There are many common misconceptions regarding Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). We address them below:
Myth: TRT is for bodybuilders. TRUTH: As men age, testosterone production will decrease and they will begin showing symptoms of low testosterone (Low T). Once a man turns 30, the body's testosterone production decreases by 1-2% per year thereafter. It is estimated that 4-5 million men in the U.S have low testosterone levels with the majority of men being over the age of 45. TRT is for men with low testosterone or a testosterone deficiency.
Myth: TRT is similar to steroids or performance-enhancing drugs. TRUTH: When a man is deficient in testosterone, TRT is simply replacing what the body is no longer able to produce.
Myth: Men on TRT will experience "Roid Rage." TRUTH: Actually, men deficient in testosterone can be moody and grumpy. TRT actually improves mood.
Myth: TRT will make me look like I'm on steroids TRUTH: TRT will not cause you to look like you have the physique of a bodybuilder. There is a lot more to having the physique of a bodybuilder than what TRT can do on its own.
Myth: TRT increases the risk of heart attacks. TRUTH: The American Medical Association (AMA) has not documented one case of a heart attack or stroke attributed to testosterone treatment. There are actually more cases of heart attack and stroke attributed to low testosterone levels. Any low testosterone treatment plan should be accompanied by regular blood testing to ensure safe levels of testosterone and to check for blood clotting. You can actually read more about this in the TRAVERSE study published in June of 2023 in The New England Journal that, "In men with hypogonadism and preexisting or a high risk of cardiovascular disease, testosterone-replacement therapy was noninferior to placebo with respect to the incidence of major adverse cardiac events." Follow this link to read the full study details: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2215025
Myth: TRT causes prostate cancer. TRUTH: TRT does not cause prostate cancer, but if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, you must stop TRT treatment as it could cause it to spread. Please read more about this in our blog post, Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Increase Prostate Cancer Risk? https://www.elitetrtclinic.com/post/does-testosterone-replacement-therapy-increase-prostate-cancer-risk
Myth: Low testosterone only affects a man's sex drive. TRUTH: Low testosterone affects so much more than a man's sex drive. Signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels include:
Lack of energy
Weight gain
Low libido/low sex drive
Lack of motivation
Mood changes
Erectile dysfunction
Poor concentration
Brain fog
Weakened strength
Sleep apnea
Hair loss
Muscle loss
Myth: TRT is just a fad and low testosterone is just part of getting older. TRUTH: 4-5 million men over the age of have low testosterone and studies have shown links of low testosterone to heart attacks, strokes, prostate cancer, depression, anxiety, increased body fat, poor concentration, decreased energy, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, poor sleep, and decreased bone density.
