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Share on PinterestTestosterone levels can decline for various reasons, including stress, aging, trauma, and infections. This article discusses TRT in more detail, including who it is for, the types, how it works, how to get it, what to expect from it, and more. A note about sex and gender Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms, “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. What is testosterone replacement therapy TRT or androgen replacement therapy (ART) is a treatment that doctors give to males who have testosterone deficiency and are showing symptoms of hypogonadism. Taking prescription testosterone helps restore the levels of this hormone in the blood, reversing the symptoms of low testosterone. People who take it may notice improvements in alertness, sexual function, energy, mood, and overall well-being. Who is testosterone replacement therapy for and how does it work Doctors prescribe TRT to males with hypogonadism. To receive a definitive diagnosis, blood tests must show that a person has low testosterone levels, which the American Urological Association notes as being below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). The individual must also have other symptoms, such as fatigue, breast growth, and sexual dysfunction. However, doctors do not usually recommend TRT as the first course of action for low testosterone levels, even for males who show such symptoms. If other conditions or medications cause testosterone levels to drop, doctors usually treat the underlying condition before recommending TRT. Benefits of TRT According to a 2019 study, TRT can improve sexual function, including:libidosymptoms of erectile dysfunctionsexual satisfaction Further 2019 research suggests that TRT can also maintain bone density, with a 2016 study also revealing TRT’s improvement of cognitive function and attention span. How to get TRT TRT is only available with a prescription. If a person presents with symptoms consistent with low testosterone levels, a doctor will only provide a prescription after taking a thorough medical history and performing physical and lab exams. As hormone levels fluctuate depending on activity levels, diet, and the time of day, doctors usually take two different blood samples before noon. They may sometimes also ask for imaging studies and additional tests, such as tests for luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulation hormone, to determine the cause of the low testosterone levels. Types of testosterone treatments There are several ways to administer testosterone: Injectable Injectable testosterone is an inexpensive and common form of TRT. A person can receive short-acting treatment, which involves a shot every 1 or 2 weeks, or long-acting treatment, in which the second shot is 4 weeks after the first, and all others are 10 weeks apart. The dosage and frequency of the treatment may vary depending on the person. Doctors inject short-acting testosterone under the skin or into the muscle, while long-acting shots go in the gluteal muscles. TRT can cause fluctuations in testosterone levels, which can affect energy levels, libido, mood, and the presence of symptoms such as breast tenderness. Topical transdermal People usually apply gels and creams on a daily basis. Gradual absorption causes more stable testosterone levels in the blood. However, people using topical treatments must be careful to avoid skin-on-skin contact with other people for at least 6 hours after application. It is important to prevent the risk of transferring the medication onto other people’s skin because it may be dangerous for pregnant people and children. Topical patches stick to the skin and stay in place for 24 hours until the next dose. They typically come in doses of between 2 milligrams (mg) and 5 mg. The downsides to patches are that they are not cosmetically appealing and often cause skin irritations. In comparison with oral medications, topical patches may prove less toxic to the liver. Topical gel dosage is usually between 40–100 mg per day but this will vary between products. A person should start at the lowest recommended dose and increase gradually, if necessary. Cheek or buccal patches A person places a buccal patch above the upper teeth, and it releases testosterone over 12 hours. These patches usually contain 30 mg. A person should apply them twice each day, around 12 hours apart. However, they can cause headaches and gum and mouth irritation. Testosterone implants or pellets Testosterone pellets are small plastic pellets that doctors implant under the skin. The implant goes into a person’s upper hip or buttock. The pellets dissolve slowly and can deliver TRT for 3–6 months. The dosage varies between individuals and a person should discuss this with their doctor prior to the first implantation. Inserting implants is a minor inpatient surgical procedure. A doctor makes a small incision in the fatty tissue below the skin to insert the pellets. They perform the procedure under local anesthesia. Learn more about testosterone pellets here. Oral testosterone Oral testosterone is a less common type of TRT that is more expensive and less practical. Its long-term use can potentially cause liver damage. Most tablets also come with warnings about the drug causing hypertension and stroke. As a result, only individuals who cannot use other forms of TRT resort to taking testosterone by mouth. A doctor will recommend a Dosage ranging from 225–396 mg, and a person will typically take oral testosterone tablets twice daily. Intranasal A person applies nasal testosterone gel to the inside of the nose. They will need to do this three times a day at intervals of 6–8 hours, preferably at the same times every day. Dosage is usually 11 mg per application across both nostrils, resulting in a total dosage of 33 mg daily. Some common reactions to this treatment include headaches, nosebleeds, a runny nose, and nasal discomfort. What to expect TRT aims to restore a person’s testosterone levels to normal. The individual can expect improvements in their blood testosterone levels within a week, however, symptoms may take longer to improve. A person may also note other benefits, such as an increase in bone density and lean body mass, an improvement in well-being, and a boost to energy and libido. It may take from 4 weeks to several months to see positive changes. Unless caused by medical illness, TRT is typically a lifelong treatment. Once a person starts TRT, their doctor will continually monitor their response to treatment. People need to have routine checkups at least every 6–12 months to assess their blood testosterone levels. A doctor will also monitor changes in symptoms and side effects at 3 and 6 months after the initial treatment and then annually. Approximate costs TRT costs range from $150 to $1,500 per month and vary depending on various factors, including: type of medicationdosagemode of administrationinsurance coveragedoctor and laboratory fees Is it safe In addition to the possible short-term side effects, TRT may also cause health risks. The Endocrine Society recommends that people with the following conditions do not start using TRT: breast cancer or prostate cancerpresence of prostate nodules or indurationhigh prostate-specific antigen levelselevated hematocrit levelsuntreated and severe sleep apneasevere lower urinary tract symptoms congestive heart failurerecent stroke or heart attackthrombophilia It also states that the treatment is unsuitable for males who wish to conceive in the near future. Males aged 40 years older, preadolescent people, and those with migraine or epilepsy may require special considerations. Side effects and warnings The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that the benefits and safety of TRT for treating low testosterone levels due to aging are not known. The organization requires that testosterone products carry warnings mentioning the possible risk of stroke and heart disease. A 2017 review found that males undergoing TRT may have a higher risk for cardiovascular events such as stroke. However, further research will help to confirm this. Other side effects of taking testosterone include:rashes, itching, and acnemale pattern baldnesshair loss or excessive hair growthanxietybladder irritabilitypriapismdeep vein thrombosisanger and aggressive behaviorbreast soreness or enlargement (gynecomastia)high blood pressureincrease in prostate sizedecreased sperm productionworsening of prostate cancershrinkage of the testeshigh red blood cell count, which may lead to blood clotsliver dysfunction High cholesterol may also be a side effect. However, a 2021 study suggests that TRT may improve total cholesterol levels. The current scientific literature suggests that TRT worsens breast and prostate cancer. However, TRT may offer benefits to people with early stage prostate cancer without stimulating the recurrence or progression of cancer. Alternatives to TRT A person can try to improve their testosterone levels without medical intervention. Some ways may include: getting enough sleepeating a balanced dietlosing weightgetting enough exercisereducing stresstaking vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and magnesiumavoiding drugs and alcohol If any individual takes medications they believe lowers testosterone, they should consider discussing this with their doctor. Find out more about natural ways to boost testosterone here. Frequently asked questions about TRT The following are common questions about TRT. How much does TRT cost TRT costs range from $150–1,500 per month, depending on the type of TRT, the mode and frequency of administration, and a person’s insurance coverage. Does insurance cover TRT Yes. Most insurance companies cover all forms of TRT. However, there may be out-of-pocket costs. Individuals should always confirm coverage with their insurer to avoid any unwanted expenses. Is testosterone replacement therapy safe Although TRT offers benefits to people with low testosterone levels, it can cause many short-term side effects. In the long term, it may also increase the risk of liver and heart conditions. How long should I stay on testosterone replacement therapy TRT treatment length is indefinite unless the low levels are due to an underlying cause that is treatable. What does TRT do to your body Some physical changes that TRT can bring about include increased muscle mass and bone density, and decreased body weight. Is TRT covered by insurance If a person has TRT as a treatment for a health condition, their medical insurance should cover this cost. Summary TRT is a common treatment for low testosterone levels, but it may not suit everyone. People who are considering TRT need a prescription and appropriate guidance from a doctor or qualified healthcare professional. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2022Uncategorized 15 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Rastrelli, G., et al. (2019). Testosterone replacement therapy for sexual symptoms.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2050052118301318Ahlering, T., et al. (2020). Testosterone replacement therapy reduces biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. https://tahomaclinic.com/Private/Articles2/ProstateCancer/Ahlering%202020%20-%20Testosterone%20replacement%20therapy%20reduces%20biochemical%20recurrence%20after%20radical%20prostatectomy.pdfAndroderm (testosterone patch). (n.d.).https://www.goodrx.com/androderm/what-isAntonio, L., et al. (2019). Testosterone replacement in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism maintains bone density but has only limited osteoanabolic effects.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/andr.12604Bhasin, S., et al. (2018). Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline.https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/103/5/1715/4939465Elsherbiny, A., et al. (2017). State-of-the-art: A review of cardiovascular effects of testosterone replacement therapy in adult males [Abstract]. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11886-017-0838-xFDA drug safety communication: FDA cautions about using testosterone products for low testosterone due to aging; requires labeling change to inform of possible increased risk of heart attack and stroke with use. (2018). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-cautions-about-using-testosterone-products-low-testosterone-dueJia, H. et al. (2015). Review of health risks of low testosterone and testosterone administrationKim, S. H., et al. (2021). Efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy for treating metabolic disturbances in late-onset hypogonadism: A systematic review and meta-analysis [Abstract]. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11255-021-02876-wLasaite, L., et al. (2016). Effects of two-year testosterone replacement therapy on cognition, emotions and quality of life in young and middle-aged hypogonadal men.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/and.12633McCullogh, A. (2014). A review of testosterone pellets in the treatment of hypogonadism.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4431706/Mulhall, J. P., et al. (2018). Evaluation and management of testosterone efficiency (2018).https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/guidelines/testosterone-deficiency-guidelineTestosterone gel (AndroGel). (n.d.).https://www.goodrx.com/testosterone/what-isWhat is low testosterone? (n.d.).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone#DiagnosisXie, T., et al. (2021). The role of androgen therapy in prostate cancer: From testosterone replacement therapy to bipolar androgen therapy. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359644621000659FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD — By Rachel Ann Tee-Melegrito and Suzy Davenport — Updated on June 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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