Everything You Need to Know About HRT and Low T

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is effective in boosting testosterone levels. Low T can have a direct impact on the mind, body, and sexual function. Patients can experience depression, trouble concentrating, disturbed sleep, low energy, fatigue, low sex drive, and increased body fat. However, in some cases, low T can link to severe sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction.

Also, Read- The Best Natural Ways to Manage Erectile Dysfunction

So, is the HRT right for you? Talking to the doctor for testosterone replacement therapy is the best way to get the answer.

In this post, we are going to discuss how the HRT can help in fixing low T, benefits, natural ways to increase testosterone levels, and more.

Causes of Low T

Low T is a condition associated with not producing enough testosterone, a male sex hormone. According to Mayo Clinic, the production of testosterone levels generally peaks during adolescence and early adulthood. With age, the T levels start declining. It’s usually 1 percent a year from 30 years of age to 40 years.

In some cases, low testosterone levels are caused by certain conditions. These include cancer, an injury that leads to the interrupted blood supply to the male reproductive glands. Low T due to a disease is known as hypogonadism.

So, before starting low T treatment, it’s important to find the root cause. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy For Low T

Testosterone replacement therapy can help in restoring the patients’ ability to produce testosterone. It can also restore healthy erections and boost sex drive.

There are various ways to boost testosterone levels using TRT-

Gels

These are available in packets, and testosterones are absorbed directly to the skin & then reach the bloodstream. You can apply the gels once a day. However, this method may lead to itching, skin irritation, etc. So, talk to a licensed doctor before taking the gels.

Buccal Patches

These are placed on the gums, and testosterones are released slowly. Buccal patches may taste bitter, causing issues such as irritation and headaches. However, these side-effects are reduced over time. While using buccal patches, you can eat, drink anything without any problem.

Testosterone Injections

Injections are cost-effective as compared to other methods. But, they can be painful. Testosterone injections are taken every 1-3 weeks. In this method, testosterones are absorbed into the bloodstream. You can inject them directly into the muscles or implant as pellets. 

These are some common methods of increasing testosterone levels. However, you can increase testosterone levels using pills. Some medical experts say the oral method may lead to negative effects on the liver. Patches, injections, gels, etc. are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and bypass the liver.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Benefits

It’s difficult to say how you can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. This is because every man has a different condition. For many, the therapy can help in boosting sex drive and energy levels. In some men, boosting testosterone levels can increase bone density and muscle mass.

The primary benefit of hormone replacement therapy is to produce enough testosterone in the body. However, it can also help in managing conditions associated with low T, such as depression.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Risks

The HRT can link to various side-effects. Patients may experience itching or irritation in the areas where testosterone is applied. The therapy may increase the risks of heart attack or stroke. However, the long-term effects of HRT are unknown.

In men suffering from certain conditions, hormone replacement therapy may worsen the symptoms. For instance, you should avoid HRT if you have prostate cancer. However, some researchers say patients can use the therapy after getting treatment for prostate cancer. They need to closely monitor the symptoms and effects.

You should avoid hormone replacement therapy if you have-

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Congestive heart failure
• Blood clots

Also, it’s not advised to use hormone replacement therapy if low T is caused by aging. 

Discuss your condition with a licensed doctor to seek professional advice for fixing the low T problem.

Lifestyle Tips to Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally

Exercise Regularly

Exercising is one of the best ways to get off lifestyle-related illnesses naturally. Moreover, it can help increase the levels of testosterone. Research says that people who exercise regularly have higher testosterone levels than those who don’t exercise.

According to a 2015 study, in obese people, physical activity was more helpful than a weight loss diet for boosting testosterone. Weight lifting and resistance training are the most effective exercises. However, combining exercising with caffeine can provide better results. 

Manage Stress

Stress can lead to sexual health problems. It can elevate the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. This in turn reduces the testosterone levels. However, stress eating can increase food intake, thus gaining body weight. Managing stress can help you maintain healthy levels of hormone and boost overall health.

Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods

Foods you eat have a direct impact on your health. So, it’s important to monitor your daily diet and calorie intake. Eating protein-rich foods can help you lose weight, which is associated with testosterone. However, carb and fat intake can also aid in optimizing testosterone levels.

Soy products, dairy products, mint, alcohol, bread, pastries and desserts may reduce testosterone levels. So, it’s good to avoid consuming these foods from today.

Get Enough Vitamin D

Vitamin D has several benefits, and it can also help in boosting testosterone levels. Despite this, about 50 percent of the US population is deficient in this vitamin. A recent study found that supplementing participants with about 3000 IU of vitamin D3 per day enhanced T levels. In senior patients, calcium and vitamin D also helped in improving T levels, thus reducing the risks of falls. So, you should get regular exposure to sunlight to receive full benefits. When buying vitamin D supplements, make sure you check the label carefully.

The Takeaway

Low T can lead to depression, sleep problems, lack of concentration, and various other health issues. It’s common with age, sometimes, lower levels of testosterone may lead to male menopause. Hormone replacement therapy can help fix the low T problem. There are various methods of taking testosterone, such as gels, injections, and patches.

It’s important to note that the HRT may lead to certain side-effects such as increasing the risks of heart attack and stroke. Additionally, for patients with conditions such as sleep apnea, prostate cancer, the therapy may worsen the symptoms.

However, lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, managing stress, taking vitamin D, etc. can also help in increasing testosterone levels, and managing health issues associated with it.

Talk to the doctor for testosterone replacement therapy and improving sex life.