TRT Results Before and After - Testosterone Replacement Therapy Pros & Cons Guide For Men!

Summary

In this detailed video, Dr. Anthony Vol Doozy from the Fit Father Project discusses testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men, exploring its benefits, potential risks, and the forms it takes. TRT is often used to combat symptoms of testosterone deficiency, such as low energy, muscle loss, and low libido. Dr. Vol Doozy emphasizes the importance of working with a doctor and getting proper lab work before starting TRT. The video also covers natural alternatives to TRT, such as vitamins, herbs, and lifestyle changes, and advises on making an informed decision for long-term health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Testosterone levels naturally decline in men around age 35, decreasing by about 1% every year.
• 😀 Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is gaining popularity as a solution for men with testosterone deficiency, offering benefits like improved energy and well-being.
• 😀 TRT involves administering exogenous testosterone through different forms, such as injections, gels, pellets, and pills, to replace the body's reduced testosterone production.
• 😀 TRT can offer significant improvements in energy, muscle mass, fat loss, and overall well-being, but it should be combined with diet and exercise for best results.
• 😀 It’s important to measure both total testosterone and free testosterone levels through blood work before considering TRT, as free testosterone is more bioactive.
• 😀 TRT can have potential risks, such as blood thickening (increased hematocrit), which can elevate the risk of blood clots and strokes.
• 😀 Testosterone can convert to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which may cause male pattern baldness in some men, especially those with a family history of it.
• 😀 Some men may experience acne or oily skin as a result of increased testosterone levels.
• 😀 Testosterone can convert to estrogen in some men, potentially causing side effects like gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue), which may require medications like Clomid or Arimidex to manage.
• 😀 TRT is a long-term commitment that suppresses the body's natural testosterone production. Coming off TRT can lead to lower testosterone levels than before.
• 😀 Before starting TRT, it’s recommended to first explore natural alternatives such as proper sleep, stress reduction, and supplements like stinging nettle, magnesium, vitamin D, and DHEA to support testosterone levels.

Q & A

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

TRT is the administration of external (exogenous) testosterone to raise testosterone levels in men whose natural production is low. It can be delivered through injections, gels, oral forms, or implantable pellets.

Why might men consider TRT?

Men may turn to TRT when experiencing symptoms of testosterone deficiency such as low energy, reduced libido, depression, difficulty building muscle, and increased body fat—especially if confirmed by blood tests.

What causes testosterone levels to decline over time?

Men’s testosterone levels naturally drop by about 1% per year after age 35. Modern stressors—poor sleep, high stress, environmental estrogens from plastics and water sources—can further depress levels.

How do doctors determine whether TRT is appropriate?

Doctors evaluate total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG levels, and symptoms. Because medical opinions vary widely, proper supervision and individualized assessment are essential.

How does TRT affect the body’s own testosterone production?

Taking external testosterone suppresses the body’s natural production through a feedback loop. Long-term TRT can significantly reduce endogenous testosterone, making it difficult to recover natural levels after discontinuation.

What are the potential benefits of TRT?

Benefits may include improved energy, mood, cognitive function, increased muscle mass, better workout recovery, and enhanced fat loss. However, these improvements are maximized when paired with proper diet and exercise.

What are the medical risks associated with TRT?

Risks include thickened blood (elevated hematocrit), increased risk of clots or stroke, hair loss from DHT conversion, acne, increased estrogen levels leading to breast tissue growth, and potential liver strain from some oral forms.

What are the most common delivery methods for TRT?

The primary methods are gels, injections, pellets implanted under the skin, and oral forms. Injections are considered the most consistent, while oral forms may strain the liver.

Are there alternatives to TRT for boosting testosterone naturally?

Yes. Options include improving sleep, reducing stress, supplementing with vitamin D, magnesium, DHEA, creatine, using herbs like stinging nettle, and optimizing gut health with probiotics. Certain prescription medications like clomiphene can also help without adding external testosterone.

Is TRT a short-term or long-term commitment?

TRT is generally a long-term therapy. Once started, many men must continue indefinitely because natural testosterone production decreases during treatment and may not fully recover afterward.

Why are regulatory agencies like the FDA monitoring TRT more closely?

There has been widespread over-prescription and misuse of TRT in recent years. Regulators are ensuring that TRT is reserved for cases where it is medically necessary and not used casually or for enhancement alone.

What is the recommended first step for someone considering TRT?

The first step is completing a comprehensive medical evaluation and bloodwork with a qualified doctor. Before starting TRT, men should also try improving natural testosterone through lifestyle and evidence-based supplements.