Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an ongoing treatment for low levels of testosterone in men. It can be a great way to prevent male infertility, but it also has some side effects. If you are considering TRT, read on to learn more about the potential risks and side effects reportedly used.
Testosterone replacement therapy is a form of bioidentical hormone therapy
Bioidentical hormones are those that match the chemical makeup of human hormones. This means they can be recognized and metabolized properly in the body. The key to bioidentical hormone therapy is that it is tailored to the individual patient. The best bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can give a patient better symptoms, while minimizing side effects.
Testosterone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed for men who are experiencing symptoms of andropause. This therapy can help restore sexual desire, improve energy and reduce fatigue. A bioidentical testosterone molecule has a chemical formula of C19H28O2. It is manufactured in a clinical lab and mimics the human hormone's structure and function. Because of this, it is important to note that bioidentical hormones can vary significantly in potency.
It is a form of ongoing treatment for low testosterone levels
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common form of ongoing treatment for men with low levels of testosterone. It involves applying a testosterone gel to the skin on a daily basis. This medication usually takes three to six months to work, although some people have reported seeing a difference after just a few weeks. The medication can also improve libido and reduce symptoms of depression. However, this treatment is not a cure and is intended to be a lifelong treatment.
Some of the side effects of testosterone replacement therapy include an increased risk of prostate cancer. It can also cause an imbalance of blood protein. An imbalance in blood proteins can indicate a serious health condition, such as cancer, anemia, or kidney disease. Some men may also experience low-T-like symptoms such as depression and anxiety, and these should be addressed with a physician before beginning treatment.
It can have side effects
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can cause a number of side effects. These include changes in sexual function, including fewer spontaneous erections during sleep, and infertility. Low testosterone levels can also lead to physical changes, such as increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, and reduced bone density. Some people also experience swollen breasts and decreased self-confidence.
To be sure that there are no side effects related to testosterone replacement therapy, men who use it should see a physician at least once every three to six months. The physician can monitor for side effects and detect any early warning signs. Men who experience a serious side effect should seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms can include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or weakness in one side of the body. Although heart-related problems are the most common side effects of TRT, there are also other risks.
It can be an effective form of male contraception
In 1978, a study found that testosterone undecanoate could be used as a form of male contraception. It found that regular use of testosterone for 10 to 12 weeks decreased sperm production and induced azoospermia. Since then, testosterone has been used in clinical trials as a hormonal form of male contraception. The trials also showed that testosterone is safe and reversible.
In addition to testosterone replacement therapy, there are also two oral male contraceptive candidates being studied. Both oral contraceptives suppress the hormones responsible for sperm production. They have been developed using novel synthetic compounds that mimic both androgens and progesterone. While both compounds are not yet FDA-approved, they may be helpful in hypogonanism and other male-reproductive disorders.
It can cause thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
There have been reports of a possible link between testosterone replacement therapy and thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. However, this association has not yet been confirmed. However, research has pointed to an increased risk of these conditions in men taking TRT. These men are at increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health conditions. In addition to clotting risks, men taking TRT are also at risk of pulmonary embolism, which is a sudden blockage of arteries in the lung. In this case, the blood clot may lodge in an artery, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Blood clots can form anywhere in the body. Deep vein thrombosis usually occurs in the legs, but they can break free and travel to the heart, brain, or lungs. In severe cases, blood clots may rupture and cause a heart attack. These complications have led to an investigation by the FDA, which required changes to drug labels.
It can affect fertility
Some men who take testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be concerned about how the effects will affect their fertility. The fact is, TRT is not the only factor that can affect fertility. Men taking TRT may experience a decrease in sperm count, which can make conceiving difficult. In some cases, this reduction can be temporary. However, the process of regaining fertility and sperm count may take several months or years. Unfortunately, some men never recover their fertility.
Testosterone replacement therapy increases testosterone levels in the body, which helps reduce symptoms of hypogonadism. It also reduces the production of FSH and LH, which are produced by the pituitary gland. Consequently, the body is not producing normal amounts of these hormones, resulting in a lower sperm count and a reduced chance of pregnancy.