What Is The Average Dose Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Testosterone is the naturally occurring male sex hormone produced by the testes that plays a vital role in manifesting male characteristics including sperm production, body hair, muscle mass, and libido during puberty. Women also produce small amounts of testosterone, however it’s not enough to have any significant effect on their development. In addition, the level of testosterone varies between individuals, and there are instances where the levels may be too low, forcing you to seek medical intervention. To mitigate low testosterone levels, medical professionals prescribe testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as a treatment. Given the diversity in conditions and treatment regimens, one question remains — “What is the average dose of testosterone replacement therapy?’’.

What is the average dose of testosterone during treatment?

The American Urological Association states that testosterone levels of between 300 ng/dl to 1000 ng/dl in men are healthy. Those that fall below this range are diagnosed with low testosterone. However, putting an individual on TRT only suffices when the physician is sure that the condition is persistent.

 

Doctors often start with doses of not more than 200 ng/dl and scale up as they continue with the regimen for medical TRT with the goal of reaching normal testosterone levels. This is to avoid over-medicating the patient, which can result in them being classified as abusers. Different conditions determine the testosterone dosage that will be prescribed for you. Therefore, it’s difficult to determine an average dose applicable to the masses.

When is TRT applicable as a treatment?

Low testosterone can be a result of several factors that can vary from congenital conditions or as a side effect of other conditions such as surgery, chemotherapy, and dialysis. The congenital conditions where TRT is a remedy are as follows:

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism refers to a condition where your body is unable to produce enough levels of testosterone naturally. It may be due to your testes not functioning correctly or problems with your hypothalamus and pituitary gland. In both of these cases, your doctor prescribes synthetic testosterone to counter the deficit.

Hypogonadism also occurs as a natural presence in the body. As men grow older, the production of testosterone declines. Although TRT is unnecessary, some men still opt for it to maintain their libido and overall quality of life.

Hemochromatosis

The condition is one where your body stores too much iron. It can either be hereditary or as a result of other medical treatments such as blood transfusions and dialysis. The presence of too much iron can affect how your body produces other hormones, including testosterone. Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may prescribe TRT to help your body meet regular production quotas.

Klinefelter syndrome

There is a clear distinction in the chromosome combination between men and women, with XY for men and women having XX. Men with Klinefelter syndrome have an extra X chromosome, resulting in limited production levels of testosterone. Although the condition is not curable, TRT is a viable remedy to manage the symptoms.

Types of TRT treatments

There are four main ways to administer TRT:

Injections

The patient directly administers the drug to the muscle. There is typically a ten to fourteen day period between injections. However, the frequency of injections may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the physician’s diagnosis.

Patches

The patient wears or sticks a patch to a particular body part, typically the arm or back, allowing the skin to absorb the drug in small doses throughout the day. Patients who use patches apply them daily.

Gels and creams

Synthetic testosterone is available in topical gels and creams that the patient can apply directly on their skin.

Pellets

With pellets, the patient implants them under their skin, and the drug administers slowly into the bloodstream as per the duration prescribed.

Conclusion

Testosterone replacement therapy is a proven medical treatment, with many patients attesting to its effectiveness. However, not all conditions require its application. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with a physician before embarking on any testosterone replacement therapy.