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Do Doctors Prescribe TRT?

Get answers to questions like “what is testosterone replacement therapy?” and “do doctors prescribe TRT?” here.

February 4, 2025

8 minutes read

Understanding Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, leading to a range of symptoms including fatigue, decreased libido, and muscle loss.

Testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, offers a potential solution, but it’s essential to approach it with caution and informed decision-making.

Gatlan understands the complexities of men’s health and the importance of making informed decisions. We’ll cut through the noise and provide you with the information you need to navigate the world of TRT.

With Gatlan, you can reclaim your peak performance and live life to the fullest.

Do Doctors Prescribe TRT?

TRT can be used to treat men with low testosterone levels – also known as hypogonadism or “low T” – which may be caused by a variety of different factors, including aging and certain medical conditions.

Stability in testosterone levels is important for the following reasons:

Muscle Mass and Strength

Testosterone plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of muscle tissue, which is essential for strength and physical performance.

Bone Density

Low levels of the hormone can lead to thin, brittle bones, which can increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

Sexual Function

Testosterone is the hormone that makes men, men. It’s essential for the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty, and it maintains adult sexual function into later life. A significant drop in testosterone levels can lead to decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.

Mood and Mental Health

Testosterone can also affect mood and mental capacity. Low levels are often associated with:

Fat Distribution

Men with low testosterone levels can experience increased body fat, particularly in the abdominal area.

Red Blood Cell Production

Testosterone aids in the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body. Lower testosterone levels can lead to anemia.

Heart Health

Some research suggests that men with higher testosterone levels have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.¹

A doctor can prescribe TRT if a man’s testosterone levels are lower than normal and he’s experiencing symptoms related to the decreased levels.

Medical Indications for TRT

Before asking, “Do doctors prescribe TRT?”, it’s necessary to understand the diagnostic criteria for low testosterone. Medical professionals don’t simply prescribe TRT based on symptoms alone – a blood test is often necessary to measure testosterone levels.

Diagnostic Criteria

Doctors look for a consistent measure of low testosterone levels in the blood, often below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

Additionally, doctors will take into consideration the presence of symptoms. These may include:

Conditions That May Require TRT

So, what conditions do doctors prescribe TRT for? TRT may be prescribed for:

Andropause

Andropause, sometimes called “male menopause,” is a term used to describe age-related changes in male hormone levels, specifically testosterone.

Unlike women, men don’t have a clear-cut sign, like the stopping of menstrual periods, to indicate a drop in hormone levels.

In men, the change happens slowly, often starting as early as the mid-30s. Symptoms of andropause can include:

TRT can be a helpful treatment for men experiencing symptoms of andropause, helping improve energy levels, mood, and sexual drive.²

Testicular Injury

Any injury or disease affecting the testes can disrupt the normal production of testosterone.

These injuries may include:

Doctors might prescribe TRT to help maintain normal testosterone levels.

Pituitary or Hypothalamic Disorders

The pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain control the production of testosterone in the body. They release signals that tell the testes to produce testosterone.

If either the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus is not working correctly, due to a condition like a tumor, an infection, or certain genetic disorders, this signaling can get disrupted.

As a result, the testes may not receive the correct signals to produce enough testosterone. Men with pituitary or hypothalamic disorders might experience symptoms of low testosterone.

Genetic Disorders

Some genetic disorders can affect the body’s normal production of testosterone.

Klinefelter syndrome is one such disorder. Men with this condition are born with an extra X chromosome, which can cause the testes to develop abnormally and produce less testosterone.³

When faced with these conditions, TRT can be a helpful way to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for men with these genetic disorders.

Chemotherapy or Radiation Treatment

Chemotherapy and radiation can also affect normal cells in the body, including those involved in testosterone production. Radiation targeted to the testes or to the brain can disrupt testosterone production.

Do doctors prescribe TRT for men undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment? While doctors can prescribe TRT to help manage these symptoms, this is a conversation you should have with your healthcare provider.⁴

Methods for Testosterone Replacement Therapy

If you’re wondering, “Do doctors prescribe TRT?”, the answer is yes. However, it’s also important to understand that there’s more than one method of delivering testosterone replacement therapy.

Testosterone can be introduced into the body in several ways, each with its own set of considerations.

Skin Patches or Gels

These are applied once daily, releasing testosterone through the skin and into the bloodstream. It’s simple and convenient, but you need to be careful not to let others come into contact with the treated skin.

Injections

Testosterone can be directly injected into the muscle every one to two weeks. This provides a steady level of testosterone, but you may want to avoid this option if you don’t like needles.

Pellets

Small pellets get inserted under the skin every few months by a doctor. This method offers a slow, steady release of testosterone but requires a minor procedure.

Oral Tablets

Gatlan offers oral TRT as a convenient and effective way to restore hormonal balance. Our science-backed formulas are designed to deliver precise doses of testosterone directly into your bloodstream, helping to alleviate symptoms of low T.

With Gatlan’s personalized approach, you can experience the benefits of optimized testosterone levels and reclaim your vitality.

Monitoring and Adjusting TRT

Once a doctor prescribes TRT, the journey doesn’t stop there. Regular monitoring is a key part of the process. During follow-up visits, your doctor will review how you’re feeling and may order blood tests to measure your testosterone levels.

This monitoring serves two main purposes: ensuring the therapy is working as intended and watching for any potential side effects. For instance, too much testosterone can lead to unwanted side effects, while too little might not reduce your symptoms.

Based on these check-ups, your doctor may adjust your dose or switch to a different delivery method to better meet your needs.

Lifestyle Considerations with TRT

TRT often works best when paired with a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and a good sleep routine all support overall health and hormone balance.

Exercise

Exercise isn’t just good for your heart and muscles. Regular physical activity can help boost your body’s natural testosterone production.

Weightlifting and resistance training are particularly effective, but even moderate exercises like walking or jogging can make a difference.

Diet

The food you eat plays a role in testosterone levels. A diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain a healthy weight and support well-being, including hormone health.

Overeating and constant dieting can disrupt your testosterone levels. Try to eat balanced, nutritious meals.

Managing Stress and Sleep

Stress and sleep have a strong influence on hormone balance. High stress can lower testosterone levels, and lack of sleep can interfere with hormone production.

Find ways to relax, like reading a book or taking a walk. A good night’s sleep is also essential for your health and hormone balance.

Do Doctors Prescribe TRT at Gatlan?

Are you experiencing fatigue, low libido, or muscle loss? These could be signs of low testosterone. Gatlan offers science-backed TRT solutions to address the root causes of hormonal decline and redefine your prime.

Our team of experienced healthcare professionals will work with you to:

Diagnose the issue: A comprehensive evaluation to determine the root cause of your symptoms.
Create a customized treatment plan: A tailored TRT regimen designed to optimize your hormonal health and achieve your desired outcomes.
Monitor your progress: Regular check-ins to ensure optimal results and adjust your treatment as needed.

Experience the Gatlan Difference

Gatlan is committed to empowering men to live their best lives. We offer a personalized approach to TRT, backed by science and expertise.

Don't let low testosterone limit your potential. Contact Gatlan today to schedule a consultation and reclaim your vitality, strength, and confidence today. Our doctors will work with you every step of the way.

Resources

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