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Further Reading

Is Testosterone Therapy Safe?

Is TRT Safe?

When Testosterone is NOT Safe

Using testosterone without a prescription is illegal and generally not safe. However, many bodybuilders and athletes have done so as a shortcut to build muscle, improve stamina and shorten recovery time.

This misuse of testosterone and other performance-enhancing substances has created misconceptions about the safety and effectiveness of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Raising testosterone levels without the direction of a qualified physician carries serious health risks. However, the proper administration of TRT has gained widespread acceptance as an effective medical treatment for andropause or hypogonadism (a condition that leaves the body unable to produce healthy levels of testosterone).

Risks of Illegal Testosterone

The illegal and unsupervised use of testosterone supplements has been linked to several heart and prostate conditions as well as an increased risk of stroke. Other possible health risks include sleep apnea, reduced sperm count, gynecomastia (increased breast size in males), blood clots and a dangerous overproduction of red blood cells.

When TRT is Safe

Before beginning treatment, a clinician will take a thorough medical history to determine if you have any underlying conditions that might be responsible for low testosterone levels. You will be given a blood test to ascertain your testosterone and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. Employing a combination of appropriate blood testing, regular monitoring, and medical expertise, doctors have been able to safely help millions of men enjoy healthy, vital, sexually active lifestyles. Because TRT does not enable your body to produce more testosterone, treatment must be long-term to be beneficial.

What if Estrogen Levels are too High?

Your TRT clinicians should monitor your estrogen levels, because high levels of this hormone can lead to a host of conditions, including mood swings, erectile dysfunction, and breast enlargement. Your body converts some testosterone to estrogen, both naturally and when testosterone is introduced during TRT. If higher-than-normal estrogen levels are present, it’s easy to prevent or treat the excess production of estrogen with aromatase inhibitors, which can minimize the symptoms caused by high levels of estrogen, by reducing the aromatization of testosterone to estrogen.

Summary

TRT provides men the opportunity to dramatically enhance the vitality of their lives. It can boost libido, promote better bone health, improve muscle mass and strength and increase athletic performance. It is not medically intended to turn bodybuilders into muscle-bound supermen nor to give athletes a competitive edge. Under the supervision of an experienced physician, TRT is a healthful option for men who want to enjoy a better quality of life. To be effective, TRT must be used regularly under a clinician’s direction; if the treatment ceases, testosterone levels will decrease.

Are You a Candidate for TRT?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) provides a tremendous amount of benefits and lifestyle improvement for men who suffer from Low T. There may be risks, however, and these risks may be compounded by certain pre-existing medical conditions. Call us at (800) 503-4033 if you have any questions.