If you think you might be suffering from Low T, it’s important to get properly diagnosed so that you can start TRT treatment plan that suits your individual needs. Getting a Low T diagnosis involves two steps.
Here are some questions you should research when considering TRT at a men’s health clinic.
Blood tests for Low T are often done first thing in the morning -- ideally between 7 AM and 10 AM and while you are fasting -- because testosterone levels go up and down during the day and mornings are when levels tend to be highest. Once your results come back, your doctor or HCP may order other tests to gather more information.
A normal range of testosterone for men is anywhere between 300 to 1,000 ng/dL. But not everyone has Low T symptoms at the same testosterone levels. Some men may notice changes above 300 ng/dL, for instance. Others may not have symptoms until their level is at 150 or even 100. The fact is that symptoms of Low T and blood levels of testosterone don’t always match up.
If you are diagnosed with Low T, your doctor or health care professional will discuss a TRT treatment plan that will get you started on the path towards feeling better. In some cases, even if you have Low T, you may need to advocate for yourself about your TRT options.
Treatment can be an important tool managing Low T and its symptoms, but it can also be a bit overwhelming when examining the variety of treatment options that are available.
It’s worth researching and discussing all of your TRT options with your doctor or HCP in order to make an informed decision and determine which approach will work best for you.
It’s also important to check with your doctor or HCP if you have any questions or simply want clarification on any particular aspect of your TRT treatment. Your health is important, and the right information is essential.
TRT is available in several forms as seen below.
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The FDA has recently approved oral testosterone (testosterone undecanoate) for use in treating Low T.
All options are a safe, convenient and effective method to raise serum testosterone levels in men with Low T. Enhancements and modifications to the oral testosterone pills delivery system have allowed the medication to improve serum testosterone levels and bypass liver metabolism, without causing liver toxicity, which is an improvement from previous, older iterations of oral testosterone (Methyltestosterone) which had liver-related side-effects. These newer treatment options are able to sustain serum testosterone concentrations between 300 -1000 ng/dL.
Testosterone injections can be administered by your doctor or HCP or done at home using a home injection kit. They are typically given weekly, though it is important to follow your doctor’s prescribing instructions. The needle for injection is small, and typically, the medication is injected just under the skin. If the injection site is not sterilized prior to injection, there is a risk of infection, redness or swelling.
Injection therapy can have peaks and valleys, typically a peak blood level occurs 2-4 days after the injection and a valley occurs before the next injection. The peaks and valleys can be minimized by changing the frequency of injections, the dose of testosterone or both.
An expected potential side effect of injection therapy is an increased level of red blood cells, which manifests as increased levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit (which is defined as the ratio of red blood cells to the volume of blood). This “side effect” can be a desired therapeutic effect in men with anemia. Because it is theoretically plausible that high hematocrit levels may increase risk for cardiovascular events – including blood clots - regular monitoring of hematocrit during testosterone therapy is important.
The pellets must be implanted in your doctor’s office, and there is the potential for the pellet to work its way out through the skin. Since the pellets are injected, the dosage cannot easily be adjusted. In addition, implanting testosterone pellets causes a break in the skin, so there is the risk of infection or scarring.
Testosterone gels are usually applied once daily in the morning to clean, dry skin. It is important to cover the application site as soon as the gel has dried to prevent accidental transfer.
Testosterone gels are easy to apply and allow for a steady release of testosterone. There is no need for needles or training to give injections. The gel dries quickly and could easily become part of your daily routine.
Testosterone gels should not be applied directly to the penis or scrotum or to any skin surface that is cracked or covered with a rash. Gels may be messy to apply and irritate the skin.
Side effects specific to testosterone gels include watery eyes, headaches, dry or itchy skin, diarrhea and skin redness or irritation.
Testosterone patches tend to be easier to apply than testosterone gels and decrease the risk of accidental transfer of testosterone to women or children.
Testosterone patches should not be applied to oily or hairy skin, areas of increased perspiration, over a bone, or places where pressure is applied when sitting or lying down.
You need to choose a different spot each night for the application, and the same spot cannot be reused for a minimum of seven days.
Side effects from testosterone patches may include: burn-like blisters, redness, pain, or itching at the application site.
Now that you've learned more about what testosterone is, the causes and symptoms for Low T, and what the TRT treatment options are, it's time for you to take the next step and be proactive about taking care of your Low T.
Ask your spouse or partner to confirm if they've noticed some of the symptoms you may be having or feeling.
Make an appointment with your doctor or HCP and tell them about the symptoms you're having.
Ask your doctor or HCP to test your total & free testosterone levels and then discuss what your test result number means.
Testosterone levels vary from person to person, so your level and symptoms may differ from someone else's.
If the results of your blood test indicate you have Low T, speak to your doctor or HCP about your treatment options.
