For those who may not know, testosterone plays an important part of healthy ageing in both men and women, but unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding this essential hormone and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). In this article, we will address some commonly shared testosterone myths, so you can clear the fog and better understand its impact on you or your partner’s health. Time to dive right in.
Testosterone myths: Are they really true?
Myth 1: “I will look like I’m on steroids if I’m on TRT”
Fact: Many people believe this misconception that Testosterone Replacement Therapy will make them gain excess muscle mass and look like a bodybuilder. The truth is that this just isn’t the case. The ‘bodybuilder look’ is a result of very high levels of testosterone (usually taken illegally without medical supervision). TRT is overseen by a medical professional and simply restores low testosterone levels to what they should be normally in the body. It can help you to maintain muscle mass if you are a regular gym-goer, but will not result in the classic ‘bodybuilder’ appearance. TRT can help you with energy, regulating moods and even fat loss.
Myth 2: “Low testosterone is just a part of getting older”
Fact: It is a fact that as we age, the body’s hormone levels decline. This results in the signs we commonly associate with ageing (weight gain, muscle loss, sexual dysfunction, low libido). This is why many people believe that having a low level of testosterone is an inevitable consequence of ageing, but thankfully, that is not necessarily the case. As they age, men can maintain healthy testosterone levels in the body by combining TRT with a series of healthy lifestyle choices. Our lifestyles, stress, and any underlying health conditions are also important factors that play a role in determining the levels of testosterone in the body. Poor sleep, lack of regular exercise, and irregular eating habits can very easily accelerate testosterone decline. Thanks to TRT, you can now maintain adequate levels of testosterone as you age, so as to prevent the negative symptoms that are associated with low testosterone.
Myth 3: “I will have to be on TRT forever”
Fact: Many people assume they need to be on testosterone therapy forever but it is important to understand that TRT is not necessarily a lifelong commitment. While your doctor may suggest a long-term approach to testosterone replacement therapy to manage your symptoms, ultimately it is your own choice as to whether you use TRT short-term on a longer basis. Before you begin treatment, it is important to understand that if you come off the treatment cycle, your testosterone levels will slowly return to your natural levels which means that the symptoms you had before TRT will reappear.
Myth 4: “TRT is dangerous!”
Fact: Just like any other medical treatment, there is no denying that there are risks and side effects associated with testosterone replacement therapy. Side effects such as mood swings, oily skin and acne, increased fluid retention/bloating are quite common in men and who undergo TRT. However, it is important to remember that most of these side-effects are transient in nature and don’t have long term effects, according to studies. That being said, you should always seek treatment through a healthcare professional as they will carefully oversee your treatment and manage any side effects in a safe and controlled manner. Many men will happily deal with the side effects as the long term benefits of TRT outweigh the temporary side effects of the therapy.
Myth 5: “My total testosterone is fine, I don’t need TRT”
Fact: There is a significant difference between “total testosterone” levels of the body and “free measured testosterone” levels. Simply put, free testosterone levels show the amount of bioavailable testosterone that the body can actually use, while total testosterone refers to the bound and unbound testosterone. This means that you can have adequate to high levels of “total testosterone“ but still experience symptoms of low T, as the “free measured testosterone” may not be available for the body’s optimal functioning. This is why it’s important to go to a reputable hormone clinic for the most effective treatment plan for you.
Myth 6: ‘The application method doesn’t matter’
Fact: Whether you take TRT as a gel, cream or injection can have an impact on the effectiveness of your treatment. As individuals, our bodies all work slightly differently. The issue with TRT is that when applied in a cream or gel form, the full amount of hormone may not be absorbed through the skin and different people will absorb different amounts. This is why testosterone injections are most popular – everything that is injected is absorbed and utilised by the body.
Myth 7: ‘It is easy to get TRT on the NHS’
Fact: The NHS is a wonderful resource we are lucky to have, however the truth is that it’s not always easy or straightforward to get testosterone replacement therapy on the NHS. They have stringent criteria and long waiting lists so you may not be able to get the help you need unless your testosterone levels are very low. The guidelines set by the NHS are helpful for people with severely low T (below 8nmol/L), which is not really great for those experiencing mild symptoms. And as we know, you can experience symptoms that negatively impact your life even if there is only a small imbalance in your testosterone levels.
While there are numerous other myths surrounding male testosterone levels, we have tried our best to bust a few of the most commonly encountered ones to not only help you understand your body better, but also assist you in making informed decisions before undergoing TRT.
So, should you get TRT?
Now that we have tried to answer all your questions surrounding TRT, one that still remains unsettled is – should you get TRT? While the choice is ultimately yours to make, many men agree that the benefits of TRT far surpass the disadvantages.
And for those still wondering where to get a TRT in the UK, opting for a specialised health optimisation clinic is the best way to go. A specialist health optimisation clinic will result in shorter (or no) waiting times and best of all, completely bespoke service that can be tailored to your exacting needs and health goals. It’s time to live your best life!
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