TRT, or testosterone replacement therapy, differs from anabolic steroids in the amount of testosterone used. TRT aims at treating the symptoms of low testosterone, whereas anabolic steroids contain testosterone in much higher doses to achieve bodybuilding effects quickly and easily. Some anabolic steroids may contain additional ingredients that may damage the liver and kidneys.
So while it’s true that testosterone and anabolic steroids contain similar chemical compounds, what distinguishes TRT from steroids are the doses, indications, and risks.
Some athletes and bodybuilders use anabolic steroids illegally and without medical supervision. These anabolic steroids may contain testosterone or chemicals that act like testosterone. TRT contains only testosterone that is given under medical supervision in doses that are regulated and approved.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily by the testicles and plays a role in the following:
- Bone density
- Fat distribution
- Muscle mass
- Muscle strength
- Facial and body hair
- Sexual performance
- Libido
- Sperm production
What does TRT do?
Testosterone levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood and decline with age. TRT is used to treat problems caused by low testosterone levels in the body caused by aging.
In some cases, TRT is also used to improve signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, which is a problem in the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles, resulting in low production of testosterone.
Low testosterone levels can cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Decreased sexual desire
- Reduction in spontaneous erections
- Infertility
- Increased body fat
- Reduced muscle bulk and strength
- Decreased bone density
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
- Loss of body hair
- Low energy
- Lack of motivation or self-confidence
- Feeling depressed
- Trouble concentrating
- Forgetfulness
TRT is available in various forms, including:
- Injections
- Pellets
- Patches
- Gels
Although some men have reported experiencing an increase in energy and vitality when taking testosterone medications, there is little evidence to support TRT use in men who are otherwise healthy.
Are there any risks with TRT?
Testosterone replacement therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and measure your testosterone levels to rule out other causes such as thyroid problems, depression, or diabetes.
TRT can result in side effects such as:
- Worsening of sleep apnea
- Acne
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; noncancerous enlargement of the prostate)
- Increased growth of prostate tumor
- Gynecomastia (enlarging breasts)
- Decrease in sperm
- Shrinking of the testicles
- Increased risk of blood clots that may lead to pulmonary embolism (a life-threatening condition)
- Worsening of congestive heart failure
SLIDESHOW
Sex-Drive Killers: The Causes of Low Libido See SlideshowIs TRT right for you?
If you think your low testosterone level may be causing a decrease in libido, talk with your doctor about whether TRT is right for you. They can explain the possible risks and benefits of TRT.
TRT is not designed to treat normal signs of aging in men. If a decrease in libido or muscle strength is not due to any underlying medical conditions, your doctor may suggest other ways to improve symptoms, such as weight loss or resistance training exercises.
Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/is-testosterone-therapy-safe-take-a-breath-before-you-take-the-plunge
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Anabolic Steroid Abuse
Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that are related to testosterone and promote skeletal muscle growth and the development of male sexual characteristics in both men and women. In the 1930s, it was discovered that anabolic steroids could promote skeletal muscle growth in lab animals, which lead to anabolic steroid abuse by bodybuilders and weight lifters.
Anabolic Steroids (Oral Androgens)
Oral anabolic steroids (androgens) are man-made drugs that have the effect on the body similar to testosterone. Oral anabolic steroids are prescribed to treat delayed puberty in boys, low muscle mass as the result of AIDS or HIV, breast cancer, anemia, and testosterone replacement therapy.
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Low testosterone (low-T) can be caused by conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, liver or kidney disease, hormonal disorders, certain infections, and hypogonadism. Signs and symptoms that a person may have low-T include insomnia, increased body fat, weight gain, reduced muscle, infertility, decreased sex drive, depression, and worsening of congestive heart failure or sleep apnea. Low-T can be treated with testosterone therapy in the form of gels, injections, pellets, or skin patches. Side effects of testosterone treatment include acne, anxiety, hair loss, headache, and change in sex drive (libido).
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Prostatitis (Inflammation of the Prostate Gland)
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Signs and symptoms of prostatitis include painful or difficulty urinating; fever; chills; body aches; blood in the urine; pain in the rectum, groin, abdomen, or low back; and painful ejaculation or sexual dysfunction. Causes of prostatitis include STDs, bacteria from urinary tract infections, or E. coli. Treatment for prostatitis depends on if it is a bacterial infection or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland.
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Noticing a lack of intimacy with your partner? Here we explore how stress, lack of sleep, weight gain, depression and low T can cause low sex drive in men and women.Testim 1% (testosterone gel)
Testim 1% (testosterone gel) is a prescription medicine that contains testosterone. Testim is used to treat adult males who have low or no testosterone due to certain medical conditions. Testim is a controlled substance (CIII) because it contains testosterone that can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines. Virilization has been reported in children who were secondarily exposed to testosterone gel. Children should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application sites in men using testosterone gel. Serious side effects include worsened symptoms of an enlarged prostate.testosterone gel
Testosterone gel is a topical medication containing testosterone and is prescribed for the treatment of low testosterone levels. The most common side effects of testosterone gel are headache, high blood pressure, acne, abnormal lab tests (for example, glucose and cholesterol tests), application site reactions (for example, itching, blisters, and redness), enlarged prostate, and increased serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels.
Can Testosterone Therapy Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Testosterone replacement therapy may help some men with erectile dysfunction. Check out the center below for more medical references on erectile dysfunction, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.testosterone topical solution (Axiron)
Testosterone topical solution (Axiron) is a testosterone solution that is administered through the skin of the armpit to treat low levels of testosterone. Side effects, drug interactions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.testosterone undecanoate (Aveed)
Testosterone undecanoate (Aveed) is a man-made version of the natural hormone, testosterone prescribed for low testosterone (low-t) in adult males with low or lack of testosterone due to primary hypogonadism. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and storage information should be prescribed prior to using this medication.testosterone - intramuscular, Delatestryl, Tesamone
testosterone - transdermal, Androderm