, the physician will discuss the available delivery methods. Common options include:
- Injections: Given into a muscle on a set schedule.
- Topicals: Applied to the skin each day.
- Skin Patches: Worn on the body and replaced daily.
- Pellets: Placed under the skin, where they release the hormone over several months.
Ongoing monitoring is a standard part of testosterone therapy. Patients typically return for follow-up blood tests; these tests allow the physician to check hormone levels and other health markers. The physician may adjust the dosage or delivery method, based on the results and on how the patient is responding. Patients are encouraged to report any new or unusual symptoms to their physician promptly.
Seek Professional Medical Care
Obtaining testosterone through a medical professional allows each stage of treatment to be tracked and adjusted as needed. Lifestyle factors, such as sleep quality, physical activity, body weight, and alcohol use, can also influence hormone levels. A physician may review these areas before or alongside any hormone treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms that are related to low testosterone, a physician is able to identify the cause, and they can discuss which options best suits your individual health needs.
