Testosterone shots are an effective way to boost your testosterone levels. This procedure is primarily used to treat sexual dysfunction in males. Though it is safe for many people, it has some side effects.
Although testosterone shots are great for people with low testosterone, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not advise using them as it may increase the chances of specific health issues.
This article will cover everything you need to know about testosterone shots – why it’s beneficial, how it works and its side effects.
If you’re interested to know more, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Causes of Low Testosterone Levels
Low testosterone in males can have several causes and manifest themselves at different periods of life. Depending on your symptoms, you can determine whether testosterone would benefit you.
The most common signs of low testosterone levels are sexual dysfunction, such as poor sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection. Meanwhile, other symptoms might quickly point to a testosterone issue. These consist of the following:
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Mood swings or depression
- Decreased muscle mass
- Obesity
- Medications
- Normal Aging
How Do Testosterone Shots Work?
Testosterone shots are given to men and boys to treat disorders, such as delayed puberty, impotence, and other hormonal imbalances brought on by a deficiency of this hormone. Meanwhile, men with hypogonadism are treated with testosterone injections.
Before beginning TRT, it’s crucial to have the necessary tests (such as several blood tests) performed by your doctor because there are many potential adverse effects. Do not worry if you are receiving testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and suffering from fatigue and low testosterone symptoms. It would help if you also remembered that many things that could affect testosterone levels, such as medicines and vitamins, can affect testosterone levels.
Symptoms That You Can Encounter After Beginning TRT
Having low testosterone is similar to racing a sports car with a low fuel tank. However, if you begin to refill low-T levels, your body can resume functioning like a well-tuned machine.
Many people may experience various symptoms and side effects one week after starting TRT. Feeling exhausted after a week of benefits may be one of the signs. To do this, you might have to undergo a particular blood test to check your estrogen levels.
High estrogen levels may indicate underlying problems that call for a modification of your protocol. A doctor specializing in hormone optimization must examine your case and give recommendations.
However, it often takes two to four weeks for the body to adequately adjust to the injected testosterone and produce the favorable outcomes the patient hopes for. It may take as little as three to six weeks for testosterone to start improving depression symptoms, but it may take 18 to 30 weeks to find a patient who has significantly improved.
The effects of testosterone shot range from your sex desire and muscular growth to your focus and mood. You will, therefore, definitely notice when it is out of balance.
Low testosterone levels can cause a variety of physical and mental symptoms, such as:
- Feeling completely exhausted
- Clarity of thought
- Erectile dysfunction or decreased sex interest
- Increased body fat accumulates in your tummy and other places.
However, you can expect that these symptoms will start to go away after you start taking testosterone. Remember that a complete plan of action is the best way to handle low-T; in other words, combining TRT, nutrition and fitness tips, stress reduction techniques, and other tactics will boost your outcomes.
5 Benefits of Getting a Testosterone Treatment
There are many reasons why people opt for testosterone shots, which is why testosterone shots are becoming quite popular in the United States. Listed below are several reasons why doctors recommend getting testosterone injections:
1. More Muscles
Testosterone shots help in increasing muscle mass. According to research, treatment for low testosterone males can reduce body fat and increase the size and strength of their muscles.
Some men claimed their lean body mass had changed, but their strength hadn’t yet. You’ll probably get the most advantages if you combine testosterone therapy with power exercises and training.
2. Better Sex Drive
Due to decreased testosterone production, there is reduced libido, which results in a low sex drive.
Testosterone levels naturally increase in reaction to sexual excitement and activity. Usually, men who have higher testosterone levels engage in more sexual activity. Meanwhile, older men require higher testosterone for libido and erectile function.
But it’s crucial to remember that, rather than low testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction is frequently caused by other diseases or drugs. The testosterone shot improves your libido, and you can reclaim your sex life and confidence.
3. Improves Mood
Testosterone deficiency might cause sleep apnea or insomnia, another reason a testosterone shot helps. It improves your overall sleep cycle and gives you a more restful and quality sleep.
Different testosterone replacement therapies may have other impacts on mood. Men with hypogonadism reported enhanced mood and well-being and decreased fatigue and irritation. There is also evidence that this therapy may work well as an antidepressant.
4. Better Sleep
Lack of sleep and sleep apnea can result from low testosterone levels. You can achieve the balance of your body’s circadian rhythm and total sleep cycle through testosterone therapy, which is why it’s crucial to notice. As a result, you get better-quality sleep.
Additionally, it enables the person to feel more well-being and helps them sleep more quickly.
5. More Strength
The amount of testosterone a person produces is closely associated with physical strength. As a result, testosterone therapy significantly improves a person’s strength. One can perform at their best and with increased confidence, whether engaging in routine everyday tasks or a strenuous gym session.
Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone injections may be safe for many people when administered according to a doctor’s instructions. Research has, however, also associated testosterone therapy with several problems and side effects.
The following are possible side effects of testosterone therapy:
- Cardiovascular problems are more likely to occur
- An increase in sleep apnea
- Breast enlargement or sensitivity
- Various skin issues, including acne
- Increase in prostate cancer cell growth
- Gaining weight
- Mood swings
- Headache
Conclusion
Doctors may recommend testosterone injections to cure low testosterone caused by some medical issues in men. Although it doesn’t treat the underlying problem, it might help with some symptoms.
However, you must be aware of testosterone shots’ potentially dangerous side effects. Before recommending testosterone replacement medication, doctors should do a comprehensive examination and discuss the benefits and concerns with the patient.
Lastly, this article helped you understand everything you needed about testosterone shots.
If you found this article helpful, check other fitness-related articles on ExpertFitness.org.
Nathan Lloyd, MSc
LICENSED PERSONAL TRAINER
I’m a personal trainer, based in Boulder, Colorado.
I service clients physically in the Boulder area, mainly in the ONE Boulder Fitness Gym, but am also available for online consulting and coaching.
If you’re interested in my personal coaching programs, please contact me via the contact page.