The Hidden Risks of TRT: Balancing Hormones for a Healthier Lifestyle
Millions of men in the US have a prescription for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to restore normal levels of their natural production. Plenty of marketing materials promise that the drug’s a perfect match for men looking to restore lost energy, but there are legitimate safety concerns to think about.
The allure of TRT in modern wellness
It’s not uncommon to see advertisements encouraging men to talk about symptoms of low testosterone, but their definitions of such can be pretty loose. Simply being tired isn’t enough to run out and seek testosterone replacement therapy; typically, the condition must also include symptoms like declining muscle mass, loss of libido, brain fog, and feelings of depression.
If your testosterone level is under the normal range, the best thing you can do is schedule another test to verify it wasn’t a coincidental dip. Most men who start testosterone therapy remain on it indefinitely, so it’s best to be sure you need it before exposing yourself to the potential risks.
However, not everyone seeks testosterone therapy for health-related reasons. The fact is that testosterone is a performance-enhancing drug, and it’s one highly sought after by success-driven athletes.
Testosterone affects the body in two key ways:
- It helps build muscle mass
- It stimulates facial hair and voice deepening
Athletes sometimes want to take advantage of these benefits to make their workouts more effective. There’s also some evidence that it could lower the damage that muscles undergo after intense exercise, which can help an athlete bounce back faster than normal. But, of course, this is not without its risks.
The Hidden Dangers of TRT Therapy
Testosterone therapy can indeed help reverse the symptoms of hypogonadism, but it’s not clear that other men who are otherwise healthy can benefit from the treatment. Some believe that they feel more vigorous with testosterone medication, but little evidence supports its use in healthy men. There are several risks.
A fairly small number of men have immediate side effects when they use testosterone, including worsening sleep apnea, swelling or tenderness in the breast area, and acne and oily skin. Some may also experience mood swings, especially if they’re taking a higher dosage than would be typical for a man with low testosterone levels.
Doctors would also want to monitor your blood for increasing red blood cell counts, which may elevate your risk of developing clots. Older studies suggest that otherwise healthy men who take testosterone might contribute to cardiovascular disease. Similarly, men with prostate cancer may find that testosterone stimulates its growth.
Fortunately, recent trials have assuaged some of the concerns around cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer, but the danger of TRT therapy or inappropriate testosterone use is nevertheless quite real.
How to naturally support your testosterone levels
Having optimal testosterone levels is important throughout your life, but you’re not resigned to taking injections and wondering if the risks will affect you. On the contrary, there are several ways you can stimulate the growth of this hormone in your body naturally.
Strength training
Exercise is the number one way to prevent diseases caused by lifestyle choices, and it can naturally increase your testosterone levels. High-intensity interval training is especially effective, though any method will do.
Nutritional adjustments
Getting enough protein is a priority for maintaining normal testosterone levels. Healthy fats can also contribute to the same. As such, you may benefit from certain nutritional adjustments to ensure a well-rounded diet.
Stress management
The dangers of long-term stress are well known, but it might surprise you to know that it can also impact your testosterone levels. For both better testosterone production and better health, do your best to manage your stress levels every day.
Sleep optimization
As with everything else, getting a good night’s sleep is a critical component of maintaining good health. In that same vein, sleep quality might also have an impact on your testosterone levels. If nothing else, getting good sleep will ensure you’re rested enough to manage your stress and take on a new exercise routine.
The Bottom Line
If you’re struggling with the symptoms of low testosterone, you don’t have to just accept your life. It may be that testosterone therapy is a viable option. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your concerns; together, your doctor will help you weigh the potential risks and benefits and decide if you’re a suitable candidate. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have about your health.