If you’ve been researching the benefits of balancing your hormones, you’ve probably found some information on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). But what is TRT, and how does it differ from performance-enhancing steroids?
Follow this guide to get answers to everything you’ve wanted to know about TRT and its benefits.
Testosterone: What is it and why it’s important
Before we dive into the difference between testosterone replacement therapy and steroids, it’s essential to understand what testosterone is and why it’s important.
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the human body. While its primary function serves reproduction in men, it also plays a role in bone strength, fat distribution, genital development, muscle size and strength, red blood cell production, and sex drive.
While most people associate testosterone with males, it’s also found in females. It’s produced in the testes (for males) and ovaries (for females), and small amounts are found in the adrenal cortex of both sexes.
Low Testosterone Levels
Testosterone levels are never the same 100% of the time. In fact, testosterone levels will fluctuate during your day and throughout your life. If your blood tests show a level of 300 ng/dL, you may have hypogonadism, also known as low T.
Low T can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Low energy
- Sleep issues
- Weight Gain
What is TRT?
Testosterone replacement therapy is a medical treatment designed to address low T. This treatment is done under the supervision of your healthcare provider, who can adjust your dosage for optimized treatment.
When you start TRT, you will see a decrease in the above symptoms and an improvement in your overall health, energy, and mood.
How TRT is different from steroids
TRT is an FDA-approved medical procedure prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat low T. TRT treatment plans are individualized, with the dosage throughout the treatment plan.
Conversely, some people take performance-enhancing steroids (which is illegal, not FDA approved) to help build muscle mass and improve sports performance. The dosage of testosterone in steroids can vary widely, ranging anywhere from 10 to 100 times the amount that a healthcare provider would typically prescribe.
Steroid use also has a wide range of side effects, sometimes life-threatening, including:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hair loss
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart attack and prostate cancer
- Infertility
- Kidney or liver damage
- Stomach pain
In addition, like any drug, you can become addicted to using steroids. Doctors and other healthcare providers generally do not recommend steroid use. Many sport organizations have banned their use.
How TRT works
TRT is administered in a variety of ways, including:
- Creams
- Gels
- Hormone Pellets
- Injections
- Patches
- Tablets
Every form is not suitable for everyone. As TRT will be an ongoing treatment throughout your life, you will want to find the dosage and treatment option that works best for you. Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your care plan and determine the best TRT form for your specific needs.
Find Out if TRT is Right For You
Wondering if TRT is right for you? Take our online quiz to find out!
Balancing your hormones is an essential part of reaching and maintaining optimal health. Our goal at Rejuvenate Hormone and Weight Loss Center is to help you feel like yourself again and live your best life. Our individualized treatment plans allow you to experience improved moods, better sleep, higher energy levels, and a healthy libido.
We offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy services, aesthetic procedures, and nutritional programs.
Book a consultation today to get started!
FAQs
Which testosterone replacement therapy is best?
So many factors determine which TRT option will work best for each person. Work with your healthcare provider to determine your hormone levels and which TRT option is best for your needs.
Is TRT safe?
TRT is an FDA-approved medical treatment and is generally safe for anyone who needs to treat low T. However, certain medical conditions are not compatible with TRT. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if TRT is right for you.
How effective is TRT?
You may notice an improvement in your health right away after starting TRT. But its effectiveness will depend on your specific needs and treatment plan. You may need to try various forms, and your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose to find the most effective TRT plan.
Will TRT build muscle?
Because TRT treats low T, its primary function is not to increase muscle mass. However, as you correct your testosterone levels, you may experience an increase in muscle mass – a great bonus to all the other benefits of balancing your testosterone levels!
Will TRT help me lose weight?
Yes! One of the best parts about balancing your hormones is boosting your metabolism, which helps with weight loss.
