January 6, 2023

Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age. In fact, they can drop by about 1% per year after age 30, and it’s a normal part of the aging process. Unfortunately, it can also come with a variety of unpleasant symptoms that affect men physically, cognitively, and sexually. While not always right for those experiencing mild symptoms, those suffering from low testosterone levels outside the normal range of 300 to 1,000 ng/DL may want to consider testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). If you’re experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, TRT may make sense: fatigue, low motivation, weight gain, reduced muscle and bone mass even if you work out consistently, low sex drive, diminished sexual performance, poor quality of sleep, depression, brain fog, irritability, and/or difficulty concentrating. 

In terms of age for beginning TRT, the most common range is men between 40 - 64 years old. According to The Journal of Clinical Investigation, that’s the age range when most prescriptions are written. However, there are plenty of cases where men see a sharp testosterone drop-off earlier in life in the 40s, 30s, or even mid-20s. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for men to receive treatment as early as their mid-20s. But, on average, 40 - 64 is when most men begin. Because everyone is different, it’s important to consult a trusted health care provider, as they can help you decide what’s best for you.

By undergoing TRT, which can be done through injections, gels, patches, or pellets, many men can effectively restore testosterone levels in their body and see several benefits, which may include:

  • Higher energy levels
  • An increase in motivation
  • Fat reduction
  • An increase in muscle tone and bone strength
  • An increase in libido for more sexual desire and improved performance
  • Better memory and overall cognitive performance
  • Fewer issues with depression, irritability, and mood swings

Beyond that, TRT can also help reduce body inflammation, which can lower the chances of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. This combined with proper dieting and exercise can greatly improve your quality of life in multiple areas. And it’s because of the treatment’s effectiveness that it has become increasingly common in recent years, with an estimated 2.3 million American men receiving it in 2013. And as TRT continues to evolve and be refined, this number will likely increase.

If one or more of the symptoms mentioned above apply to you, there’s a good chance that TRT can be a smart option. Just note that it’s important to first visit a functional medicine practitioner to confirm you have low testosterone and not some other underlying medical condition. A professional will assess your medical history, analyze your testosterone levels, and perform bloodwork to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate.

If you’d like to learn more about testosterone replacement therapy to see if it’s right for you and what options may be best, reach out to Family Health Nurse Practitioner of Rochester today. You can get in touch with us through our online contact form or by calling 585-643-7393.