Why Testosterone Replacement Therapy Is the Standard
In recent years, many supplements marketed as "testosterone boosters" have hit the market. These claim to help men increase their testosterone levels naturally. However, the truth is that these supplements are largely ineffective—and may even be harmful.
In this post, you’ll learn why testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the only proven effective treatment for low testosterone levels and why supplements are never recommended.
The Prevalence of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone (low T) is a condition that affects millions of men worldwide. Testosterone is a crucial hormone that plays a major role in the creation and maintenance of muscle mass, maintenance of bone density, red blood cell production, and sexual function.
As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline. This is known as andropause and can lead to a range of symptoms, including:
● Fatigue
● Reduced muscle mass
Defining low T is controversial as many medical professionals will claim that total testosterone over 300 ng/dL is “normal.” However, in our clinical experience, few men of any age with testosterone at 300 ng/dL will feel “normal.” In fact, most men with levels that low that we’ve seen exhibit many of the symptoms of low T.
Everyone’s body is unique, which is why the broad range that’s usually defined as “normal” (300 ng/dL to 1,000 ng/dL) isn’t very helpful. A man with a total testosterone level that’s considered “normal” can still exhibit symptoms if his level is low compared to what his body usually produces, regardless of where that number falls in this range.
This is why it’s so important to speak to a healthcare professional with experience treating low testosterone. You want a provider who is going to look at the whole picture, including your symptoms—not just a few numbers.
The Ineffectiveness of Testosterone Supplements
With the increasing awareness of low testosterone and its impact on men's health, the market for testosterone supplements has exploded in recent years.
These supplements often contain ingredients such as Tribulus terrestris, D-aspartic acid, and fenugreek, which supposedly boost testosterone levels naturally.
However, the reality is that there is little scientific evidence to support these claims—many of the ingredients found in testosterone supplements have not been proven to be effective in increasing testosterone levels.
For example, Tribulus terrestris, a common ingredient in many supplements, has been shown to have no significant effect on testosterone levels in several studies. Similarly, while D-aspartic acid has been shown to increase testosterone levels in some studies, the effects are often short-lived and not clinically significant.
Possibly the biggest problem with these supplements is that they have the potential to cause liver damage and appear to have landed some men in the hospital. In contrast, men who have been prescribed TRT by a medical professional and given injections, topicals, or other forms of therapy have been found to have improved liver function.
Why Testosterone Replacement Therapy Is the Gold Standard
While testosterone supplements are largely ineffective, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a proven and effective treatment for low testosterone levels. The medication is usually given as an injection, but gels, patches, and pellets are also available.
TRT has been shown to have numerous benefits for men with low testosterone, including:
● Improved libido and sexual function
● Increased muscle mass and strength
● Reduced body fat
● Increased bone density
● Improved mood and cognitive function
● Increased energy levels
It’s also been around for a long time—TRT has been administered to men for decades and has a long history of success. For this and many other reasons, TRT is universally viewed as the gold standard for treating low testosterone and its associated symptoms.
On the other hand, most of the supplements on the market today are fairly new and have little evidence to back up their effectiveness, if any. When that’s combined with their potential to cause liver issues, there’s just no good reason to take them.
The Importance of Proper Monitoring During TRT
Once you’ve started TRT, your healthcare provider will closely monitor your levels and your symptoms to ensure that your testosterone stays in a healthy range and that you’re responding to treatment.
This monitoring typically involves regular tests to measure hormone levels and other markers of health, including red blood cell count and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
While TRT is generally safe and well-tolerated, it can have some side effects if levels get too high. Make sure the provider you choose is going to be monitoring you regularly, and find out exactly what they’ll be monitoring.
Remember, TRT is only effective when the dose is correct for you and your body. Dosage and frequency may need to be adjusted in the early weeks and months of your treatment, and it may take longer than you’d like to start feeling better. That being said, we’ve seen many men whose symptoms have practically disappeared after only a few weeks of treatment.
The Importance of Lifestyle Changes in Conjunction with TRT
While TRT can be an effective treatment for low testosterone, it’s not a magic bullet. To achieve the best possible results, you may need to also make lifestyle changes that support healthy testosterone levels and overall health.
Some of the most important lifestyle changes that men can make include:
● Eating a healthy diet
● Exercising regularly
● Getting enough sleep each night
● Managing stress through relaxation techniques, including meditation or yoga
● Limiting alcohol consumption
● Avoiding smoking and other tobacco products
By making these lifestyle changes in conjunction with TRT, you can optimize your testosterone levels and improve your overall health and well-being.
Testosterone Supplements Aren’t the Answer, but TRT Might Be
While the idea of boosting testosterone levels naturally through supplements may be appealing, the reality is that these supplements are largely ineffective and potentially harmful. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone, talk to a healthcare provider about how you’re feeling so that you can be tested properly.
Learn more about testosterone replacement therapy here or schedule an appointment with a specialist today to discuss your options.