How To Qualify For Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment that can help solve the problems caused by low testosterone levels. However, given the sensitive nature of having low testosterone in the body, many people (mainly men) do not seek treatment due to the stigma that surrounds low testosterone levels.

In this guide, we investigate testosterone replacement therapy and how to qualify for testosterone replacement therapy, should people believe that they need it. To do so, we first examine what testosterone actually is and what the TRT looks like in practice. However in general, a blood test is used to determine the amount of testosterone before therapy begins.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the sex hormone primarily seen in men, though women do have it at very low levels in their ovaries as well. The body uses it in the male to help produce sperm as well as develop other parts of the reproductive system, for example the prostate or the testes. It’s also thought to be responsible for how and why the body grows hair. Testosterone production goes up during puberty, which is when a man starts to see his muscle mass increase as well as the amount of hair on his body.

What is testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy is used to increase the amount of testosterone in the body. Low levels of testosterone are linked to many problems that can cause wider issues for a person suffering from a low amount of this hormone in their body. For instance, a low sex drive or libido is often seen in a person with low testosterone levels as well as the propensity for low confidence or depressive episodes. It has also been shown that those with low testosterone levels can suffer from fatigue and lethargy.

Testosterone replacement therapy helps solve those issues by increasing the hormone in the body slowly. A patient can access the therapy in a number of ways, for example a popular one is through the use of a patch. One can be put on the upper body (often the arm) and the hormone is slowly taken in through the skin and into the bloodstream. A slightly different way is to use an oral patch which can be attached to the gums and the hormone enters the system in that way.

Alternatively, gels can be applied to the skin so that the hormone can be absorbed by the body in that way. Treatment can also take the form of injections or implants that allow the hormone level to increase within the body. The right treatment will depend entirely on the person who is undergoing the therapy. Everybody is different, which is why it’s so crucial to work with a medical expert throughout treatment.

How do I qualify for testosterone replacement therapy?

Qualifying for testosterone replacement therapy is down to the individual involved as well as the country within which they reside. The country within which they reside will have a massive bearing on how easily they can access this treatment due to availability of the therapy itself as well as funding.

However, with respect to the person involved, they must first be seen to have a low level of testosterone in their body. Doctors will test for this in their blood, but they will also need to have symptoms of low testosterone levels as well. Low levels of testosterone don’t always affect a person which is why they need to be exhibiting symptoms that trouble them. A low level is seen as around 300 nanograms per deciliter in the US, although this will vary in other parts of the world.

How long do I need to take testosterone replacement therapy for?

Embarking on testosterone replacement therapy will be of a varying time from person to person. For some, simply being on the treatment for three months will be more than enough to increase the level of the hormone in their body. For some, however, the treatment can take up to a year to truly make any difference to them and their symptoms.

Qualifying for testosterone replacement therapy – key takeaway

Testosterone replacement therapy is not a treatment to be taken lightly. Huge levels of research are still going on behind the therapy to improve its efficacy. If you’re considering seeking therapy, it’s vital to work with your doctor to ensure that it’s as beneficial as possible for you and your body.