The Body’s Ability to Produce Testosterone
Some men who undergo testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) worry that the cessation of the therapy can cause harmful side effects, including a compromise in the body’s natural ability to produce testosterone. Because TRT does not stimulate the body to manufacture its own testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy should be considered a long-term, rather than a temporary treatment. Nevertheless, if for whatever reason you decide to terminate TRT — under the supervision of an experienced clinician — it is likely that you will not suffer any dangerous side effects. And your body will be able to continue to create its own testosterone. However, the factors that caused your low testosterone levels (also known as Low-T) in the first place will continue to exist. Consequently, whatever physical and emotional benefits you received through testosterone replacement therapy may be jeopardized by your decision to stop treatment.