The internet always has a bunch of misinformation circling around the world wide web, and TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) is not immune to it. In the following 6 subsections we will cover the most common myths and misconceptions around Testosterone deficiency in males and some of the reasons why men believe that they do not suffer from low T or would benefit from low T.
Myth 1: "If I have TRT, my testicles will shrink and I'll be unable to conceive children."
The first common myth is that TRT is linked with fertility complications and a man's testicle will shrink. Men on TRT use a medication called Pregnyl to combat this from happening. Human chorionic gonadotropin HCG (Pregnyl) is an injection that stimulates the testicles to produce more testosterone naturally. HCG (Pregnyl) can help with maintaining sperm production and can also help restore spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadism (Testosterone Deficiency). Overall, this myth has been debunked, since while on TRT you have the option of being on Pregnyl to reduce infertility.
Myth 2: "HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) is just a trend and low testosterone is a part of the aging process"
The second common myth is that TRT and HRT in whole is just a popular trend and only applies to men while they are aging. Breaking the stigma surrounding men's health and TRT is very important. Everyone will experience a decline in their hormones whether it's a man or woman. Men may be diagnosed with hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency) at different ages and stages of their lives. This may begin between the ages of 25 up to 80 years old. The American Urological Association estimates that 20 to 50 percent of men have testosterone deficiency. Generally, 25% of men will experience low testosterone levels by the age of thirty. In old times, men did more laborious work requiring physical strength that kept their testosterone levels in a higher functional range. However, in the modern age that we live in, the privileges that we have resulted in men not doing physically demanding work having lower levels of testosterone for their age. So while the testosterone may be in the "normal range", it is not age-adjusted and men typically have low T symptoms that they generally contribute to other elements.
As we get older, our life expectancy is also increasing so why not have a sense of well-being without the symptoms of low testosterone? Take advantage of the times that we are in, and the advances in science. Get your testosterone levels checked annually.
Myth 3: "My Testosterone level is above 300, so I would not benefit from TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)"
Despite your levels being in the "normal range" you can still experience symptoms of low testosterone. An individual with a testosterone level of 300+ can be in early states of hormone decline (If their usual peak is 800-900). You can have two patients, that are the same age with the same levels or different levels however they have different symptoms. This is why it's important to include symptomology, comprehensive lab work, and the ADAM Questionnaire to personalize our patients' treatment plan.
Myth 4: "TRT and ED therapy are only for men who struggle with their erections."
Believe it or not, TRT and ED therapies are not just for those who have a problem maintaining their erections. Low Testosterone does not just affect libido. Improved libido is just one out of many benefits of TRT. The most common reasons a patient would seek treatment would be improved sleep and energy levels, muscle and bone strength, improved mood, not libido. Although it is a welcomed benefit from TRT.
Other reasons that might cause an individual to seek testing for low testosterone levels include concentration and focus, brain fog, depression and/or anxiety, weight gain, and mood. Erectile dysfunction is not simply about the ability to get an erection. Libido and desire are just as important as your erection quality. TRT can help with all of these.
Myth 5: How testosterone is increased doesn't make a difference. Gels, Pills, injections it's all the same.
There are different options available for the administration of testosterone such as injections, pellets, cream, gel, and pill patches. Caremont Health recommends injections with small short needles to administer the medicine as that is where we have seen the best results.
Injections opposed to over-the-counter medication are recommended due to the fact injections work directly with the bloodstream. Creams and gels take longer to absorb into the bloodstream through the skin and you could rub off the cream which tends to weaken the dose.
At Caremont Health, we offer Injectable testosterone through our partnered 503a compounding pharmacies directly to your home. Our TRT process includes weekly injections as well as 3-month blood draws to monitor your levels. This ensures that your testosterone levels remain consistent, something that would be difficult to monitor if a patient were to opt for an over-the-counter treatment.
Myth 6: I can handle testosterone treatment on my own.
The idea that you can treat low T on your own is scary and can have dangerous side effects. Testosterone supplements are easy to find online, but these unfounded treatments should be avoided. Testosterone medications and therapies are controlled substances that should only be prescribed by a physician.
Excessive use of testosterone medications can lead to enlarged breasts, high BP, and risk of blood clots. It's also important that a medical provider look into other conditions that may be causing a decrease in testosterone so that you can be sure that your treatment plan is the best course of action.
Many misconceptions are floating around the men's health space, and it can be difficult to separate myths from facts based on research. There are many clinical studies on the subject (facts) as opposed to what Joe Shmoe on YouTube tells you. Or @mensknowsbest on a Reddit feed.
Keep in mind TRT is individual-based, and unique to the patient. What may work for you may not work for others and vice versa. This is why it is imperative to get a personalized treatment plan that caters to you after thorough testing and ongoing monitoring to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Schedule today for a free 15-minute consultation to see if you would benefit from TRT. Schedule by calling or texting us at 813-692-6091 or through our website: www.caremonthealth.com booking section.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE BE ADVISE THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE OR USED TO DIAGNOSIS FOR TREAT. PLEASE SPEAK WITH A MEDICAL PROVIDER IF YOU ARE SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE OR A DIAGNOSIS