Your Commitment to Better Health

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a partnership between you and the provider. Following your treatment plan, attending regular check-ins, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will ensure you achieve the best possible results.

What to Expect During TRT

1. Initial Phase (2-3 Months):

  • Starting dose: 100 mg testosterone weekly, either as a single injection or divided into 50 mg twice weekly.
  • Improvements you may notice:
    • Increased energy and mood within a few weeks.
    • Enhanced sexual function and motivation.
    • Gradual improvement in muscle tone and strength.
  • Labs will be checked after 6-8 weeks to assess progress and adjust the dose if necessary.

2. Ongoing Maintenance:

  • Testosterone levels and symptoms will be reassessed regularly.
  • Adjustments to dosage are made to maintain optimal results, typically targeting 600-1000 ng/dL of total testosterone.
    • Once level is "dialed in" follow up visits can occur every 6 months.

3. Possible Side Effects:

  • Mild acne, fluid retention, or mood changes.
  • Elevated red blood cell count (requires lab monitoring).
  • Fertility suppression (discuss if family planning is a priority).

How to Self-Administer Testosterone Injections

1. Intramuscular (IM) Injection:

  • Administered into the thigh or gluteal muscle.
  • Use a 22-25 gauge, 1-1.5-inch needle.
  • Inject slowly and rotate injection sites.

2. Subcutaneous (SQ) Injection:

  • Administered into the abdominal fat layer.
  • Use a 27-30 gauge, 0.5-inch needle.
  • Easier for those sensitive to IM injections.

3. Steps for Both Methods:

  • Wash hands and clean the vial and injection site with alcohol.
  • Draw the correct dose using a sterile syringe.
  • Inject at a 90-degree angle (for IM) or 45-degree angle (for SQ).
  • Dispose of needles in a sharps container.

How to Maximize TRT Results

1. Exercise:

  • Incorporate resistance training and cardiovascular fitness to complement the muscle-building and energy-boosting effects of TRT.

2. Diet:

  • Prioritize lean proteins, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich foods to support hormone function.

3. Sleep:

  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly to optimize hormone levels.

4. Stress Management:

  • Reduce stress through mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or therapy.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

1. Lab Monitoring:

  • After starting TRT, labs should be checked every 6-8 weeks during the initial phase:
    • Total Testosterone: Target range: 600-1000 ng/dL.
    • Estradiol (E2): Monitor for estrogen conversion.
    • CBC (Complete Blood Count): Watch for elevated hematocrit levels.
    • PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen): Particularly for older men.
    • Additional labs may be drawn as deemed necessary.

2. Long-Term Monitoring:

  • Once stable (dose is "dialed-in"), labs will be reassessed every 3-6 months during the first year and annually thereafter.

3. Symptom Tracking:

  • Keep track of energy, mood, libido, and any side effects.