Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has helped millions of men alleviate the symptoms of low testosterone (low T), including decreased libido, fatigue, and muscle loss.
While TRT has been FDA-approved for decades and is widely seen as both extremely safe and extremely effective, it’s still crucial to understand the safety of TRT and any potential risks involved before making a decision.
In this post, you’ll learn the benefits and the risks of TRT, as well as the health consequences of untreated low testosterone levels.
5 Serious Health Risks Associated with Untreated Low Testosterone
While TRT comes with potential side effects, living with untreated low testosterone levels can be far more dangerous. Here are the health risks of leaving your low T untreated.
1. Increased Risk of Osteoporosis
Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. Low levels can lead to weakened bones and a higher risk of fractures. In fact, studies have shown that men with low testosterone are more likely to experience osteoporotic fractures, particularly in the hip and spine.
2. Cardiovascular Problems
Research has indicated that low testosterone is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. This may be because testosterone helps regulate cholesterol levels and can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Men with low testosterone may be more likely to develop atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
3. Metabolic Issues
Men with low testosterone are more likely to develop insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, all of which can have serious long-term health consequences.
Testosterone plays a role in regulating metabolism and blood sugar levels, so when levels are low, the body may have difficulty processing glucose and maintaining a healthy weight.
4. Cognitive Decline
Testosterone is essential for brain health, and low levels have been linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in older men.
5. Mood Changes
Low testosterone can lead to mood swings, irritability, and even depression, impacting your mental well-being and relationships. Testosterone is involved in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood.
When testosterone levels are low, serotonin production may also be affected, leading to changes in mood and emotional well-being.
5 Major Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
TRT can be highly effective in managing low testosterone and comes with a wide range of benefits, especially if you’ve been living with low T for a long time.
1. Improved Libido and Sexual Function
Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy sex drive and erectile function. By restoring testosterone levels to a normal range, TRT can help improve libido and reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
2. Increased Muscle Mass and Strength
Testosterone is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Men who undergo TRT often experience an increase in lean body mass and strength, which can improve overall physical function and quality of life.
3. Enhanced Bone Density
As mentioned earlier, testosterone is important for maintaining bone density. TRT can help improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
4. Better Mood and Cognitive Function
By regulating serotonin production and other neurotransmitters, TRT can help improve mood and cognitive function in men with low testosterone. This may include reduced symptoms of depression, improved memory and concentration, and better overall mental well-being.
5. Reduced Body Fat and Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Testosterone plays a role in regulating metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Men who undergo TRT may experience a reduction in body fat, particularly around the waist, and improved insulin sensitivity, which can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
5 Potential Risks and Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about TRT, including 2 often-repeated false claims: that TRT increases the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease.
Studies have shown that TRT does NOT increase the risk of prostate cancer and does NOT increase the risk of heart disease.
However, like any medication or treatment, TRT does come with some potential side effects that you should be aware of.
1. Acne and Oily Skin
Testosterone stimulates the production of sebum, the natural oil produced by the skin. As a result, some men may experience an increase in acne or oily skin when undergoing TRT.
2. Sleep Apnea
Though research into this issue is inconclusive, some evidence suggests that testosterone may, be associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to daytime fatigue, headaches, and other health problems.
3. Gynecomastia (Breast Tissue Growth)
In some cases, TRT can cause the development of breast tissue in men, a condition known as gynecomastia.
However, this only occurs when men aren’t taking an estrogen blocker. When you begin your therapy, make sure you talk to your healthcare provider about the importance of taking an estrogen blocker as part of your treatment.
4. Testicular Atrophy
When the body is receiving testosterone from an external source, it may signal the testicles to reduce their own production of the hormone. As a result, the testicles may shrink in size over time, an aesthetic issue that most men don’t even notice.
5. Low Sperm Production (Infertility)
Sperm production will also drop significantly in most men, which is why many men are advised not to begin TRT until they are certain they don’t want any more children.
Making an Informed Decision
Testosterone replacement therapy can be a valuable tool in managing the symptoms and health risks associated with low testosterone levels. However, it's essential to approach TRT with a clear understanding of both the potential benefits and the risks involved.
Learn more about testosterone replacement therapy here or schedule an appointment with a specialist today to discuss your options.