Popular Questions About Testosterone: Here is All the Information You Need to Know

Testosterone is one of the most important hormones in the male body. It greatly impacts sexual development, stimulates sperm production and sex drive, impacts muscle growth and bone mass, and may even impact mood changes such as irritability and depression. The hormone produced by people assigned male at birth can greatly affect your well-being. Many people have a faint understanding of the instrumentality of this hormone in the body hence we have prepared some of the most common questions about it. Here is all that you need to know. 

What is Low Testosterone?

Most healthy males will have generally healthy testosterone levels, but in some cases, the levels of this hormone may be lower than expected. Low testosterone occurs when the levels of this hormone drop below 300 nanograms per deciliter.

What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Here are some of the common signs of low testosterone:

Fatigue

When testosterone levels drop lower than normal, one may experience decreased energy levels and extreme fatigue. This may be the case if you are constantly exhausted despite getting a decent amount of sleep and find it harder and less motivated to engage in physical activity such as exercising.

Decline in Muscle Mass and Strength

Testosterone is crucial in muscle formation, so low T is sometimes associated with decreased muscle mass. While there are no clear studies about the association between low T and muscle formation and strength, testosterone can impact how jacked you look.

Increased Body Fat

Another common sign of low T is an increase in body fat mass. This is usually around the abdomen area. Studies have also shown that Low T is associated with conditions such as gynecomastia which leads to enlargement of the breast tissue. 

Decreased Libido and Sexual Performance

One of the most important functions of the testosterone hormone is influencing your sex drive and libido. A decline in sex drive and libido is one of the pointers to low testosterone. While there might be a decline in sex drive with age, this decline is likely to be more drastic among people with low T.

Drastic Mood Changes

Testosterone is crucial in mood regulation and quality of life and may impact self-perception. Low testosterone levels may lead to mood changes and increase the intensity of feelings like irritability, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and dysphoria (dissatisfaction with life). 

Memory

Other than the sex drive and testosterone levels, other core cognitive functions, such as memory, also decline with age. This has led to medical professionals hypothesizing that lower testosterone can be associated with or may contribute to a decline in memory. According to a 2019 study, getting a testosterone supplement can improve information retention and memory in older men. 

Is Testosterone Therapy Safe?

Testosterone therapy is generally safe, but it has to be administered by a qualified medical professional. This is because when taken without proper supervision, it can lead to complications such as acne and skin reactions, sleep apnea, and thicker blood. Testosterone therapy needs to be prescribed and administered by an experienced professional to have tangible benefits. 

How Long Does it Take for Testosterone Therapy to Work?

While testosterone therapy has a variety of benefits and will have a positive impact on your well-being, it is important to note that therapy is a continuous process, and hence, said benefits will not be instantaneous. Here is a breakdown of how long it may take to see these benefits. 

Blood testosterone level

Even though it may not have a direct benefit, an increase in blood testosterone levels should be noticeable within a week after starting therapy.

Energy levels and mood

Once you are started with therapy, this is one of the earliest benefits you will likely notice. Energy levels and mood will likely improve in about 3-4 weeks after you have started and been consistent with therapy. 

Muscle strength and fat distribution

You will likely note an increase in muscle mass and strength about 3-6 months after starting your therapy. Fat distribution in areas such as the abdomen will also change at this time. You should combine therapy with some physical activity, such as exercising, for better results. 

Sexual function and libido

You will begin noticing improvements in sexual function and libido in about 3 weeks after you commence therapy.

Bone density

Changes to bone density will take the longest to be evident. On average, it takes about 6 months to notice changes in bone density, but this effect may last up to 3 years. 

Should You Refrigerate Testosterone Injections?

Does testosterone need to be refrigerated? No. Most testosterone is injectable (such as cypionate or enanthate) and does not need to be refrigerated. The ideal storage place for testosterone is at room temperature and away from direct heat and light. 

Conclusion

Your health and physical well-being should always be of paramount importance. Low testosterone can impact your mood, well-being, and lifestyle. That’s why seeking remedies and treatments such as Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help you get your health and life back on track. Ensure you get TRT from a qualified professional to reap the full benefits.