Understanding Testosterone Replacement: Benefits, Symptoms, and Next Steps

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male hormone in the body. It is responsible for many functions including:

• Male Characteristics: facial and body hair, bone development, building muscle mass
• Reproduction: sex drive, fertility, erections and orgasms
• Boosts mood and energy production by development of new red blood cells, may help depression symptoms

Symptoms of Low Testosterone:

• Sadness, irritability, difficulty concentrating
• Increased body fat, reduced muscle mass
• Fatigue, hair loss, sleep disturbances
• Low libido, reduced erections, infertility

Steps to Improve Symptoms:

• Have medical check-ups to discuss symptoms, check levels and overall health
• Drink plenty of 8 glasses of water daily, reduce caffeine
• Eat nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains
• Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night
• Engage in minimally 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (e.g. brisk walking or swimming) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly

Male Testosterone Replacement:

• Normal testosterone levels vary by age and sex. General normal range for men is 300-1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 10-35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).
• Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is FDA-approved for men with laboratory confirmed low testosterone levels due to a medical condition (FDA, 2015).
• Individuals can have normal levels of testosterone and still be symptomatic.
• TRT can increase energy, improve sexual drive and performance, improve mood, and increase lean muscle mass building.

Next Steps:

1. Seek Support: Make an appointment to get support from a health professional.
2. Visit your provider and report symptoms and concerns. Receive consultation, education, and lab results.
3. Gradually begin Testosterone Replacement Therapy if qualified and a personalized health plan.
4. Monitor Progress: Track your progress and symptoms and adjust your plan as needed. Routine lab monitoring.

Reference:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2015)
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/testosterone-information

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