Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Examine the Myths & Facts
Are you always tired and out of energy? Maybe you’re not “in the mood” anymore or you’ve started experiencing erectile dysfunction. These could mean that you have low testosterone–and its effects go far beyond the bedroom. It can cause sleepless nights, an increasing waistline, and even depression.
But perhaps you’re hesitant to start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Your mind races with questions:
Is it safe?
Does it have dangerous side effects?
Does it cause prostate cancer?
We’ve found that our patients sometimes need assistance separating fact from fiction, and there’s a lot of misinformation concerning what TRT involves and how it helps millions of men across the country. We’ll explore some common myths that can keep you from getting the help you need, and we’ll give you the facts to discuss with one of our internal medicine physicians in Raleigh.
We want you to have the truth so you can make the right decision about your healthcare. We’ll work with you to answer any questions you have about testosterone replacement therapy. Just contact us to schedule an appointment.
Have You Fallen for These Myths About Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Are you still hesitant to consider TRT? Make sure it’s not due to one of the following myths:
Myth 1: TRT Is Only for Serious Athletes or Body Builders, So It’s Not For Me
While testosterone is often misused by bodybuilders or other athletes, the treatment is really intended for those with a low testosterone. In fact, your testosterone level decreases with age, so the older you are, the more likely you are to benefit from TRT–particularly if you’re experiencing some of the symptoms above.
Myth 2: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Will Cure My Age-Related Problems
While TRT can help improve your health and provide extensive benefits, it’s not a “cure-all” to defeat aging. Whenever you start TRT, you need to speak with us about what symptoms you have and we can discuss if those would be best addressed by TRT or another treatment.
Myth 3: TRT Will Give Me Prostate Cancer
We understand this concern. Prostate cancer affects 13 out of 100 American men, which is one reason why prostate cancer screening is so vital. You probably have several friends and relatives who have fought prostate cancer, and witnessing their struggle firsthand makes you a bit hesitant to consider TRT.
Your PSA may rise slightly just after you first start your testosterone replacement therapy, studies have shown there’s no increased risk of getting prostate cancer if you are properly monitored and under a physician’s care. However, we still encourage you to get regular prostate cancer screenings.
Myth 4: TRT Has Dangerous Side Effects
Every medication can come with side effects, but you should be able to have safe and effective TRT therapy. The key is to work closely with us throughout your entire treatment. For this reason, you should avoid ordering testosterone supplements online. You need a partner in your care like our internal medicine physicians in Raleigh to help you through the process.
Let’s Examine the Facts About TRT
Fact 1: It Will Help Much More Than Your Libido
We’ve alluded to this a bit before, but we want to emphasize it again. If you’re having fatigue, mood changes, increased body fat and even difficulty sleeping, you could benefit from TRT. However, these symptoms can also be signs of something else, so it’s crucial to see one of our board-certified internal medicine physicians in Raleigh (who are taking new patients!)
Fact 2: If You Have Side Effects of TRT, They Can Be Managed
We know you’re concerned about side effects, and honestly, there is always a chance of side effects developing with any treatment. However, if you work closely with us, we can minimize this likelihood. If side effects develop, we will work with you to develop an effective plan to manage them.
Fact 3: You Will Need Careful Monitoring During TRT
TRT is different for everyone, and just because someone you know has testosterone replacement therapy, you should realize that your experience may not be similar.
You need individualized treatment plans that will ensure you get the care you need to alleviate the symptoms of low testosterone.
Is It a Good Idea for Me to Get Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
We can’t answer that question without examining and speaking with you, but in general, if you are healthy and have symptoms of low testosterone, treatment can make a dramatic difference in your quality of life.
However, if you’re younger and don’t have low testosterone, treatment is not a “boost” or “fountain of youth.”
TRT is not meant as an answer to all your health issues, but it can help you alleviate the signs of “low T.”
What Happens When I Have Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
After we examine you and evaluate your individual situation, we prescribe testosterone that may be taken in several different forms. These include:
- Skin gels (one of the most popular forms)
- Testosterone injections (every 1 to 2 weeks)
- Patches
- Pellets that are inserted under your skin
- Nasal gel
- Pills
How Long Can I Stay on Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
If you stop your TRT, your low T issues will return. Therefore you should maintain therapy for as long as it’s needed to keep you symptom-free.
Raleigh Medical Group Has The Treatment (and Answers) You Need Concerning Low Testosterone
We know that the problems caused by low testosterone extend far beyond the bedroom. We also understand that your sex life is an important part of your overall wellness. That’s why, at Raleigh Medical Group, we treat the complete patient, considering how issues with one body system can affect the others.
If you’re having troublesome symptoms of low testosterone but aren’t sure where to turn, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our internal medicine physicians in Raleigh. We welcome new patients!
The information in this article and the other articles on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.