Although TRT offers benefits to people with low testosterone levels, it can cause many short-term side effects. People need to have routine checkups at least every 6–12 months to assess their blood testosterone levels. The individual can expect improvements in their blood testosterone levels within a week, however, symptoms may take longer to improve. TRT can cause fluctuations in testosterone levels, which can affect energy levels, libido, mood, and the presence of symptoms such as breast tenderness. Taking prescription testosterone helps restore the levels of this hormone in the blood, reversing the symptoms of low testosterone. Reproductive function gradually recovers over about 15 months. By now, the effects of TRT should be fading. It’s estimated that over half of men (67%) will have recovered normal sperm production by the 6-month mark. If you’ve used TRT for a long time or are older, it can take more time for your natural T production to resume. If your T dips too low, you might decide to top up your levels via testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Once you start testosterone therapy, can you stop? Reducing testosterone can bring back symptoms of low testosterone, such as fatigue, mood swings, and decreased libido. Estrogen in men is derived from testosterone, so changes in testosterone levels can affect estrogen levels. Testosterone replacement therapy is meant to be taken for life. Our clinicians will assess your results and get you on the right treatment. If your symptoms are improving, if you feel like you have more energy, or if you just generally feel like a better version of yourself on TRT—staying on it might be a good idea. Of course, you can choose to come off TRT at any time. Talking with a counselor or therapist can also be helpful if you experience significant mood changes or depressive symptoms. Men typically feel good with optimized hormone levels so when you come off of TRT, you may feel sluggish, down and the dumps and grumpy. This is kind of a no brainer and something that we should all do regardless of our HRT status, but especially after TRT, focusing on lifestyle choices can help to make a significant difference in your hormone levels and overall well-being. This happens because the body reduces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) while on therapy, both of which are needed for sperm creation. Low testosterone levels increase the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis, conditions that weaken bones and make fractures more likely. During testosterone therapy, your brain reduces the signals that tell your testicles to make testosterone. Understanding the possible long-term effects can help you and your healthcare provider manage your recovery more safely and effectively.
