Testosterone replacement therapy is just what it says, explains Harris M. Nagler, a urologist and the chairman of the Department of Urology at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, in New York. It gives patients testosterone, not to get them to super-physiological levels, but to get their levels of testosterone within the normal range.
Only men who have symptoms of low testosterone and whose blood test confirms testosterone deficiency are candidates for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), says Peter Stahl, a urologist and the director of male reproductive and sexual medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, in New York. Men who have been diagnosed with low testosterone and are experiencing symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, muscle loss and weakness, and sleep problems may consider TRT to help improve these symptoms.
TRT comes in a variety of forms, including injections, transdermal patches or gels, and subdermal pellets, each of which carries its own set of risks and benefits. While TRT can help improve symptoms of low testosterone, it can potentially cause a number of side effects, including increased red blood cell counts, irritability, and acne. Men with low testosterone should talk with their doctor and weigh the potential risks and benefits of therapy before deciding whether TRT may be right for them.
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What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy? | Everyday Health
