TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (TRT)

TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (TRT): EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU START

In the sports world, especially bodybuilding, testosterone replacement therapy corresponds to one of the phases of performance improvement, through a reactivation or modification of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal hormonal axis.
Within male hormonal development, testosterone is one of the most important hormones, its production is controlled by the brain. Being responsible for the main male characters their deficit is directly related to a decrease in sports performance, this is expressed through a loss of muscle mass, decreased strength, and bone weakness.
The most common causes that can decrease the natural production of testosterone are:
• Head injuries
• Radiation
• Genetic alterations or diseases
• Stress
The physical and mental stress to which high performance and amateur athletes are subjected causes the inhibition of testosterone secretion due to a significant increase in cortisol levels.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE STARTING TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
1. REQUIRED BLOOD TESTS
• LH
• FSH
• Estradiol
• Prolactin
LH and FSH reflect the state of testosterone secretion at the level of the pituitary and hypothalamus, low levels of these hormones result in a deficit in testosterone production.
Estradiol and progesterone can interfere with testosterone production, estradiol in men is synthesized from testosterone, high levels of testosterone or estradiol should be considered before starting testosterone replacement therapy to avoid an excess in estrogen production.
2. CHECK YOUR KIDNEY AND LIVER FUNCTION WITH YOUR DOCTOR
During training regimens it is essential to monitor liver function since anabolics, especially testosterone is metabolized at the hepatic level, a saturation of this system can produce an increase in the synthesis of fatty acids and result in an increase in body fat index, at the same time can produce reversible or irreversible liver damage depending on the circumstances.
3. TAKE YOUR TIME BEFORE YOU START
Before starting Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), take some time off (approximately 8-10 weeks) before the last anabolic cycle.
4. CONSIDER YOUR FERTILITY BEFORE STARTING
Excessive doses of testosterone are not recommended for men under 35 or who have not yet had children, due to the impact it can on sperm production and fertility.

WHEN SHOULD YOU START TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?
The use of steroidal anabolic works to enhance performance, increase muscle mass, and significantly decrease body fat percentage.
Steroidal anabolic cycles are made up of growth hormones, estrogen inhibitors and aromatase inhibitors and supplements such as aspartic acid, BCAAs, glutamine, arginine, vitamins B, E and C.
If the expected results are still not obtained in 6 months, you can start with the use of hormone replacement therapy.

TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY: WHAT DOES IT CONSIST OF?
The therapy is based on the administration of exogenous testosterone, mainly through injections, although there are other routes such as absorption creams or patches. Injections are the ideal route of administration because a higher percentage is absorbed than other routes.

RECOMMENDED DOSE
That depends on the levels of organic production, if these are normal (50-70mg) with administering twice those values, it would be enough. On average a dose of 250mg every 10 days or every 2 weeks is usually enough to get results.
It is important to be careful about exceeding the recommended doses as this would mean increased stress to the liver and raises serum cholesterol levels.

TESTOSTERONE USED IN TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
During Testosterone Replacement Therapy it is recommended to use intermediate and long-lasting testosterone, which helps to enhance the results for a longer time.