How To Learn More
If you want to learn more about testosterone-based GAHT, the best place to start is by talking to your healthcare provider. However, if you dont have one, you can find a local gender-affirming provider near you by visiting the WPATH provider directory or checking to see if you live a state covered by Plume, a telehealth company providing gender-affirming care, made by and for trans people.
Plume offers a mobile app where you can consult with a provider, develop an individualized treatment plan, and have your prescriptions delivered to your door, all for a flat monthly fee of $99 . You can learn more about Plumes GAHT services on their website.
Typical Changes While Taking Testosterone
There are 2 types of changes that will occur while on T reversible and irreversible.
The reversible changes that regress once youve stopped taking T are: Muscle-fat redistribution , coarser skin, body odor, acne, oily and thicker skin.
The irreversible changes after going off of T are: Male-pattern baldness, voice drop, facial and body hair, and genital growth.
Its important to note that testosterone effects everyone different, so You cant pick the changes you want, so before deciding make sure youd be ok with the changes that can take place. Your primary care physician will also go over the risk and benefits of T prior to giving you a prescription where you are also obliged to sign that you have been read and understand the changes that can take place.
What Other Drugs Will Affect Testosterone
Certain drugs may interact with testosterone, including
- Blood thinners
- Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as oxyphenbutazone
Other prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products may also react with testosterone. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Don’t Miss: Does Nugenix Have An Estrogen Blocker
Types Of Testosterone Products
Testosterone can be administered in skin patch, skin gel, pill or cream form or as an injection, a solution applied to the armpit or a patch or a buccal system applied to the upper gum or inner cheek.
While many testosterone products are available only with a prescription, some drug stores and health food stores sell them over the counter. A few of these products also claim to be all-natural.
Heres All You Need To Know About Maximizing Your T
Testosterone is synonymous with strong muscles, Viking-esque beards, and an intense sex drive. But Ta primary hormone produced in your testicles that regulates your reproductive systemaffects a lot more than you may think. In addition to its muscle-building and sex-drive functions, it also plays a role in the clarity of your skin, the speed of your metabolism, and even your brain function. Go figure. Its a hormone that travels around the body and is metabolized into different hormonesdihydrotestosterone and estradiol, says Robert Tan, M.D., professor of medicine and family medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center and research director of the Low T Center. So it isnt just about sexuality or strengthits a very generalized hormone.
Dihydrotestosterone, for example, initiates the development of male characteristics, while estradiol induces sperm production. These days, more and more men are turning to testosterone replacement therapy for better gains in the gym, more energy, and a healthy sex life. Think youre a candidate? Read on to learn more about TRT.
1 of 7
AJ_Watt / Getty
Also Check: Melatonin And Unisom Together
What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy
TRT is a medicine to treat the symptoms of testosterone deficiency , a condition called hypogonadism. In some men with low testosterone, TRT can improve your mood, energy, wellbeing, libido and sexual function.TRT is testosterone given as a medicine prescribed by a doctor to treat the symptoms of low testosterone levels. It comes as a patch , injection or capsules . TRT is not for everyone. You need to have blood tests and a full discussion with your doctor to see if it is right for you. Read more about low testosterone levels.
What Is The Difference Between Trt And Performance
TRT is a medicine prescribed by your doctor to treat testosterone deficiency to reach physiologic levels of the hormone in your blood. Performance-enhancing steroids are unregulated products that contain testosterone or chemicals that act like testosterone. They are sometimes used by bodybuilders and athletes. They contain these substances in higher doses and these are often combined with other chemicals that boost the overall muscle-building effect. Long-term use of performance-enhancing steroids can cause harmful effects.
Don’t Miss: Tubal Ligation Cause Early Menopause
What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain tests to check your body’s response to testosterone injection.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving testosterone injection.
Do not let anyone else use your testosterone enanthate injection . Testosterone is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Gaht Vs Hormone Replacement Therapy
Since these two terms are often confused or used interchangeably, lets take a moment to differentiate GAHT from hormone replacement therapy .
Hormone replacement therapy is classically used to describe the process of prescribing hormones to cisgender people, meaning those individuals whose gender identify matches their sex assigned at birth, often to relieve symptoms of hormone imbalance. For example, testosterone may be prescribed to cisgender men with low testosterone levels who have symptoms like changes in sexual function.
The term HRT, on the other hand, has often been used by the trans community to describe the process of gender-affirming hormone therapy. However, GAHT is a more accurate description of the use of hormones by trans folks because nothing is technically being replaced. The medical community who takes care of trans folks is moving away from saying HRT, and instead, is using GAHT so as not to conflate the different therapeutic practices.
Also Check: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Therapy
Prescription Testosterone Pills Why We Prefer Testosterone Injections
Theres a reason why we prefer testosterone injections over prescription testosterone pills, but why is that? Heres why you should be choosing injections.
When we think about testosterone, we link it to sex drive. But did you know that it affects other factors in mens health? These include body fat, muscle mass, red blood cell count, and mood.
A comparison study shows that the testosterone drug industry in the US has grown from 2.4 to 3.8 billion. Men all over the country have begun taking advantage of new technology to ensure that their bodies are in tip-top shape.
There are several testosterone supplements on the market that can help boost your testosterone levels. Prescription testosterone pills and testosterone injections are two popular options.
While you may be tempted to try testosterone pills because it seems much easier, you may want to rethink your options. Although prescription pills are widely available, medical professionals do not recommend this option.
Read on to learn about why testosterone injections are much better than prescription testosterone pills.
Testosterone Replacement Located In Dallas Tx & Houston Tx & Frisco Tx
Many men who suffer from low testosterone are unaware of their condition, as well as the fact that there are treatment options like testosterone therapy. Mens T-Clinic® are experts at treating men in Texas with testosterone replacement therapies. Conveniently located in ten Texas locations Dallas, Frisco, North Frisco, The Colony, Houston, Cypress, Pearland, Pasadena, Spring and Grapevine this team understands what youre going through and can help you feel better than you have in years. Call or schedule an appointment online.
- Book Online
Recommended Reading: Can Having Your Tubes Tied Cause Hormonal Imbalance
What Should I Know About The Different Trt Options
- Injection: The TRT injection can cause swings in testosterone levels in some people. This can lead to fluctuations in mood and sexual behaviour, as well as breast tenderness and other symptoms. You will need to have follow-up blood tests. Make sure you have these on time, to check the dose is right for you. Before injecting TRT, warm the medicine to body temperature to reduce pain at the injection site. It is important that Reandron is injected slowly into a large muscle.
- Patch: You should avoid showering, swimming and sexual activity for 4 hours after putting on the patch. Skin irritation is common at the site of the patch.
- Capsules: These are best taken with food.
A Booming $38 Billion Market
Despite this, the TRT market expected to reach $3.8 billion globally by 2022, up from $2 billion in 2012 is booming. According to Global Industry Analysts, the uptick is being fueledby the growing prevalence of hypogonadism due to the increase in the aging male population. Hypogonadism is the medical term for the condition in which the testicles don’t make enough testosterone. The condition, roughly defined as having a level under 300 ng/dl, affects about 30 percent of men over age 65.
Other factors include the rising awareness of the disease, improved diagnosis rates, availability of therapies, preference for easy-to-use products and expected approval of new-generation drugs in the pipeline, said Global Industry Analysts.
Another major driver is the overprescription of TRT to young men, wooed by the promise of heightened energy, muscle mass and sex drive. Between 2003 and 2013, TRT use quadrupled in men between 18 and 45 years old, who most frequently were prescribed the medication by their doctors, outpacing prescription in older men for whom the drug is intended, according to a 2017 study in the Journal of Urology.
The industry has a “tremendous amount of conflicts of interests,” said Thomas Perls, a professor of Medicine at Boston University, who describes TRT as “disease mongering,” or “redefining a disease so that it greatly enlarges the potential population that would be interested in the drug, with the addition of mass marketing,” he said.
Don’t Miss: Does Blue Cross Cover Testosterone Injections
The Need For Continual Health Monitoring Throughout Trt
In addition to avoiding subpar medications, getting a legitimate prescription from an experienced TRT provider is essential to ensure that your body responds as it should to therapy.
When you visit a TRT provider prior to beginning therapy, the doctor will screen for the following underlying conditions that might contraindicate therapy:
- Diabetes.
- Breast cancer.
- Unchecked cholesterol.
Although these conditions may not necessarily disqualify patients who require TRT, they must be properly treated prior to beginning therapy to avoid potential negative side effects that can sometimes occur as a result of receiving testosterone.
How Should I Use This Medicine
This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
Don’t Miss: Does Kaiser Cover Hormone Replacement Therapy
What Is Pellet Therapy
Pellet therapy can be an effective treatment plan for Low T once your doctor determines your specific optimal dosage. The easiest way to find the optimal dose is to use injection therapy first. Once the pellets are implanted under the skin, it is more difficult to modify the treatment to manage side effects.
Insurance plans may not cover pellet therapy. You can discuss all of the TRT options at your initial consultation.
To Use Testosterone Patches Follow These Steps:
Don’t Miss: Does Nugenix Have An Estrogen Blocker
Performing A Testosterone Injection
What Is The Difference Between Injections And Gels Or Creams
Injection administration makes it easier to determine the amount of testosterone your body receives, and it is much simpler to modify the dose. Injections allow you to achieve optimal levels of testosterone to maximize outcomes while minimizing side effects. The costs to insurance companies and the chances of secondary exposure to other household members can be higher with the gels and creams.
Your doctor discusses all of the options with you at your initial consultation. If you are currently using a gel or cream and want more information from the mens health care specialists at Mens T-Clinic®, please call or schedule a consultation online.
Recommended Reading: Nugenix Estro Regulator Review
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not receive testosterone if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
-
prostate cancer
-
if you are bedridden or otherwise debilitated or
-
if you take a blood thinner .
This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Do not use testosterone if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are receiving this medicine.
It is not known whether testosterone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Receive Hormone Replacement Therapy At Live Beyond Medical
Live Beyond Medical is a professional medical and wellness center that offers a variety of services, including advanced hormone replacement therapy for men and women. Therefore, individuals can rest assured that they will receive trustworthy care while going through hormone replacement therapy at Live Beyond.
Live Beyond Medical takes a compassionate approach to understand the physical changes that cause patients concern. This approach combined with our extensive experience in providing hormone replacement therapy assures patients that they are in good hands while going through this procedure.
Hot flashes, insomnia, thinning hair, and bone density loss create concerns for women that Live Beyond can address with its caring and empathetic approach. We know that age does not always provide the main reason for needing hormone replacement therapy. Thats why we consider all factors. Therefore, our comprehensive treatment addresses conditions that affect men who lose testosterone after age 40 and women who lose estrogen.
Live Beyond Medicals experience in helping women manage issues related to menopause shows the value of reducing symptoms with natural, bioidentical estrogen. As a leader in Hormone Optimization, IV Vitamin Therapy, Ozone Therapy, and Regenerative Medicine, we here at Live Beyond Medical can provide patients with even more health solutions. Contact us to start your path to the lifestyle that you deserve today.
You May Like: Does Tubal Ligation Cause Early Menopause
Deciding Whether Testosterone Therapy Is Appropriate