Testosterone

8 Myths About Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

There is a lot of misinformation floating around the world wide web, and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is not immune to it. Below we cover some of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding low testosterone in males and some of the reasons men don’t think they have a problem with it.

But what is TRT? This increasingly popular treatment is primarily used to treat low testosterone levels, which can occur as a result of aging or a medical condition. Low testosterone levels can lead to various symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, low sex drive, depression, and erectile dysfunction, to name a few. As such, it is important to treat it.

Let’s address some of the most common myths surrounding the treatment.

Myth 1: ‘If I have testosterone therapy, my testicles will shrink’

A common myth is that TRT is linked with fertility complications and that it will cause testicles to shrink. Limitless Male uses Clomid to combat this. 

Clomid is an oral medication primarily used for fertility purposes but has been used with TRT to maintain fertility and provide testicular support. Clomid functions by increasing the signaling hormones from the pituitary gland that stimulate the testicles to make testosterone and sperm. This has the same effect as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which increases testicular production of testosterone and sperm in men, but is taken orally and does not require any injections. This medication comes from our trusted local pharmacy partner, Atlas RX. 

Prior to offering Clomid, Limitless Male offered hCG. Now Limitless Male offers Clomid, which has very similar benefits. hCG has become increasingly difficult to obtain through compounding pharmacies. By offering Clomid instead, Limitless Male can ensure its patients maintain fertility and testicular function without having to use injections and stay ahead of the curve when hCG likely becomes unavailable.

Myth 2: ‘If I have TRT I will look like I’m on steroids’

A common misconception is that TRT is similar to performance-enhancing drugs or steroids and that individuals on TRT are trying to ‘bulk up’. This is untrue. Everything Limitless Male does is safe, our treatments consist of bioavailable testosterone — i.e. natural, not synthetic. This is a medical treatment that many individuals require to do away with symptoms that are holding them back. We get many questions asking whether it will show up on drug tests, or whether it is legal or safe.

While we do have weightlifters and bodybuilders take advantage of our programs to help them progress, most of our patients are individuals who are simply aging and want their sleep, energy, focus, and libido back. 

Simply put, TRT does more than just improve muscle.

Myth 3: ‘Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is just a fad and low testosterone is just a part of getting older’

This is another common myth. Many misguided thoughts include ‘my father never needed this’, ‘people are just lazy now’ or ‘it’s just a part of aging so you just need to suck it up’. Breaking the stigma surrounding TRT is important.

Everyone will experience a decline in their hormones or may be diagnosed with a testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) at a different stage in life. This could begin anytime between the ages of 25 and 80. Generally, 25% of men will experience low testosterone levels by the age of thirty. The youngest age you can get TRT at LMMC is 25 years old.

Our general life expectancy is also increasing so why not live longer without the symptoms of low testosterone. Medical technology is innovating to adapt to these needs. Take advantage of the modern advances in science and get your testosterone levels checked annually.

Myth 4: ‘The higher your testosterone levels the better’

A patient’s testosterone range can be anywhere between 800 and 1000. It is challenging to determine a ‘normal’ testosterone level for an individual. What is ‘normal’ for one person will not necessarily be ‘normal’ for the next. Every human body is unique and different. 

While high numbers may work for some individuals, most people find that exceeding a certain level will cause an increase in side effects and they may actually outweigh the benefits – an example is back pain.

Myth 5: ‘My testosterone level is above 300, so low testosterone is not something I need to worry about’

Despite having a higher testosterone level than the normal range for their age group, patients can still experience symptoms of low testosterone. An individual with a testosterone level of 300+ can be in the early stages of hormone decline (if their natural peak is 800-900, for example). Or they have particular symptoms they want to address by seeking TRT.

If for whatever reason, you do not qualify for TRT, there are other options available to help relieve your symptoms. An alternative includes HGH Peptide Therapy. Take the test to find out if you are a candidate for HGH Peptide Therapy.

It’s worth noting that many insurance companies will not cover treatment for individuals with levels exceeding 300, even with symptoms. But rest assured, we still treat patients if their insurance coverage does not include their treatment.

Myth 6: ‘How you increase your testosterone doesn’t make a difference; gel, pill, injection, or otherwise… it’s all the same’

There are a variety of options available for the administration of testosterone including injections, pellets, cream, gel, and pill patches. However, we recommend injections as that is where individuals see the best results.

An in-clinic treatment enables our providers to monitor your dosage and make the appropriate adjustments as needed. Our TRT process includes weekly injections as well as monthly blood draws to monitor your levels. This ensures that your testosterone levels remain consistent and there is no volatility, something that would be difficult to monitor if an individual were to opt for an over-the-counter treatment.

Injections are also recommended rather than an over-the-counter medication as they work directly with the bloodstream. Creams take longer to absorb into the bloodstream through the skin, can be rubbed off and doses tend to be weaker. 

Myth 7: ‘My primary care physician can provide me with the same care, so I will just go and see them instead’

In-clinic testosterone treatments are recommended over treatment from a primary care physician (PRP). Why? At Limitless Male we monitor our patients regularly and take monthly blood draws. A PCP might only see you every 3 to 9 months to check in, monitor any changes and make appropriate adjustments. There is also the potential that they will not do too much or may not know what to look out for.

We are the men’s health experts. Our staff are trained in hormone replacement therapy, our blood panel is specifically designed to measure your hormone levels, we see patients everyday with these issues and we know exactly what to look for and how to help. This is our bread and butter.

We recognize that every individual is unique and tailor doses and treatment plans to each patient, rather than a ‘set it and forget it’ approach that a PCP may have. We take the time to focus on each patient individually and never present a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Instead, we develop a customized treatment plan for each individual.

We hone in on specific treatments for each individual patient, which is determined by their diagnosis, symptoms, age, weight and other factors. We will also help if your testosterone levels exceed 300 (see Myth 5 above), whereas your PRP may not be able to.

Myth 8: ‘TRT and Erectile Dysfunction Therapies are only for men who struggle to get an erection’

Contrary to popular belief, TRT and ED therapies are not just for those who cannot ‘get it up’. Low testosterone does not just affect libido. Having said that, an improved libido is just one of the benefits of TRT. Of all the reasons that individuals seek treatment, the most common is improved sleep and energy levels, not libido. Although it is a welcomed side effect.

Other reasons that might cause an individual to seek testing for low testosterone levels include concentration and focus, brain fog, depression and/or anxiety, weight gain, and mood.

With regards to erectile dysfunction, it is not a question of if you get it, more so when you get it. It is also worth noting that erectile dysfunction is not simply about the ability to get an erection. Libido and desire are just as important as your erection quality. TRT can help with all of these.

Read more about the myths and facts surrounding erectile dysfunction here.

Myth-busting: Know the Facts about Low Testosterone

Many misconceptions are floating around the men’s health space, and it can be difficult to separate myths from facts based on research. There are many clinical studies on the subject (facts) as opposed to what Gary on YouTube tells you.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that everyone is unique and what might work for you, may not work for another. This highlights the importance of getting a tailor-made treatment plan drawn up after thorough testing and ongoing monitoring to ensure a safe and effective treatment that is right for you and you only.

Schedule your free consultation today or take the TRT quiz.

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