Testosterone replacement therapy

TRT is a medicine prescribed by your doctor to treat testosterone deficiency (low levels of testosterone) to reach physiologic (natural) levels of the hormone in your blood.

Performance-enhancing steroids (sometimes commonly called anabolic steroids) are unregulated products that contain testosterone or chemicals that act like testosterone. They're sometimes used by bodybuilders and athletes. They contain these substances in higher doses and they're often combined with other chemicals that boost the overall muscle-building (anabolic) effect.

Long-term use of performance-enhancing steroids can cause harmful effects.

TRT is used to treat testosterone deficiency (TD or low testosterone) in some men. A low testosterone level by itself doesn't need treatment. TRT can have side effects, and the long-term risks and benefits aren't well known. 

Only men with symptoms of low testosterone and blood tests that confirm this should consider testosterone replacement. Men with testosterone levels in the bottom of the normal range, but still normal, aren't usually treated with TRT. Read more about low testosterone levels. Since testosterone levels normally fall as men get older, the risks of testosterone replacement may outweigh the benefits for older men with levels that are slowly falling over time. 

TRT may be considered for people:

• born with testosterone deficiency due to diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome.
• with sex organs that don't develop as usual.
• with damaged testicles.

The benefits of testosterone treatment can include improved mood, eg, feeling less depressed, and improved libido (sexual interest). TRT can also change your body composition, eg, give you more muscle mass and less abdominal fat.

You'll need routine health exams to see that your testosterone level has changed and stays normal.

If erectile dysfunction is the only symptom of low testosterone, TRT is unlikely to be used. A PDE5 inhibitor (eg, sildenafil) is preferred, after other causes have been addressed. Read more about erectile dysfunction and PDE5 inhibitors.

TRT shouldn't be used if you have:

• known or suspected breast or prostate cancer
• polycythemia (high levels of red blood cells)
• liver tumours
• high calcium levels (hypercalcaemia)
• severe heart or kidney disease
• untreated obstructive sleep apnoea.

Effects on fertility:

As a result of using testosterone replacement, your natural production of testosterone may be reduced. This may also lead to a reduction in sperm production which can affect your fertility. If you're considering having children in the future you should discuss this with your doctor prior to starting treatment.

Other possible risks of testosterone treatment include:

• a high red blood cell count, which can cause heart problems and blood clots
• in some cases, a higher risk of heart attacks and stroke
• acne and oily skin
• worsening of male pattern baldness
• an increase in prostate size
• unmasking or worsening of a pre-existing prostate cancer (but it doesn’t cause prostate cancer)
• skin irritation of the area of the patch
• pulmonary oil microemoblism (spread of oil droplets into your lungs) for Reandron injection 
• testicular (ball) shrinkage on rare occasions with injections.

The following lifestyle changes can help you maintain a healthy level of testosterone:

• lose weight if you are overweight
• keep active and exercise regularly (but not vigorously)
• get enough sleep (at least 7 hours per night)
• don't drink too much alcohol
• reduce stress. 

Do not use unregulated products that contain testosterone or chemicals that act like testosterone.