Primary Care
Want to learn more about this at Kettering Health?
At a Glance
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is not a safe shortcut for strength or endurance when testosterone levels are normal. The treatment may have effects on the body that are important to understand.
- TRT replaces testosterone the body normally makes.
- Young men may reduce natural testosterone production.
- Blood thickening may increase heart and stroke risks.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is used to treat declining testosterone in aging men, but recently it has gained popularity online among young men who want to increase their strength, energy, and physical endurance.
But Dr. Austin Williams, a primary care provider, explains that TRT for young men who don’t necessarily need it can have adverse health effects.
Common symptoms
Many times, Dr. Williams has patients come to him complaining of symptoms like fatigue and brain fog. An internet or social media search might have them thinking they have low testosterone, but Dr. Williams shares that there are many things that can cause these symptoms.
“I look at thyroid function, blood sugar, and blood pressure,” he says.
Dr. Williams points out that another reason for these symptoms, often unnoticed by the patient, is sleep apnea, which causes you to periodically stop breathing during sleep, disrupting sleep and causing problems with energy and focus.
However, if none of these issues are present, then Dr. Williams recommends a mental health screening, as untreated depression and anxiety can severely impact mood, brain function, and energy levels.
TRT is not without risk, so Dr. Williams always recommends ruling out other possible issues first.
Potential risks
The biggest side effect of TRT is an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
“One of the reasons for this is that testosterone stimulates the production of red blood cells,” Dr. Williams says, “so you can end up with high red blood cell levels which can essentially thicken your blood.”
Another caution is that taking testosterone can reduce the amount of testosterone your body naturally produces if you stop taking TRT. For older men, this isn’t necessarily a concern, but Dr. Williams warns that this should give young men pause when considering TRT.
“Anytime you take any sort of hormone,” he says, “your body’s ability to produce that hormone is going to decrease.”
TRT can be beneficial for older men who need to replace naturally declining hormone levels, but it’s not a fix-all solution, especially for young men with normal testosterone levels.
Have questions about TRT? A primary care provider can help.
Schedule an appointmentPeople Often Ask
Low testosterone symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, low energy, and trouble with focus. However, these symptoms can have many other causes, so a healthcare provider should evaluate the full picture.
Conditions such as thyroid problems, blood sugar issues, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and mental health concerns can cause similar symptoms. Finding the cause may prevent unnecessary testosterone replacement therapy.
TRT may carry more concerns for young men who do not have low testosterone. Possible risks include increased red blood cell levels, blood thickening, cardiovascular problems, and reduced natural testosterone production.
Yes. Taking testosterone can signal the body to make less of its own testosterone. This is why young men should carefully consider TRT with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
TRT may help older men with naturally declining testosterone levels. It is not a general treatment for improving strength, energy, or endurance in men with normal testosterone levels.
