Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the use of prescribed testosterone on a scheduled and controlled basis to replace testosterone that the body is not making. An increased risk of heart and prostate problems is associated with low testosterone. Unfortunately, there are also many myths about TRT that are not true. So, what is testosterone replacement therapy? It is a way to feel like yourself again.
What is Testosterone?
Interestingly, both men and women require testosterone. For men, it is the hormone required for the developmental growth and maintenance of male attributes throughout their lifetime. Women have much less testosterone; their main hormones are estrogen and progesterone. However, testosterone in women is necessary. Moreover, when it is low, it mainly impacts metabolism and libido. TRT helps replace the testosterone that our bodies are not making enough of.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Men with low testosterone report increased joint pain, muscle aches, sleep problems, tiredness, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, depression, lack of interest in leisure activities, reduced activity, getting less done, lack of vitality, decreased muscle strength, feeling they have passed their peak, decrease in ability /frequency to perform sexually, decrease in number of morning erections, decrease in sexual desire/libido. Ultimately, these symptoms result in a decreased quality of life.
Women with low testosterone usually report weight gain, muscle loss, depression, and low libido. An informative article by Dr. Mindy Pelz, about “Why testosterone matters for women” is a helpful resource.
Testosterone replacement therapy can reverse these symptoms.
How TRT is Done
Lab testing checks basic labs and free and total testosterone, estradiol in men or estrogen and progesterone in women, and prostate-specific antigen in men over 50. Lab tests and symptoms diagnose low testosterone. The patient’s lab results determine dosing. The Practitioner’s Pen provides a customized plan for each individual delivered by Kimberly Stephens, MSN FNP-BC APRN, as your personal provider.
Results of TRT
In the first ten weeks improvement is evident. Furthermore, symptoms continue to reverse in the following weeks. Most clients report significant changes in consistent treatment after six months.
Contact us at The Practitioner’s Pen today and partner with Kimberly Stephens, MSN FNP-BC APRN, to determine your testosterone levels and start treatment to improve them. The sooner we start, the sooner those symptoms disappear, and you can feel like yourself again.