Testosterone (TRT)
Category: Hormone Therapy
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) restores testosterone to healthy physiological levels in men with hypogonadism or age-related decline. Administered as injections (cypionate, enanthate, propionate), gels, pellets, or patches. The most widely prescribed hormone therapy globally, with decades of clinical data supporting its safety and efficacy when properly monitored.
Half-Life: 156 hours
Common Dosage: 100 mg
Benefits
- Restores energy, vitality, and libido
- Increases lean muscle mass and strength
- Reduces body fat — particularly visceral fat
- Improves mood, motivation, and cognitive function
- Increases bone mineral density — reduces osteoporosis risk
- Improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic markers
- Reduces cardiovascular risk in hypogonadal men
- Improves red blood cell production — reduces fatigue and anaemia
- Restores normal erectile function and sexual performance
- Enhances recovery from exercise and physical stress
- Improves sleep quality and reduces daytime fatigue
- Reduces risk of type 2 diabetes in documented hypogonadal men
Side Effects
- Erythrocytosis (elevated red blood cells / haematocrit) — require regular CBC monitoring
- Testicular atrophy — testes shrink due to suppressed LH/FSH
- Suppression of natural testosterone and sperm production (infertility risk)
- Acne and oily skin — often dose-dependent
- Hair loss / acceleration of male pattern baldness in genetically predisposed men
- Injection site pain or swelling (with IM/SubQ protocols)
- Mood swings or irritability if levels fluctuate with long injection intervals
- Gynecomastia if oestrogen rises unchecked — manage with AI or shorter intervals
- Sleep apnoea worsening in some individuals
- Elevated cardiovascular risk if haematocrit exceeds 52–54%