Is Testosterone Therapy Right For You?

Testosterone therapy, also called testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), has gained significant attention in recent years because of its prevalence and is easily treatable.. Let’s take a look at the benefits, risks, costs and other considerations to help you decide if testosterone therapy is a good fit for you. 

What is testosterone therapy?

Testosterone therapy, or TRT, is designed to replace low levels of testosterone in your body with exogenous (external) sources of testosterone. It is used in cases where a person’s testosterone levels are low due to things like medical conditions or aging. 

Who is testosterone therapy designed to benefit?

Testosterone therapy is prescribed for both women and men who have low levels of testosterone. In men, TRT is prescribed to treat people with low testosterone levels and  symptoms like fatigue, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low muscle mass, low bone density, and mood issues. In women, TRT is used to treat women with low testosterone levels who have symptoms like low sex drive. TRT has also been shown in studies to help support aging people with low testosterone and issues with memory and focus. 

Risks and side effects of testosterone therapy

Though testosterone replacement therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated in most people, there are some risks and side effects to be aware of. These can  include:

• Acne

• Oily skin

• Retaining fluids

• Increased red blood cell count

• Risk of blood clots

• Breast enlargement in men

• Worsening sleep apnea

• Prostate issues

• Liver issues with oral testosterone

• Possible cardiovascular risks 

Studies of people taking TRT are ongoing and these side effects are being carefully tracked. 

Who should not take testosterone therapy?

If you have any of the following, you should avoid TRT treatment:

• Untreated prostate cancer

• Untreated breast cancer

• Trying to conceive a child

• Have untreated sleep apnea

• Are prone to blood clots

• Have heart disease

• People with normal testosterone levels

Always discuss your health and family history fully with your healthcare professional before taking any medications or supplements, including testosterone. 

How can testosterone be taken?

There are many ways you can replace low testosterone in your body. Testosterone comes in forms like injections, gels, creams, patches, pellets, and oral tablets. Choosing what type of testosterone you should take depends on your preferences, your health history, and a careful discussion with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s a safe option for you. 

If insurance doesn’t cover testosterone therapy for you, costs can range from $50/month for injections from some pharmacies to $100/month and up depending on how much you need and whether you use injections, patches, gels or pellets. Thanks to virtual care options, we’re starting to see more affordable and accessible options for treatment.

Questions to ask your prescriber before starting on testosterone

• What is my testosterone level and what is a normal level?

• What can I expect from TRT?

• How quickly should I see results after starting?

• What are the risks and how will they be monitored?

• How often will we re-check my testosterone levels?

• How long will I need to take testosterone for?

• Which type of testosterone is best for me specifically?

Talk to a healthcare professional if interested in TRT

Testosterone therapy can be beneficial for people with low testosterone levels, but there is no one size fits all treatment.. 

Working closely with a healthcare professional, you can weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option available to you and determine if TRT is right for you. And just because you start with one choice, doesn’t mean you have to stick with that option. Treatment can be changed and customized along the way to make sure you are feeling good and getting the benefits you expected from your treatment plan.