Should Every
Man Be On TRT?

Should Every Man Be On TRT?

Should every man be on TRT? Read on to learn more about the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Some men experience low sex drive, fatigue, mood swings, and erectile symptoms due to low testosterone levels. A variety of conditions and health factors can cause it. However, ongoing research has shown that TRT may be an effective treatment for low testosterone. 

So, if it helps so much, should every man be on TRT? Keep reading to learn more about the potential benefits and risks of TRT. 
Should every man be on TRT?

How Can TRT Help?

Due to age and other factors, some men experience low-T levels. Low testosterone generally affects an average of 4 in 10 men above the age of 45 years. It may also be an effect of diabetes and obesity-related health conditions.1
Doctors may prescribe TRT to treat low T, and it is typically a life-long treatment. It is available in different forms, including shots, skin gels, and skin and mouth patches. Your doctor can help you decide what form of TRT to take and answer any questions you may have about starting treatment.

Benefits of TRT

Should every man be on TRT even if they do not have low testosterone levels? Doctors typically prescribe TRT for people who show symptoms of low testosterone. 

The key benefits of testosterone replacement therapy include:

  • Improved muscle mass 
  • Improved bone density
  • Increased hair growth
  • Improved cognition and memory 
  • Increased sex drive and vitality 
  • Reduced anxiety and depression 

Potential Risks and Side Effects of TRT

Although TRT is a safe treatment for many people, some men have reported experiencing mild side effects after using the treatment. Side effects can include:

  • Acne reactions 
  • Sleep apnea 
  • Low sperm count 
  • Increased risks of blood clots 
  • Enlarged breasts 
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia 

Who Takes TRT?

Your doctor may suggest TRT if you belong to a specific group that may benefit from the treatment.

Demographics

Traditionally, TRT is used to treat hypogonadism or low testosterone conditions. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism showed that 1 out of 4 men over 45 suffered from reduced testosterone levels.2
Although low T is prevalent in men over 50, younger men who are testosterone deficient may also benefit from TRT. A 2017 study also showed that TRT use was highest among active component service members.3
Besides older males, low T is more likely to affect people with obesity, type-2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and other chronic medical conditions. 

Why Do People Take TRT?

Generally, doctors only recommend TRT to patients with low testosterone levels. Some of the signs of low testosterone in males may include:

  • Mood changes (anxiety or depression) 
  • Erectile dysfunction 
  • Loss of armpit and pubic hair 
  • Poor sex drive 
  • Lethargy 
It’s important to note that low T symptoms vary depending on a person’s age and testosterone count. People with obesity, sleep apnea, kidney dysfunction, and other chronic health issues are also more likely to have low T. 

Positive Impacts of TRT

The effects and type of TRT generally depend on an individual’s testosterone levels and health condition. Below are three positive results one may expect from testosterone replacement therapy.

Improved Quality of Life

Many males with low testosterone suffer from mental and physical side effects leading to poor health. TRT may reverse the effects of low testosterone. 

It may improve energy, bone density, and muscle mass.It may also be effective for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other mood changes resulting from reduced testosterone levels. 

Enhanced Sexual Function

Reduced sex drive is one of the primary symptoms of low T. However, TRT can help improve sexual vigor and restore male libido. It can also help manage erectile dysfunction and other conditions that may result in poor sexual health. 

Improved Mood and Cognitive Performance

Low testosterone often causes irritability, depression, and general mood imbalance. It may also cause lethargy and a general lack of motivation. 

However, many people who have used TRT report increased vitality and mental stability after the treatment. 

When to Consider TRT

There is little to no evidence to show that TRT benefits healthy men with normal testosterone levels. However, you may consider TRT in any of the following situations. 

When Low Testosterone is Diagnosed

According to the American Urology Association (AUA), low testosterone is less than 300 ng/dl in adults. 

Most doctors diagnose testosterone deficiency after two tests resulting in low T levels. After low testosterone is diagnosed, your doctor may begin to recommend testosterone therapy treatments.4

When Other Treatments Aren't Working

Some men try to enhance testosterone levels through exercise, a healthy diet, and general holistic treatments. TRT may be the last option when other treatments do not work. 

Therefore, you may consider testosterone replacement therapy a last resort for low testosterone levels. 

When Low Libido is a Concern

TRT supplements may help to manage erectile dysfunction, low libido, and other male sexual symptoms associated with low testosterone. 

When Is It Not a Good Fit?

TRT is generally used to treat males with testosterone deficiency. However, it is important to exercise proper caution before starting testosterone replacement therapy. 

This is to prevent further health damage and ensure complete well-being. 

Factors to Consider Before Starting TRT

Many health campaigns engage in debates on why every man should be on TRT, but you have to be careful. 

Some factors to consider before you start taking any testosterone supplements include:

  • Age: TRT is primarily given to males below 50 to avoid causing health complications. It is usually prescribed for people whose testosterone deficiency is not caused by aging.5
  • Health conditions: Your health provider may not advise TRT if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, heart failure, low urinary tract symptoms, and abnormal red blood cell counts.  
  • TRT risk factors: TRT is generally safe for younger male adults suffering from low T levels. However, the effects of TRT depend on individual use, and it may result in a range of side effects, including low sperm count. 

Health Risks Associated with Long-Term Use

Unfortunately, TRT is not a cure for low testosterone, which means that low-T symptoms may return if you stop taking it. Researchers have found that long-term TRT use increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. 

However, there’s little evidence on how exactly using TRT in the long term can affect a person. 

Potential Side Effects

Testosterone therapy may also result in the following side effects

  • Increased sleep apnea 
  • Abnormal hair growth 
  • Swelling or tender breasts 
  • Swollen ankles (fluid retention)
  • Acne-prone skin

Should Every Man Be on TRT?

There’s little ongoing research on the topic of should every man be on TRT. The benefits and risks depend on personal health and testosterone levels. TRT may do more harm than good when used by males with healthy testosterone levels.

Should every man be on TRT?

Begin Your Journey with Immortal Male

Immortal Male is here to help. Regardless of your age, our team of healthcare professionals is here to help you decide if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you.

What We Offer

At Immortal Male, we work hard to make sure that our clients feel safe and supported when pursuing testosterone replacement therapy. We seek to make treatment as convenient as possible through our online clinic and at-home treatment. 
Our team of certified doctors, specialists, and healthcare professionals is here to offer expert insight into how testosterone replacement therapy would benefit you. They will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Contact Immortal Male Today

If you or someone you know is considering testosterone replacement therapy, reach out to Immortal Male today for more information. We can help answer any questions you may have about the process. 

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

Stephanie T. Page, John K. Amory, F. DuBois Bowman, Bradley D. Anawalt, Alvin M. Matsumoto, William J. Bremner, J. Lisa Tenover, Exogenous Testosterone (T) Alone or with Finasteride Increases Physical Performance, Grip Strength, and Lean Body Mass in Older Men with Low Serum T, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 90, Issue 3, 1 March 2005, Pages 1502–1510, https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2004-1933B)