Is TRT Safe | The Ultimate Guide
Curious…is TRT safe?
Do you wonder if testosterone therapy is actually the fastest, safest, and most effective way for men to optimize their testosterone levels?
Then you’ve come to the right place.
This comprehensive guide from Testosterone.org will teach you EVERYTHING you need to know about testosterone therapy, including any potential side effects that you need to monitor for.
We also answer your most important TRT questions, including:
- What are the benefits of testosterone therapy?
- How quickly will I start noticing results on TRT?
- How do online TRT clinics actually work?
…And much more!
Our team of experts has analyzed all of the latest research studies on TRT, including all studies evaluating its safety profile. This means you are getting fact-based answers to your most important questions.
We even cover everything you MUST know about monitoring your bloodwork while on TRT, including how to optimize your fertility and sexual health…
Now let’s get started!
P.S: Ready to get started with TRT asap? Click here.
What Is Testosterone Therapy?
TRT, or testosterone replacement therapy, is the safest and most effective treatment option for men with low testosterone levels.
TRT is designed to help men with low T raise their testosterone levels to the high-end of the healthy, normal range.
This helps men just like you eliminate their low T symptoms, including:
- Low energy
- Increased belly fat
- Loss of muscle mass
- Poor sexual performance
- Low motivation
If you’re like most men, you want NOTHING to do with these low T symptoms.
Fortunately, TRT does more than just eliminate negative side effects of low T – it also gives you countless benefits. Older and younger men rave about TRT, saying they feel like a new and improved version of themselves!
So how does TRT work?
The truth is TRT is all about raising and optimizing your body’s natural testosterone levels.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is one of the most important hormones produced in the human body. It plays a HUGE role in how men look, feel, and function in their day-to-day lives.
Research shows men with above-average or high testosterone levels experience the following benefits:
- Endless energy
- Leaner, more muscular physique
- Superior sexual performance
- Laser-like focus and concentration
- Increased attention from women
Needless to say, testosterone plays a huge role in men’s mental and physical health. It also helps men avoid different chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Optimizing your testosterone levels may be one of the most important things a man can do!
Why Do Men Have Low Testosterone?
Do you get the feeling that men aren’t as “manly” as they were a generation or two ago? You aren’t alone.
In fact, research shows that men’s testosterone levels have been declining for quite a while.
The latest studies show that average testosterone levels in men have been declining by about 1% per year for the past few decades [1].
This isn’t just an issue for older men, though – research shows that men as low as 40, 30, or even 20 years old are also suffering from low T today [2-4]!
In fact, this drop in testosterone levels may explain why we’ve seen such a rapid increase in chronic disease over the past 50 years [5-6].
What Are Normal Testosterone Levels In Men?
Traditionally men had testosterone levels of about 300 – 1,200 ng / dl, or nanograms per deciliter [7-8]. This is just a measurement of how much testosterone men have in their blood at any given time.
Unfortunately, men’s testosterone levels are dropping so fast that researchers have had to revise these numbers!
Today most doctors and hospitals consider anything in the 250 – 800 ng / dl range to be “normal” [9-10]!
This is alarming, to say the least.
Men with total testosterone levels below 300 ng / dl almost always experience negative side effects, but today that is considered in the normal range [11].
If you have any signs or symptoms of low T, then addressing that issue ASAP may be one of the most important things you can do for your overall health and happiness.
Is Testosterone Therapy Safe?
Is Testosterone therapy really as safe as everyone says it is? Let’s look at the facts before jumping to any conclusions.
The truth is testosterone therapy is one of the safest medical treatments in the world today. Dozens of studies show that TRT has very few, if any, long-term side effects [12-14].
Of course, there are a few contraindications for TRT that you need to be aware of:
- Prostate cancer
- Male breast cancer
- Sleep apnea
- Urinary tract symptoms
- Myocardial infarction
- Congestive heart failure
- High red blood cell count
- Other cardiovascular issues
- Men planning fertility
If you have any one of these contraindications, then you should NOT get on TRT.
For example, if you have prostate cancer, then you are not a good candidate for testosterone therapy. Side effects on TRT are generally rare. However, there are a few that you should be aware of.
Let’s start by looking at the short-term side effects of TRT, followed by the long-term side effects.
TRT Short-Term Side Effects
The most common side effects of TRT include pain at the injection site, skin irritation, and skin acne.
Other short-term side effects include:
- Shrinkage of the testicles
- Increased aggression and irritability
- Swelling or tenderness of breasts
- Acne or oily skin
- Swelling of the ankles (fluid retention)
- Difficulty with urination
- High blood cell counts
- Hair loss
- Mood swings
- Skin irritation
Most of these side effects are not serious, and can be managed with the help of your TRT doctor.
Once your TRT protocol is 100% dialed in, you shouldn’t have to worry about any of these side effects anymore.
TRT Long-Term Side Effects
Long-term side effects for TRT are extremely rare – especially when working with an experienced testosterone doctor.
However, there are a few that you should be aware of:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Strokes and heart attacks
- Polycythemia
- Worsening of urinary symptoms
- Prostate cancer
- Lowered HDL
- Low sperm count
- Reduced fertility
The biggest long-term side effects of TRT include cardiovascular disease, polycythemia, prostate cancer, and impaired fertility.
If you experience any of these side effects while on TRT, the first thing you should do is talk to your TRT doctor about them. He will be able to modify your treatment protocol to eliminate these side effects almost immediately.
Low Testosterone | Symptoms, Causes, And How TRT Can Help
By now you’re probably convinced that testosterone therapy is the safest and most effective medical treatment for men with low testosterone levels.
Research shows that TRT helps men who are suffering from a wide variety of low T symptoms, including:
- Fat, out of shape physique
- Impaired sexual health
- Declining mental health
- Lack of muscle mass
- Loss of motivation and drive
Let’s take a closer look at each of these symptoms.
-
Fat, Out Of Shape Physique
Are you struggling to get in shape? Do you look down and have a hard time seeing your “Johnson?”
If so, the low T may be to blame.
The truth is low testosterone levels is one of the biggest causes of excess body fat and obesity. Fortunately, testosterone therapy is a fast and easy solution to this problem.
Research shows that once you optimize your hormones with TRT, the excess body fat will just melt off your body! Most men on TRT lose several pounds of body fat within the first few weeks, and that’s without any major changes to their diet or workout routine.
-
Impaired Sexual Health
It’s no secret that testosterone therapy has a dramatic impact on a man’s overall sexual health.
Research shows that men on TRT have harder erections, stronger sex drives, and better overall sex lives than their low T counterparts.
Of course, you won’t be the only person to notice these changes… your girlfriend or wife may be the first person to comment!
-
Declining Mental Health
This may come as a surprise, but low T is actually one of the most common causes of depression and other mental illnesses in men.
Fortunately, testosterone therapy represents a fast and easy solution to these problems. The latest studies show that testosterone therapy reduces or eliminates men’s symptoms of depression.
Men on TRT also report a higher overall life satisfaction, and greater resilience to life’s many obstacles.
-
Lack Of Muscle Mass
Testosterone plays a massive role in your ability to build muscle mass and strength. In fact, without sufficient testosterone levels building muscle mass is virtually impossible!
Fortunately, TRT can help with this as well. Athletes and recreational fitness enthusiasts who get started on TRT always report the same thing: their physique transformed within the first 1-2 months!
Most men actually gain 5+ pounds of lean muscle tissue on TRT, which is enough to make a dramatic difference in how you look in the mirror.
- Loss Of Motivation And Drive
Testosterone is the hormone that propels men to make big goals and go after them as hard as possible.
Without enough testosterone in their system, men become lazy and unmotivated. If you suffer from lack of motivation, then TRT can help.
Research shows that men on TRT are more motivated and disciplined than they were prior to starting testosterone therapy.
You can think of TRT as a “limitless pill” that helps you tap into your full potential, and truly attack the day with peak energy levels.
How To Get Started With Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Getting started with testosterone replacement therapy doesn’t have to be complicated.
In fact, you can get a legit testosterone prescription and have your testosterone medication shipped straight to your door without ever leaving your home!
How is this possible?
Over the last few years online TRT clinics have slowly replaced traditional in-person TRT clinics. With an online TRT clinic, you save time AND money by talking to your TRT doctor remotely using Zoom and other telehealth technologies.
So how do you actually get started with an online TRT clinic? In reality all you have to do is follow these 5 simple steps:
-
Contact An Online TRT Clinic, And Fill Out Their Questionnaire
The first and most important step in getting started with TRT is to contact an online TRT clinic, and fill out their free questionnaire.
We’ve reviewed dozens of online TRT clinics, and after weeks of research, we’ve concluded that Fountain TRT is the #1 online TRT provider in the United States.
If you are looking for a fast, easy, inexpensive, and reliable online TRT clinic, then we strongly recommend Fountain TRT.
Their online questionnaire is easy to fill out, and one of their experienced online TRT doctors will set up a time to speak with you directly to go over your results with you.
-
Talk To Your Doctor About Your Signs And Symptoms Of Low T
After you fill out your online questionnaire at Fountain TRT (or any other major online TRT provider), the next step is to speak directly with your doctor using telehealth technologies like Zoom.
This will be your chance to talk to your doctor about your low T symptoms, including low energy, lack of motivation, impaired sexual health, and more.
If your doctor agrees that you may have low T, then he will help you schedule a blood test at one of their partnered lab facilities.
-
Perform A Comprehensive Blood Test At A Partnered Lab Facility
The only way to truly measure your testosterone levels is to perform a blood test. For this reason, your doctor will help you schedule a blood test at one of their partnered lab facilities.
They will run multiple tests, including:
- Total testosterone
- Free testosterone
- Estradiol
- Vitamin D
…and more. Don’t worry – all of these tests can be performed from one simple blood donation.
Some online TRT clinics like Fountain TRT even have a home testing kit that let you perform your blood test from the comfort of your own home!
-
Talk To Your Doctor About The Results Of Your Blood Test
After you perform your blood test, your doctor will review the results and schedule a time to go over them with you.
The main thing he is looking at is your total testosterone levels. If they are low, then your TRT doctor will go over your options with you, including testosterone replacement therapy.
Don’t worry – testosterone therapy is actually very simple. 90% of it involves taking a prescription testosterone medication to raise your body’s natural testosterone levels.
-
Start Using Your New Prescription Testosterone Medication
The last step is to start using your prescription testosterone medication!
If you are working with one of our online TRT providers, then they will ship your medication straight to your door.
Your TRT doctor will also show you how to use your medication, regardless of whether you are using testosterone injections or creams.
What’s The Best Online TRT Clinic?
By now you’re probably wondering what the best online TRT clinic is… after all, most online TRT clinics are NOT created equal.
Our team has spent weeks reviewing every single online TRT clinic operating in the United States, and we were shocked at what they found…
The bottom line is Fountain TRT is the #1 online TRT provider in the United States.
This isn’t just our opinion though – thousands of men all over the country have already transformed their life with a customized TRT treatment protocol by Fountain TRT.
Here are just a few of the reasons why we like Fountain TRT over other online TRT providers:
- Streamlined process to get you started on TRT as quickly as possible
- Experienced TRT doctors that answer all of your questions, and deliver superior results
- Individualized TRT treatment programs that are designed specifically for you
- Superior customer service, including an easy to navigate online portal
- Ongoing support including bloodwork analysis to keep you looking and feeling your best
Fountain TRT also has dozens of 5-star reviews, indicating that customers are just as impressed by their world-class service as we are.
So how do you get started with Fountain TRT?
The truth is it’s as simple as heading over to the Fountain TRT website and filling out their free online questionnaire.
From there, one of their experienced TRT doctors will schedule a time to speak with you, so you can discuss your low T symptoms and what you are looking to get out of testosterone replacement therapy.
Here are the remaining steps:
- Perform a blood test to measure your testosterone levels
- Go over the results with your doctor, and wait while he sets up your treatment plan
- Start using your prescription testosterone medication as soon as it’s shipped to your door!
Getting started with testosterone therapy really is that simple!
What Are The Benefits Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Most men get on TRT because they are suffering from signs and symptoms of low T, like reduced sexual performance or low energy levels. However, TRT also has a wide range of benefits that you need to know about.
Men on TRT often report the following benefits within the first 1-2 weeks [15-19]:
- Improved energy levels
- Increased muscle mass / strength
- Increased muscle strength
- Improved body composition
- Faster recovery from workouts
- Stronger bones and joints
- Healthy heart and blood
- Decreased Inflammation
- Improved sexual performance
- Improved mental health
…The list goes on and on!
As they say, men get started on TRT to eliminate their low T symptoms, but they stay on it because it has such a transformative effect on their entire life.
Let’s quickly look at some of these benefits in more detail.
-
Increased muscle Mass / Strength
One of the first things that men notice on TRT is a dramatic increase in their muscle mass and strength.
Most men lose several pounds of body fat and gain several pounds of muscle mass in just the first few weeks!
-
Superior Sexual Health
It’s no secret that testosterone therapy will boost a man’s sex drive… you can expect stronger erections and better overall sexual health after you get on TRT.
-
Increased Motivation And Drive
As men get older they tend to lose their motivation and “drive.” This is normal, but TRT can help.
Men on TRT report they have more focus during the day, and are better able to go after big goals in their life.
-
Improved Body Composition
Let’s face it – men today are significantly heavier than men from 1-2 generations ago. It’s becoming rare to see a lean man with a flat stomach!
Fortunately, testosterone therapy can help here too. Most men find their love handles and belly fat practically disappear overnight after starting TRT!
-
Faster Recovery From Workouts
Are you struggling to recover from your most intense workouts? Do you need to take a nap after coming back from the gym?
If so, then you’re going to love this: men on TRT recover WAY faster from workouts than men not on TRT.
Personalized TRT | Dosage, Frequency, Additional Medications
At it’s core, testosterone replacement therapy is actually pretty simple.
Men with low testosterone levels take a prescription testosterone medication to raise their total T to the high end of the healthy, normal range. This eliminates their low T symptoms and provides all kinds of benefits like increased energy levels, more muscle mass / less body fat, and a whole host of other positive outcomes.
Of course, TRT can be a little more complicated when you start talking about weekly dosages, injection frequency, and additional medications…
Let’s quickly look at each of these topics to clear up any confusion.
How Much Testosterone Should I Take Each Week?
If you are using testosterone injections, then 100 – 150 mg of testosterone per week is ideal. This is enough to give you above-average testosterone levels, while minimizing your risk for negative side effects [20].
Taking more than 200 mg of testosterone per day is normally considered a “steroid” dose of testosterone, and is NOT recommended for most individuals [21-22]. If you are using a testosterone cream, then most TRT doctors advise 1-2 “pumps” of the cream 1-2 times per day.
Of course, your TRT doctor will tell you exactly how much testosterone to take each week when he sets up your program.
How Often Do I Need To Take My Testosterone Medication?
This is one of the most hotly debated topics in TRT. How often should you take your testosterone medication?
If you are using testosterone injections, then taking 1-3 equally divided doses per week seems to be optimal. More frequent injections often result in more stable blood testosterone levels and fewer side effects.
Injecting less than once per week is NOT recommended, as the risk of side effects goes up dramatically.
On the other hand, the optimal frequency for a testosterone cream is twice per day (once in the morning, and once at night).
Again, this will minimize your risk of side effects.
Do I Need To Take Any Other Medications With TRT?
Most individuals do NOT need to take additional medications while on TRT.
This is great news, as it means a testosterone replacement therapy protocol can be as simple as taking your prescription testosterone medication as directed throughout the week.
Depending on your situation, your doctor may prescribe other medications, such as an anti-estrogenic drug to keep your estrogen levels in check, or HCG to help you maintain fertility while on TRT [23-24].
However, these medications are not mandatory and are prescribed on a case-by-case basis.
How Much Does TRT Cost?
Testosterone replacement therapy doesn’t have to break the bank – especially if you are working with one of the newer, more affordable online TRT clinics like Fountain TRT.
Based on our research, most online TRT clinics charge $200 – $300 per month.
This is a “middle of the road” cost that you can expect to pay at most online TRT providers. However, the exact cost does vary depending on which provider you work with, whether you are using testosterone injections or creams, if you are taking any other medications as part of your TRT protocol, and other factors.
On the other hand, traditional in-person TRT clinics often charge hundreds of dollars per month.
If you’re like most people, then you’re probably looking to save some money – especially in today’s modern economy.
If this describes you, then we strongly recommend working with one of our preferred online TRT providers like Fountain TRT, as they are much more affordable than traditional in-person TRT clinics.
Alternatives To TRT | A Complete Overview
Is it possible to raise your testosterone levels, and eliminate your low T symptoms using “natural” methods? In other words, is it possible to accomplish these goals without having to use testosterone therapy?
The answer might surprise you…
Research shows that testosterone therapy is by far the fastest, safest, and most effective way for men to raise their testosterone levels and eliminate their low T symptoms.
However, there are several other strategies that men can use to raise their testosterone levels naturally and get in shape fast.
Some of the best “natural” testosterone raising strategies include:
- Lose Body Fat
- Get More Sleep
- Lift Weights
- Have More Sex
- Testosterone Boosters
Let’s take a closer look at each of these options.
-
Lose Body Fat
This may be surprising, but one of the fastest ways to raise your testosterone levels is to lose body fat! It turns out that your fat cells have an enzyme called aromatase. This enzyme has one job: to take the testosterone circulating in your bloodstream, and convert it into estrogen [25].
And the more body fat you have, the more of this enzyme you have circulating in your bloodstream! This is obviously not a good thing if you are trying to maximize your testosterone levels.
Fortunately, losing body fat reduces the number of aromatase enzymes in your fat cells, which in turn raises your total testosterone levels [26-27]!
How cool is that?
-
Get More Sleep
If you have low testosterone levels, then chances are you are struggling to get a good night’s sleep.
Research shows that just one night of low-quality sleep can tank your natural testosterone production [28-30]! This is obviously bad news for anyone who likes to party on the weekends.
If you are serious about raising your low testosterone levels, then focus on getting as much high-quality sleep as you can each day.
-
Lift Weights
It’s no secret that lifting weights increases men’s testosterone levels [31-32].
There’s just something about heavy resistance training using big, compound movements that optimizes your natural testosterone production.
You don’t need to be a gym rat to get all the testosterone-boosting benefits of lifting weights… all you need to do is hit the gym 2-4 times per week, and you are good to go.
-
Have More Sex
Out of all the natural testosterone boosting tips, this one is our favorite… Research shows that men who have more sex have higher testosterone levels, and having more sex during the week is an easy way to increase your natural testosterone levels [33-34].
As they say, “use it or lose it!”
Research also shows that changing sexual partners is another way to raise your testosterone production, but that tip may not apply to men in committed long-term relationships…
-
Testosterone Boosters
In general, testosterone boosters are a complete waste of time.
After reviewing dozens of so-called natural testosterone boosting supplements, our team consistently found the following issues with them:
-
- They have little to no research backing them [35]
- They may have dangerous long-term side effects [36]
- They do a very poor job of actually raising your testosterone levels [37]
We still hold the same stance on natural testosterone boosters. However, our team was able to identify a prescription medication besides TRT that actually raises men’s natural testosterone production.
The name of this breakthrough medical treatment? Maximus Tribe.
The main ingredient in Maximus Tribe is enclomiphine – a highly concentrated version of the testosterone boosting drug “clomid.”
Research shows that enclomiphine can raise men’s testosterone levels by as much as 200 – 300 points [38-40]!
If you want to learn more about Maximus Tribe, then click here.
TRT Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about testosterone replacement therapy.
How Long Should I Stay On Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Testosterone replacement therapy is normally a life-long decision.
You will need to continue taking a testosterone medication for the rest of your life to maintain optimal testosterone levels.
You are able to stop testosterone therapy anytime you want, but if you do this, your testosterone levels will drop back to their previous levels, and you may experience signs and symptoms of low T again.
Is It Legal To Buy Testosterone Online?
As long as you have a valid doctor’s prescription, it is 100% legal to buy testosterone online. This is why we recommend working with a reputable online TRT provider.
They give you a testosterone prescription which lets you buy, possess, and use your testosterone medication without breaking the law!
Once You Start Testosterone Therapy Can You Stop?
Yes, you can stop testosterone therapy any time you want. However, most of you reading this won’t want to do that.
When you stop taking testosterone, your hormone levels fall back to where they were before, and you may start to experience signs and symptoms of low T again. Not good!
A better option for most men is to continue taking testosterone therapy as part of their normal everyday life. That way you can continue to experience the benefits of optimized testosterone levels for the rest of your life!
Which Form Of Testosterone Is Best?
If you are taking testosterone injections, then you must take testosterone cypionate, enanthate, or any other form of testosterone with an additional “ester” molecule attached to it.
Research shows these forms of testosterone are absorbed more slowly in the body, and result in stable blood testosterone levels with minimal side effects.
If you are using a testosterone cream, then all you have to do is take the medication as directed by your TRT doctor.
Am I A Good Candidate For Testosterone Therapy?
Do you have any signs or symptoms of low testosterone levels? Are you interested in optimizing your body’s testosterone levels, and transforming the way you look and feel?
If so, then you may be a good candidate for testosterone therapy!
Will I Be Able To Have Kids If I Go On TRT?
Yes – you will still be able to have kids if you go on TRT. If maintaining fertility while on TRT is a priority for you, then we HIGHLY recommend talking to your doctor about HCG.
This is a prescription medication that helps you preserve your body’s natural testosterone production and fertility while on TRT.
Why Do Men Have Low Testosterone?
Men have low testosterone levels for a variety of reasons – lifestyle factors, lack of exercise, environmental toxins, poor diet, poor sleeping patterns, and so on.
Fortunately, testosterone therapy is a safe, fast, and reliable way for older and younger men to optimize their testosterone levels.
Verdict | Is TRT Safe?
So what’s the verdict… is TRT safe?
The truth is testosterone replacement therapy is one of the safest and most effective medical treatments in the world today.
This is especially true if you are working with a trusted online TRT provider like Fountain TRT!
The latest research shows that TRT has almost no side effects. In fact, most men who get started on testosterone have one thing to say…
“What took me so long?”
The truth is millions of men all over the United States have turned to testosterone therapy as their go-to way to look and feel their best. You will be shocked at how good you look and feel after just 1-3 weeks on this breakthrough medical treatment.
If you have any symptoms of low T, or are interested in finally living life on your terms, then getting started on TRT may be one of the best decisions you ever make.
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