Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be prescribed by doctors for patients with clinically low testosterone levels. The decision to prescribe TRT is made after a thorough evaluation of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and blood work.
When TRT may be prescribed
Doctors may prescribe TRT if a patient has:
- Symptoms of low testosterone: low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased energy, mood problems, difficulty building muscle mass, etc.
- A confirmed diagnosis of hypogonadism or clinically low testosterone levels through blood tests. This means having total testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL or free testosterone levels below 5-9 pg/mL.
- An identifiable underlying condition causing low testosterone such as injury, infection, or genetic disorders affecting the testes.
- Failed to respond adequately to lifestyle changes to increase testosterone naturally.
Prescribing considerations
Before prescribing TRT, doctors consider factors like:
- The patient's age - TRT is not routinely prescribed for men under 30 years old
- Risks factors for adverse effects like prostate cancer or worsening sleep apnea
- The patient's fertility goals as TRT can impair sperm production
Doctors start TRT at the
lowest effective dose and monitor the patient carefully for benefits and side effects. Bloodwork is checked periodically to ensure optimum testosterone levels are achieved and maintained.
At Vitality Balance Clinic, our highly experienced doctors specialize in effectively and safely prescribing TRT improving patients' vitality and quality of life when clinically indicated.
Forms of TRT
There are several
FDA-approved formulations of TRT available:
- Testosterone injections - Administered intramuscularly once every 1-2 weeks. Provides stable testosterone levels.
- Transdermal testosterone gels - Absorbed through the skin daily. Provides flexible dosing.
- Oral testosterone capsules - Taken by mouth 2-3 times a day with food. Easy to use but can cause liver strain.
- Testosterone pellets - Placed under the skin every 3-6 months. Provide stable long-acting delivery.
- Topical testosterone solutions - Applied daily to shoulders and upper arms. Good for patients averse to injections.
The formulation chosen depends on the patient’s preference, needs, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Our clinic helps patients decide on the optimal TRT plan tailored specifically for their health and lifestyle.
Monitoring on TRT
Patients on TRT require periodic monitoring including:
- Testosterone level checks - To ensure levels are within optimum range
- Assessing treatment response regarding energy, sex drive, mood, etc
- Monitoring potential side effects
- Checking impact on fertility if applicable
- Screening for prostate issues with PSA testing
Dose adjustments are made accordingly to balance efficacy and safety on an ongoing basis.
Contraindications
TRT cannot be prescribed if patients have:
- Hormone-sensitive cancers like prostate or breast cancer
- Untreated sleep apnea
- Severe urinary difficulties from prostate enlargement
- Uncontrolled or poorly controlled heart disease
For these patients, lifestyle measures to support testosterone production may be recommended instead.
In summary,
TRT can certainly be prescribed by doctors for men with clinically low testosterone causing distressing symptoms. A meticulous evaluation is undertaken beforehand weighing up benefits versus potential risks on an individualized basis. Ongoing monitoring ensures optimum treatment results are safely achieved long-term.
At Vitality Balance Clinic, your health and wellbeing are our top priority. Contact our friendly clinic today to find out if TRT is suitable for improving your vitality under our experienced medical team’s care.
