Bigger, Faster, Stronger? 6 Benefits of Testosterone

Bigger, Faster, Stronger? 6 Benefits of Testosterone

Hormone levels are tested and medications are administered to help hormones such as testosterone and thyroid reach their optimum levels. It is important to consider that everyone is different; blood testing your testosterone levels is only part of the story. A guy with a level of, say, 200 ng/dL will most likely feel symptoms of low testosterone, such as fatigue and low libido, whereas another with a level of 600 ng/dL may feel exactly the same.

A small fraction (1-2%) of testosterone is free or unbound in the serum. The free testosterone along with albumin bound testosterone is called bioavailable testosterone. Bioavailable testosterone is what matters physiologically since it has the capacity to leave the blood stream and enter tissues. If most of the testosterone in the blood is bound to SHBG, a low testosterone state is created despite normal total testosterone values (greater than 300 ng/dL).

However, I always discuss this issue with the patient’s cardiologist before starting any form of testosterone replacement therapy. In some cases of elevated PSA development, urologists may hold testosterone therapy until prostate cancer is excluded. Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will be offered curative therapy in the form of radical prostatectomy or radiation. Many men diagnosed early will be cured of prostate cancer allowing them to resume testosterone replacement therapy with careful oncologic follow-up. Some men who start testosterone replacement therapy will experience accelerated hair loss. This tends to occur predominantly in men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness. When men are bothered by hair loss, hormone replacement therapy can be stopped or men can see dermatologists who specialize in hair loss management.

Other symptoms of male hypogonadism may include fatigue, irritability, depressed mood, insomnia, impaired cognitive functions, mood swings and lack of motivation. Physical indicators of low testosterone may include increased body fat, difficulty building muscle mass, impaired recovery from work-outs and reduced exercise endurance. The most recent FDA-approved oral TRT medications include Tlando®, Jatenzo®, and Kyzatrex®, which all bypass the liver and are absorbed by the lymphatic system. All three medications have been shown to restore testosterone levels in hypogonadal men to within the normal range. Meanwhile, clinical trial results showed that 88% of patients treated with Kyzatrex achieved an average plasma total testosterone concentration within the normal range on the final day of the study. Some men may experience immediate side effects from testosterone treatment. These can include acne, disturbed breathing while sleeping, breast swelling or tenderness, or swelling in the ankles.

In addition, testosterone injections can cause an increase in red blood cell counts, potentially increasing the risk of clotting. As always, it’s crucial to discuss these potential side effects with your healthcare provider before beginning therapy. Testosterone shots carry the same possible side effects as other forms of testosterone therapy but they do have some unique properties. Testosterone cypionate injections are typically done weekly and this can lead to supraphysiologic testosterone levels hours following an injection. These high testosterone levels can potentially increase the risk of erythrocytosis or elevated red blood cell counts. Subcutaneous testosterone enanthate injections have been shown to carry a lower risk of erythrocytosis due to lower spikes in high testosterone.

However, the Testosterone Trials were designed to assess only effectiveness and not the risks of testosterone therapy, including prostate cancer or cardiovascular disease. In addition, medical contraindications to testosterone therapy have to be dealt with before prescribing testosterone replacement therapy. These are medical issues that would increase the risks of testosterone replacement therapy or make it downright dangerous.

This is the reason testosterone and many of it’s derivatives (oxandrolone and trenbolone) are abused by athletes and bodybuilders. There are many areas of the body where testosterone can be injected. The injection site is typically in the gluteal muscles in the buttocks. Typically these are administered every 2-4 weeks and should be administered by a healthcare professional like Elite Testing and Wellness. Oral testosterone side effects [www.healthyfy.com] include nausea, headaches, and upper respiratory tract infections, in addition to an increased risk of high blood pressure (the risk is lower for Kyzatrex). Like TRT injections, oral TRT also increases estrogen and may suppress fertility.

Testosterone injections deliver the hormone directly into the muscle, providing a more immediate and sometimes higher dose of testosterone. This method is often used by men who require more significant hormone replacement or those who prefer less frequent dosing schedules. Injections are typically administered every 1-4 weeks, depending on the type of testosterone and the individual’s medical needs. Four participants reported small, painless nodules that resolved within 2 days, while 2 participants developed urticaria at the injection site within a few hours that persisted for up to 3 days.

Further, studies also show more muscle strengthening in injections, bolstering that injections of testosterone are the best method for testosterone replacement therapy. The most important aspect of treatment is that it’s entirely safe when administered in clinically correct dosages. If you are a candidate for treatment, The Edge takes every measure to ensure patients are safe, comfortable, and equipped for lasting results. Some people lose testosterone due to an injury, either by direct trauma to the testes or an interruption in blood supply. Others see a decrease due to illness and diseases, metabolic disorders, chemotherapy treatment, medications, and numerous additional causes. The number one cause of low testosterone isn’t something you can control, unfortunately.