What Questions To Ask Your Doctor Before Starting Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

If your doctor has recommended TRT, asking some key questions before starting is important. These questions will help you understand the process, clear up any doubts, and know what to expect.

This article lists some questions you should ask your doctor and their expert answers. However, since each TRT case is different, we suggest getting specific answers from your doctor.

What Is Low Testosterone And Why Is It Affecting Me?

Low T (low testosterone) is just what it sounds like. It’s when your body doesn't make enough testosterone, the hormone that makes boys develop into men. Testosterone deepens the voice, starts facial hair growth, increases muscle size, and controls sex drive.

Low testosterone occurs when the testicles aren't working properly or getting the right signals from the pituitary gland to produce testosterone. Your doctor will run some tests to determine why you have low testosterone.

Testosterone levels naturally decrease as men get older. About 40% of men over 45 have lower-than-normal testosterone levels. But some men can have low T earlier due to health problems like diabetes or obesity.

What Are The Treatment Options For Low T?

Most of the time, doctors recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men who have several symptoms of low T. In TRT, your doctor gives you testosterone-boosting products to bring your testosterone levels back to normal.

These products come in different forms, such as gels, patches, injections, pellets, and pills. This treatment has become popular in recent years, and millions of men worldwide use it to reduce their low T symptoms.

Your doctor might suggest a different solution depending on the cause of your low T. If low T is due to obesity, they might focus on treating that first.

What Are The Various Forms Of TRT, And Which Is Best For Me?

TRT comes in different forms. Here are some options:

• Gels: You apply them to your skin once daily, and the testosterone gets absorbed through your skin. Some gels are used inside your nose.
  
  
• Skin Patches: These are stuck to your upper body.
  
  
• Injections: Testosterone is injected into your muscles and enters your bloodstream.

You can choose the form of TRT that you find most convenient. Most forms provide similar results, but they may have different side effects. For example, a study found that testosterone injections might cause fewer side effects, especially heart-related ones, compared to patches or gels.

Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of each TRT form and pick the one that suits you best.

How Will You Decide The Right Testosterone Dose For Me?

Your doctor will decide your starting dose based on how low your testosterone levels are and your overall health. They will then check how the dose affects you and might change it depending on how your body reacts.

When Will I Notice Changes After Starting TRT?

Before starting TRT, knowing that the therapy doesn't work instantly is important. You'll start seeing benefits after 4 to 6 weeks, and they will build up over time.

One of the first things men notice is an improvement in their sex life. In the following weeks, you can expect:

• More energy
  
  
• Stronger bones and muscles
  
  
• Better mood
  
  
• Fewer depression symptoms
  
  
• Improved insulin sensitivity
  
  
• Fat loss
  
  
• Increased stamina and strength

How Long Does A TRT Shot Last?

A testosterone shot usually lasts for about 2 weeks. You'll need to get another shot after 2 weeks; otherwise, your testosterone levels will drop back to where they were before you started the therapy.

Can I Discontinue Testosterone Therapy Once I Start? / What Happens When You Discontinue TRT?

TRT doesn't cure low T; it only boosts your testosterone levels while you're taking it. If you stop the treatment, your testosterone levels will drop back to what they were before, and your low T symptoms (like less muscle, low sex drive, tiredness, and mood changes) will come back.

Will I Be Monitored While On TRT?

Most doctors monitor how TRT affects your body for as long as you're on it. They check your testosterone levels through blood tests after 3 and 6 months of starting the treatment. If your levels are normal, your dose stays the same. If they're low, your dose will be adjusted.

Your doctor will also test for prostate cancer risk at the start, after 6 months, and then once a year. They'll check your testosterone and red blood cell levels every year while you're on TRT.

This process can vary depending on the clinic. It's important to talk to your doctor to understand how they'll monitor your health during TRT.

Are There Any Risks And Side Effects Of TRT?

Some studies show that TRT can have risks and side effects like:

• Acne
  
  
• Baldness
  
  
• Enlarged breasts
  
  
• Infertility
  
  
• Smaller testicles
  
  
• Higher risk of blood clots
  
  
• Higher risk of heart stroke

Doctors usually do several tests before starting TRT to ensure you're healthy and that TRT won't worsen any existing conditions. They won't recommend TRT for patients with:

• Sleep apnea
  
  
• Prostate cancer
  
  
• Breast cancer
  
  
• Uncontrolled heart failure
  
  
• Severe urinary tract infection

Be honest with your doctor about your medical history. Discuss the side effects and risks thoroughly to ensure you choose a safe treatment option.

Is There Any Natural Way To Boost My Testosterone?

Some doctors suggest natural ways to boost testosterone levels. These methods work for some people but not for others. For example, your doctor might recommend exercising and losing weight if you are overweight. This can help if your weight causes your low T.

Here are some natural ways that might help improve testosterone levels:

• Eating a balanced diet with protein, healthy fats, and carbs
  
  
• Managing stress to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone)
  
  
• Eating foods that naturally boost testosterone
  
  
• Getting good quality sleep at night
  
  
• Increasing your vitamin D3 intake
  
  
• Living a healthy lifestyle

What Other Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor?

Besides the questions mentioned earlier, you should also ask these to make the process smoother:

What Are Your Qualifications?

Many doctors in the EU offer TRT therapy, but not all can be trusted. Checking your doctor's qualifications, certification, and experience is important. You can find this information on their official website or ask them directly during your appointment.

Will I Have Follow-up Sessions?

Yes, all TRT patients need follow-up sessions. Ask your doctor when you should come back after your first testosterone dose.

What Do You Expect From Me?

To see positive effects from testosterone, you need to be active in your treatment. Your doctor might advise you on diet, exercise, stress management, sleep habits, and other factors that affect your testosterone levels.

How Do You Prepare For Your First TRT Consultation?

If you have your first TRT appointment soon, you might need clarification on what to expect or do. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:

• Gather all the documents your doctor asked for, like test reports or your medical history.
  
  
• Write down any questions or concerns on paper or your phone.
  
  
• Bring someone you trust with you. They can help you remember important points your doctor mentions.
  
  
• Ask your doctor about all the possible treatment options. Request their honest advice to choose the best solution for you.

By the end of the consultation, you should clearly understand what will happen in your body with TRT and a plan for handling any issues.

Conclusion

Testosterone replacement therapy is a long-term treatment that you might need for the rest of your life to keep your testosterone levels normal. So, it's important to ask your doctor all your questions and clear up any confusion. This will help you feel more confident and sure about your decision.