Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Home » Testosterone Replacement Therapy

What is testosterone replacement therapy?

Before understanding how testosterone replacement therapy works, it’s important to understand the role of testosterone in your body. Testosterone is a hormone present in the bodies of both men and women. It’s referred to as an androgen, a hormone that supports the formation of male bodily characteristics.

This is because men naturally have higher testosterone levels than women: Normal testosterone levels for men are 300-1,010 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter), while normal levels for women are 15-70 ng/dL. Men and women can expect to lose a small amount of testosterone as they age, but certain levels may be abnormally low. Some conditions, such as obesity, previous narcotic use, HIV/AIDS, type 2 diabetes, or an injury to the testicles may affect testosterone levels.

However, low testosterone levels are treatable with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Clinics may use gels, mouth patches, transdermal skin patches, or implants, or injections as treatment for low t. Atlanta Men’s Clinic offers several options for low testosterone treatment including testosterone cypionate injections and pellets.

How testosterone therapy is transforming aging?

Testosterone therapy is becoming increasingly popular as a way to combat the effects of aging. For years, testosterone therapy has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions in men, from delayed puberty to erectile dysfunction. Though once thought of as a hormone only relevant to men, however, more recently testosterone replacement therapy is being touted as a potential anti-aging treatment. TRT can help to reverse these effects of aging by increasing testosterone levels back to where they were in a man’s younger years. There is no doubt that it is transforming the way we think about aging.

Why use testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone therapy may be an option for men and women who suffer from symptoms of low testosterone. In men, these symptoms may include:

  • Low sex drive
  • Lack of energy
  • Mental fog and reduced of confidence
  • Weight gain
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Increase in belly fat
  • Shrinking of the testicles

Low testosterone levels may also cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Testosterone replacement injections can be used to treat the root causes of ED.

Low T in Women

Low t in women may produce less specific symptoms like:

  • Decreased in libido
  • A dejected mood
  • Lack of energy
  • Loss of motivation

At Atlanta Men’s Clinic we perform routine, thorough lab work to determine whether low testosterone may be responsible for symptoms.

How low t treatment works?​

Getting a diagnosis for low testosterone is very simple and only requires a doctor’s appointment. A simple blood test is used to check testosterone levels in order to decide what next steps may be necessary.

If a diagnosis of low testosterone is confirmed, one of our providers will speak with you about the recommended testosterone therapy treatment. Typically, patients will need to come in once a week to receive an injection, but many patients also opt to take their medications home. The injection is administered into a muscular part of the body, like the thigh or buttocks, and most patients find the injections completely painless.

How quickly does testosterone therapy work?​

Many men are interested in how long it takes for testosterone therapy to work, and while the answer may vary depending on the individual, TRT usually starts to work within a few weeks. However, it may take up to a few months for the full effects to be seen. Some people may need just several months of testosterone replacement therapy in order to see long-term results, while others may require ongoing treatment. This will depend on your individual diagnosis and goals.

How long does testosterone therapy last?

Currently, there is no definitive answer to the question of how long testosterone therapy lasts. The half-life of testosterone is about 3-4 hours, so testosterone levels will peak about 3-4 hours after injection and then gradually decline over the course of the day. 

However, this does not mean that testosterone levels will return to baseline after 24 hours. In fact, testosterone levels may remain elevated for weeks or even months after starting testosterone therapy.

The duration of treatment will vary depending on the individual’s response to the therapy. In some cases, testosterone therapy may need to be continued indefinitely in order to maintain its benefits. For most people, however, testosterone therapy can be a long-term treatment option.

Risks of testosterone replacement therapy​

Testosterone replacement therapy has many benefits, but some risks of TRT may include:

Benefits of TRT​

TRT may help both men and women combat symptoms such as fatigue, a reduced sex drive, and even osteoporosis. It can also help avoid anemia, as testosterone affects the production of red blood cells.

Studies show that men who have received low testosterone therapy are 16% less likely to have a heart attack. Men whose health was heavily compromised because of low t were shown to decrease their chances of a heart attack by up to 31%. Testosterone replacement therapy has been known to positively effect brain function, muscle mass, mood, and sensitivity to insulin. Furthermore, men who have received treatment for low t often report enhanced energy levels, improved erections, and increased libido. In addition, testosterone has a role in keeping bones strong and dense.

The effectiveness of treatment varies depending on the individual. Fewer studies have been conducted on the additional results of testosterone therapy for women, but it can be effective in providing relief from symptoms of low testosterone. The bone enhancing effect of treatment for low t may be especially important for women, who are at higher risk of osteoporosis as they age.

How to stop testosterone therapy​

What happens if I stop testosterone therapy?​

Testosterone therapy is a great way to increase your energy levels, sex drive, and overall sense of wellbeing. However, there may come a time when you want to stop taking testosterone replacement therapy. Whatever your reasons, it is important to stop therapy safely in order to avoid any complications.

When testosterone is supplemented exogenously, it can suppress the body’s natural production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are responsible for the stimulation of testicular function and the production of sperm. This suppression can lead to testicular shrinkage and a decline in fertility.

To mitigate these effects, our protocol includes the use of Pregnyl (hCG) alongside testosterone replacement therapy. Pregnyl is administered to stimulate the production of LH, which, in turn, helps to maintain testicular function, fertility, and normalize your levels after therapy is stopped.  This also helps to minimize the risk of other side effects such as loss of muscle mass and fatigue.

Our Atlanta testosterone replacement therapy clinic

Atlanta Men’s Clinic prides itself in offering top-level testosterone therapy for men and women. Our staff includes expert physicians with years of experience in endocrine evaluation and treatment, including a cutting edge hormone replacement therapy protocol for both men and women. Our testosterone replacement therapy clinic services all of metro Atlanta both in office and via telemedicine appointments. Experience the Atlanta Men’s Clinic difference.

What Patients Are Saying

Professional, fun and courteous, I’m happy to have found them.

More News
Ready to get started? We are here to help.

Schedule an Appointment Today