What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is available to men with low testosterone due to male hypogonadism. TRT means taking synthetic versions of testosterone to control your levels of this hormone.

TRT involves taking synthetic testosterone to regulate your levels of this hormone. The suitability of TRT for you will be decided by you and your physician.

Who is TRT for?

Males with low testosterone levels due to a recognised medical disease (hypogonadism) are eligible for testosterone replacement therapy.

Hypogonadism can result from damage to or failure of one of the following organs involved in testosterone production:

Testicles
Pituitary gland
Hypothalamus

For example, chemotherapy or radiation treatment can harm one of these organs. Or you could have a genetic disorder that causes problems.

For males with low testosterone levels who do not have another medical issue, the FDA does not approve the use of TRT. It has not yet been approved as of 2025 for males whose testosterone levels naturally decline with age.

Not everyone can benefit from TRT. Prostate cancer and heart failure are two examples of pre-existing disorders that make it dangerous.

What happens before starting TRT?

Before starting TRT, your doctor will make sure that low testosterone is an accurate diagnosis. They'll also make sure TRT is safe for you. They'll ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. They may order the following blood tests:

Two morning testosterone tests (for diagnosis)
Hemoglobin
Hematocrit
Liver function tests
Luteinizing hormone blood test
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test
Prolactin blood test

How does TRT work?

With TRT, you use an artificial form of testosterone to control your levels. This can have the effect of enhancing the symptoms of low testosterone, such as low libido and lethargy.

TRT does not repair or correct the cause of low testosterone. Your testicles will actually cease to function as a result. This implies for your body to maintain a regular level of testosterone, you will require the medicine. Your body will have to regain its capacity to produce testosterone if you stop taking it.

Testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) comes in several forms, such as:

Testosterone skin gels: You put on the gel daily to dry, clean skin as directed. Be sure you do not pass the gel to another person by skin-to-skin contact while the gel is wet. Testosterone skin gels are among the most popular types of TRT.
Intramuscular testosterone injections: You administer the injections into a muscle every one to two weeks. Some long-acting formulas of testosterone can be administered by injection every 10 weeks. But you must receive them in a medical office.
Subcutaneous testosterone injections: You administer the injections under your skin every week.
Testosterone patches: You put these patches on your skin daily as instructed. You typically need to change their spot to prevent skin irritation.
Buccal testosterone tablets: These sticky tablets are placed in your gums twice daily. The testosterone is absorbed quickly into your system through your gums.
Testosterone nasal gel: You put a testosterone gel up each nostril three times daily.
Oral testosterone: This is a twice-a-day pill.

Your doctor will assist you to determine what is appropriate for you. Once you begin TRT, follow-up testing is required. This involves checking your testosterone level and having other blood work to ensure that TRT is not damaging your health.

What are the advantages of TRT?

Testosterone replacement therapy can relieve many of the signs of low testosterone (male hypogonadism). TRT can enhance your:

Sexual function
Lean body mass
Bone mineral density
Mood
Energy levels
Sense of well-being

But it's also important to remember that TRT has possible side effects and risks.

What are the side effects of TRT?

The side effects of testosterone replacement therapy are:

Acne or oily skin
Swelling in your ankles due to mild fluid retention
Stimulation of your prostate, leading to urinary symptoms
Breast enlargement (gynecomastia) or tenderness
Worsening of sleep apnea
Smaller testicles
Skin irritation (if you use topical testosterone replacement)
Reduction in sperm count, resulting in infertility

Lab abnormalities that may occur on TRT include:

Elevation in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level
Rise in red blood cell count, making your blood more viscous

How long does it take to have effects from TRT?

It can take several weeks before you notice changes in your body and mood after initiating TRT. The length of time depends on the individual. In order for the therapy to fully take hold, healthcare professionals usually wait 30 days after you begin TRT to monitor your testosterone levels.

If you don't see an improvement in your symptoms after taking TRT for three to six months, your doctor may suggest that you stop the treatment. This is because if your symptoms do not improve, your testosterone level would not be responsible for your symptoms.

How long can you remain on testosterone replacement therapy?

You can remain on testosterone replacement therapy as long as it's improving your symptoms and not harming your health. TRT is a long-term treatment. When you discontinue testosterone, your levels will revert to baseline.

Your doctor will prescribe routine testing to ensure TRT isn't harming your health.

Can you stop TRT once you start?

Yes, once you've started TRT, you can stop. You can do this for a number of reasons, including:

You experience bothersome side effects
The treatment isn't helping your symptoms
You acquire a health issue that makes TRT risky

If you discontinue TRT, you'll be back to your baseline level of testosterone. Your body will need some time to begin making testosterone again naturally.

When should I talk to my doctor regarding TRT?

As soon as you begin TRT, you'll see your doctor regularly and have regular blood tests. Your provider will inform you how often this should be done.

Otherwise, visit your doctor if:

You don't see improvement in your symptoms
The side effects of TRT are bothering you
You'd like to use a different type of testosterone
You're considering stopping TRT
You get a health condition that may render TRT unsafe

Why choose Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital for Testosterone replacement therapy in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) in Lucknow, India. Our experienced Urologists uses advanced technology, and provides patient-focused care, the hospital ensures safer procedures, quicker recovery, and improved long-term outcomes.