Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a hormonal treatment used by medical professionals to treat a health problem known as a testosterone deficiency; a reduction in the levels of testosterone in the male body. This condition is also referred to as hypogonadism, or andropause. With aging (sometimes without), the production of testosterone begins to decline gradually, and with low testosterone levels, not only does sexual drive and performance diminish, the body will also start losing muscle mass and strength while increasing body fat. Low levels of energy, fatigue, depression, as well as sense of well being are all common ailments of low testosterone.
Studies have shown that restoring testosterone levels to within its normal range by using Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can improve many of the effects of hypogonadism. Most importantly, the beneficial effects on mood, energy levels and sense of wellbeing, sexual desire and function, lean body mass and muscle strength, decreased body fat, as well as improved mood and sense of vigorousness.
As a matter of fact, if your testosterone levels are below optimum and you start receiving Testosterone Replacement Therapy, your body will naturally convert some of that testosterone to Estrogen. In some of these cases, it might be important to counter the rising estrogen levels. Actually, it’s not a stretch to say that in many cases, testosterone replacement and anti-estrogen medications (Aromatase Inhibitors)
go hand in hand. Nevertheless, it has to be emphasized that this is not an all-or-none rule; recommendation to use Aromatase Inhibitors while on Testosterone Replacement Therapy should be on a case by case basis.
Conscientious and knowledgeable Urologists prescribing Testosterone Replacement Therapy may concurrently prescribe an anti-aromatase medication to combat estrogen aiming at keeping their patient in the physiological estrogen sweet spot, which keeps him from suffering any of the health-related troubles associated with high levels of the estrogen while on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
Considering both benefits and risks, Testosterone Replacement Therapy should be fully discussed between you and your trusted Urologist, in order to weigh whether or not such therapy would actually be helpful to you.
My best wishes for an everlasting health
Dr. Anis Haddad
Urologist & Men`s Health Expert
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