The testosterone preparation methods have advanced over time with the present-day ones including IM injections, oral, subcutaneous, transdermal, and buccal. They all have different dosage, formulations, safety profiles, and ways of administration that have also changed over the course of the years. With the introduction of more delivery systems, newer ones have been used to serve as alternatives for the more established ones.
In fact, the use of testosterone replacement therapy has tripled over the past couple of years, and although most people get the treatment without a clear reason, 75% of the men who receive the treatment have their testosterone levels checked before they start the process.
As the popularity of testosterone therapy increases, doctor and patient awareness has equally increased and this has skyrocketed the use of TRT globally. While men have been the most common recipients of TRT, there has been a gradual shift especially because of the increasing number of transgender patients. Hence, this has significantly impacted the growth and rampant use of different testosterone treatments.
How to Get Testosterone Replacement Therapy
There are wrong and right ways to go about getting testosterone replacement therapy, let’s dive into how to get it the right way.
Go to Your Doctor
One way of getting testosterone replacement therapy is through your doctor. Perhaps you have been exhibiting symptoms of low-T, you could consult with your doctor who will prescribe a testosterone treatment for you. While getting TRT through your doctor might seem like the right thing to do, some people report that doctors simply don’t understand their symptoms, and tell them they are “in range.” Oftentimes, doctors follow reference ranges for testosterone that are usually reduced overtime and span many age groups. So your doctor may tell you you’re in “normal testosterone range” even when you are experiencing low-T symptoms and with very low testosterone levels. This can mean that you are in range as an 80-year-old when your actual age is in the ’40s, which can lead to many men who aren’t getting the treatment they should get,
Go to an Anti-aging Clinic
An anti-aging clinic is a clinic that specializes in providing anti-aging treatments that are usually surgical or non-surgical. As opposed to getting TRT from a general practitioner, an anti-aging clinic specifically work with patients who need hormone therapy and have doctors who are experts in it working with them and with you. Since their services are narrowed down to hormone therapy and different anti-aging solutions, you can be sure of getting top-notch treatment.
Process of Getting TRT with Clinic
Once you choose a clinic of your choice for testosterone treatment, there are a few steps involved. From consulting an expert to getting your treatment plan, all the steps are important in establishing the kind of treatment you will need. That said, below is the simple process of getting TRT through a clinic.
Consult
During your first appointment, your doctor will identify your potential needs for therapy. And during the consultation, you become aware of the different methods of treatment that your clinic is comfortable and knowledgeable with. It is during the consultation that you will also learn more about how TRT works and exactly what it does. You need to also inquire about the side effects of the treatment if any, and what to expect once therapy begins. Above all, you want to begin building an honest and trustworthy relationship with your provider.
Medical Exam
You will also be required to undergo a medical exam before you are placed for therapy. This may also include filling out your medical history form about your symptoms, supplements, and medications prescribed to you, as well as your final goal for the testosterone replacement therapy. The medical exam gives your provider clarity on your health which makes it easy to start in the right direction.
Blood Work
Blood work is also done to ascertain whether your red blood cell count, prostate-specific antigen, blood lipids, and other pertinent markers lie in a healthy range. The blood test is made up of two hormone panels that show Free Testosterone and Total Testosterone. After blood work, your provider can use your unique profile to come up with an optimization protocol.
Follow up Consultation
You also need a follow-up consultation to review blood work and determine the way forward for your treatment. The blood work results are vital when it comes to effective and safe prescriptions.
Treatment Plan
Your blood work is used to determine the right treatment plan for you. A good clinic will layout your options and customized therapy protocol. Once the treatment begins, there is a need for blood tests every year for the purposes of keeping tabs on the testosterone levels but it is okay to take more blood tests along the way if you want to for regular checkups.
Medicine Shipped to Your House
Medication commences immediately after a treatment plan is established and customized for your needs. Your provider will ship medicine to your house which is convenient.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Often you can start therapy within one to two weeks time depending on how quickly you can get through the requirements. On the other hand, the onset and the period of the effects of TRT will differ depending on the dose and type of medication you use. The effects of the treatment will be gradual and results might start showing as early as a few weeks into the treatment or up to after six months.
Changes in sexual interests and desires often take between 3 weeks steadying at the 6th week which is similar to the onset of the effects on depressive moods which peak between 18-30 weeks. Effects on muscle strength, fat mass, and lean body mass start showing between 12-16 weeks and plateau 6-12 months while those on bone start manifesting at 6 months up until 3 years. Effects on inflammation are usually detectable after 3-12 weeks and those of quality life between 3-4 weeks with extended maximal benefits.
How to Pick a Good Clinic?
When you decide to have TRT from a clinic, how do you ensure that you pick the right clinic? The treatment might have serious side effects but with the right clinic, your doctor should be able to come up with a treatment that reduces side effects and other ramifications linked to it. Your provider should also walk with you throughout the journey and guide you. Hence, below are a few tips to consider when choosing a clinic for your TRT.
They have a doctor and work with reputable pharmacies
A lot of clinics today are run by quacks who have zero training and expertise on what they market themselves for. You don’t want to fall victim to unprofessional individuals, so always look for a clinic with a qualified TRT doctor. The experience and reputation of your doctor play a huge role in the success of the treatment. Also, you want to ensure that your preferred clinic has collaborations with reputable pharmacies. This is because there are a lot of counterfeit drugs, so if they are working with questionable or unheard of pharmacies, then consider looking for other options. The more reputable(positive) the pharmacies your clinic work with, the easier it is to trust them.
They require blood work and exam
Before deciding the specific type of treatment, blood work and exam will need to be carried out to establish how low your testosterone levels are. Symptoms might be apparent but carrying out the blood work and exam is important in diagnosing low-T ie, testosterone deficiency. So, when looking for a TRT clinic, confirm first before proceeding with the treatment.
They have nationwide reach
You also don’t want to be limited because of your location, so you want to be able to access TRT services from anywhere. A lot of patients end up missing out on the treatment because a lot of clinics don’t have nationwide reach. The best way you could avoid this limitation is to find a clinic with telemedicine services. This way, you can receive treatment remotely regardless of where you are in the country.
They don’t require you to come in for injections
When picking out a clinic for your testosterone replacement treatment, you want to choose one that does not require you to go into the office for injections. This treatment is going to take a while, so you want the convenience to be on the top of your list before deciding on which clinic to choose. Going to the clinic for injections every time can be a hassle, but finding a clinic that offers delivery services can make the whole process painless.
Different TRT Options
One of the biggest perks of testosterone replacement treatment is that it can be done in different ways. So this gives you different options to choose from if you are not comfortable with one method. To that end, here are different TRT options you might want to consider.
Injection
Testosterone injections can either be made under the skin or in a muscle. While you or a family member can learn to give the injection, some of the injections, especially deep intermuscular ones, will have to be given by your doctor’s office and they may exhibit significant side effects.
Cream
Testosterone can also be introduced into the body through cream application. You will be required to rub the cream into your skin, and depending on the type of cream or gel you are using the area may vary from the upper arm, shoulder, and the front or inner thigh. The testosterone is then absorbed into the body, so showering unless a few hours have lapsed should be avoided. On the downside, the medication can be transferred to another person in case of skin-to-skin contact, and the area of skin might get irritated after application.
Pellets
TRT is also administered through pellets surgically implanted under the skin. The procedure requires an incision, and the testosterone-infused pellets have to be implanted every three to six months. They are usually buried inside the soft tissues where the testosterone is slowly released into the bloodstreams.
Benefits of TRT
TRT started mainly as a treatment for low testosterone as a result of a medical condition and other various gains for patients. Here are some of the benefits of getting TRT.
Boosts Muscle Mass
TRT helps to increase strength, endurance, and muscle size while decreasing the fat in various parts of the body. Hence, testosterone replacement therapy combined with healthy physical exercise goes a long way to improving muscle mass.
Enhances Bone Health
With a decline in age, the testosterone levels also drop which leads to a decrease in bone density and strength. This often results in a high risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and breaks as time goes by. Bone mineral intensity, increased mobility, and support are some of the significant improvements of TRT.
Boosts Moods and Energy Levels
Another benefit of TRT is that it boosts moods, as well as raising energy levels. Low levels of testosterone in men have been linked with low energy levels and moods, especially in their old age.
Cardiac Health
The onset of cardiovascular disease is also associated with testosterone levels in the body, as low testosterone increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and problems. Research has proved that men with high testosterone levels have low levels of triglycerides, insulin, and systolic blood pressure, and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. All these are linked to good cardiovascular health.
Boosts Sexual Drive
Low testosterone count translates to low libido and sex drive in men. This also affects the quality of erections, as well as the ability to get and maintain them. One way to restore your sexual drive is through testosterone replacement treatment.
Work With AAI!
If you are looking to get testosterone replacement therapy, then you might want to consider working with AAI Rejuvenation Clinic. AAI Rejuvenation Clinic is made up of professionals dedicated to providing a personalized solution to your needs. Our approach also includes continuous support and monitoring to ensure that your health and wellness goals are achieved. Additionally, working with AAI is convenient as you won’t have to make endless trips to the clinic thanks to their concierge-like services that get everything you need to be delivered to you. In a nutshell, AAI clinics’ services are fashioned to leave you feeling and looking better!
*Please consult with a medical professional about any information provided in this article.
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