Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Irritable Moods - Decreased Interest in Sex - Hot Flashes - Fatigue - Weakness - Depression
Why do men decide to get TRT?
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) use is typically considered as males age, and hormone levels naturally decline. TRT is used to optimize hormone levels that have become imbalanced and improve symptoms associated with this imbalance.
What benefits might I expect on TRT if my testosterone is low?
TRT is known for improving sexual desire, increasing muscle mass and strength, decreasing body fat, and improving confidence. It is also beneficial for improving mood and combating depression. It can help cardiovascular health by lowering LDL levels (the “bad” cholesterol). Men also report increased energy levels throughout the day, improved sleep at night, improved ability to handle stress, and improved brain function or cognitive ability. It can decrease the risk of diabetes by contributing to better blood sugar regulation.
What is the risk of testosterone therapy?
Some men experience acne, disturbed breathing while sleeping, or worsening sleep apnea, breast swelling or tenderness, decreased sperm count, decrease in testicle size, or swelling in the ankles. Lab work is done every couple of months to monitor for high red blood cell counts, which could increase the risk of clotting. Studies are inconsistent about the long-term effects of TRT and some have indicated a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, like heart attacks and strokes. This is a hypothetical risk and it needs more research. Likewise, there is some thought that TRT could stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells, which makes some doctors leery of prescribing it. Again, more research is needed.
When you inject testosterone, you’re putting it into muscle tissue and it's slowly dispersed into the bloodstream. As a side effect of this, you might experience injection site soreness for a few days after the fact. This is normal and will subside on its own.
If decreased fertility is a concern some men will also use HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) along with TRT. HCG is normally made in females by the placenta during pregnancy and is often used as a weight-loss aid. It also has documented benefits for enhancing fertility and testicle size in males by promoting testosterone production from the testes.
How is estrogen affected on testosterone replacement therapy?
Men on TRT may have a corresponding rise in their estrogen levels. The majority of estrogen in the male body is a breakdown product of testosterone. Testosterone acts as a substrate for estrogen production, the more testosterone administered into the body the more that can be converted into estrogen. Elevated estrogen levels can stimulate male breast enlargement (gynecomastia). The use of aromatase inhibitors, (Arimidex/Anastrozole) can stop this conversion and breakdown of testosterone. When estrogen levels are too high in men the result can be a decrease in testosterone production. When men undergo testosterone replacement therapy, aromatase will act to breakdown newly injected testosterone into estrogen. Blocking the aromatizing enzyme can improve and maintain injected testosterone. This will be monitored during therapy.
When will I see results?
Many men notice a reduction of low T symptoms within as little as one month on TRT. For some, it may take longer before improvements in health and well-being become apparent. Several weeks or months might sound like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things, that’s actually very quick. It’s key to remember that TRT is a long-term solution to an otherwise long-term problem.
Reviews of TRT
(found online)
“It’s been about six months and I can’t believe how good I feel. I am no longer tired and I have the energy to do all the things that I need to get done in a day. You really don’t know how bad you feel until you start to feel good again! Used to have aches and pains, especially in my neck, and now my neck pain has pretty much disappeared.” -Tony
“Couldn't get out of bed in the morning. Asleep on the couch every evening. Poor libido. Ached all over. Weight gain. Bad mood. Felt like a slug most of the time. All the symptoms of low-t. I discovered TRT at age 60. It has been life-changing. Within a week of beginning treatment, the aches and pains were disappearing. Libido is back. I have the energy and t-levels of men in their 20's. I have been weight training for almost a year. Building muscle, losing weight. And loving the results. Skin looks younger. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels are excellent. At 61, I feel amazing. I rest my case!” -Jerry
I've been using TRT for nearly a year now. The quick fixes I found from TRT were my overall mood was far greater. I felt happy and energetic almost immediately after starting. The weight didn't start to come off for a while as expected though I have lost 30 pounds this year. I have multiple medical issues that have made it difficult to exercise but TRT has helped strengthen my muscles with less effort than before. If your mood is hurting your relationship or making you dislike yourself I suggest trying TRT. -Jacob
“I am a 43-year old that works out 5 times a week for 1-1.5 hours each time. Woke up one morning about 3 months ago and felt like somebody turned off a switch in my body, no real desire for sex but after a lot of foreplay able to somewhat achieve an erection but not really hard. Went to Dr and testosterone of 188. Started on Depo-Testosterone by IM injection in the gluteus and 4 hours after the first dose was able to achieve an erection that I would describe at times as almost a little painful due to how hard I was and able to perform 4 times that day with my wife. Not sure of the effects at the gym yet due to only being the 3rd day since the beginning shot- 200mg every other week. Didn't have any of the other issues ie depression, anxiety, lethargy prior.” -Hedmed
“I'm a 35-year-old male and I had no idea that lack of testosterone could have such an effect on the body. While my sex drive was on the low side, that was not the major problem. I had been put on various antidepressants over many years. However, my low testosterone level was the real culprit. I would advise all men who have depression issues to have their testosterone levels checked.” -Mike
“I got my sex drive back, started losing my belly fat, and got interested in going to the gym and have added about 30 lbs of lean muscle and I get comments often about how young and muscular I look for a 60-year-old man. I feel better than I did when I was 20 years old.” - Perry
What do I need to do first to find out if I'm a candidate for TRT?
Get an appointment with Barbara Grubbs, NP to discuss this and get lab work. The visit itself is only $35.00. Lab work includes a CBC, CMET, Estradiol, Lipid panel, PSA, and Testosterone. You have the option to bring me this recent lab work or I can have it done for you for $90. Your testosterone level should be measured between 7 am and 10 am when it’s at its peak. This first visit is normally $125.00.
Once I get my lab report, what next?
Make an appointment with me so we can discuss the results and get you started on therapy if it seems right for you. I generally offer a 10-12 week regimen followed by lab work and another 10-12 weeks. It’s important to make appointments 1-2 weeks in advance of running out of medication so that it has time to be ordered and shipped to you.
You can also reach me via texting at 803.900.5758 or email barbaragrubbs@telemedicinepractitioners.com, especially if you can't find an appointment time that suits your schedule or you want to get worked in quicker.
Testosterone Cypionate 200mg/ml you get 10cc which is normally 10-12 weeks or 3 months of therapy. I prefer weekly intramuscular dosing to keep levels from fluctuating too much. Needles and syringes are shipped to you at no extra cost. The total is $210 for up to 3 months of therapy. The items will be shipped to your door within a week.
Arimidex (Anastrozole) may be prescribed based on individual results and can be purchased at your local pharmacy.
TRT goes great with HCG therapy. Combine the two and get 10% off your total.
Click here to see how to self-administer an intramuscular (IM) injection.
2021 update:
Testosterone Plans
Telemedicine Practitioners
Getting Started
Visit #1 Get medical history and order full panel of labs for you to get done. $130
Visit #2
Review labs and Get 10cc of injection testosterone mailed to you with supplies. $210
Please note 10cc will last 10-16 weeks!!!!!! So 3-4 months.
Visit #2 alternative
Review labs and order injections, syringes, needles for you to fill at your own pharmacy $150.
I will order 10cc but some pharmacies will not honor it or don’t carry it. I can also do smaller amounts and give you refills to match the amount.
FOLLOW UP
Visit #3
Message me one week before your follow-up for a lab order. We can talk about how you are doing and get a follow up panel of hormones $90
Visit #4
Just the same as visit #2