What is Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

ormones play a key role in human adaptation to changing environmental conditions. They contribute to changes in metabolism, behavior, and organ function, ensuring the body's adaptation to new circumstances.

In other words, hormones perform metabolic, behavioral, and functional adaptation, which allows the body to maintain homeostasis, that is, the constancy of the internal environment.

Today we will talk about such an important human hormone - testosterone, and the topic of the article will be devoted to the well-known testosterone therapy, when the body no longer produces its own and this is HRT!

HRT is essentially hormonal balance support using a variety of methods, from pills to implants.

In simpler terms: Think of your hormones as a team, and HRT as help to ensure that the team works at full capacity. HRT is mainly used to compensate for hormonal deficiencies, such as testosterone in men.

What does HRT do?

1. Restores hormonal balance.
2. Improves health - both physical and mental.
3. Improves quality of life - including sexual.

Is it possible to use HRT in bodybuilding?

Yes, HRT can help improve athletic performance - make you stronger, more resilient and change your figure.

But!

1. Doses must be medical.
2. HRT with steroids is considered doping. If you want to compete, this is important to know.
3. Before using HRT, be sure to consult with your doctor.

And also, HRT is primarily considered as maintaining normal (natural) testosterone levels in the body, and not introducing huge doses for muscle growth like The Rock.

In the United States, a doctor's note can be an argument in favor of HRT for athletes, but in international sports (under the auspices of WADA) such notes are not valid - HRT using steroids is still considered doping.

If professional sports are not your goal, and HRT is needed for medical reasons, there is a pleasant bonus: improving your appearance without strict control over your diet.

Imagine how it was in your youth, when your body was full of energy, and your body easily responded to training. HRT can return that energy and make you stronger.

Important: do not start HRT on your own under any circumstances. Only a doctor, having confirmed a testosterone deficiency, can prescribe treatment.

When does a man need testosterone?

Testosterone is a male hormone that is responsible for strength, energy, and more. If you have low levels, your doctor may prescribe therapy to make up for the deficiency.

Causes of low testosterone:

1. Congenital problems
2. Problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland - these are the conductors of the hormonal system!
3. Aging - as men age, testosterone levels naturally decrease.
4. Testicular atrophy - problems with the testicles that produce testosterone.

A doctor will prescribe therapy only after tests confirm low testosterone levels.

In addition to medication, your doctor will also advise you to:

• Move more - play sports, walk, lead an active lifestyle.
• Eat right - more fruits, vegetables, protein and other healthy food.
• Get rid of bad habits - smoking, alcohol.
• Take vitamins and supplements - as recommended by your doctor, for example testosterone boosters or Zink.

With age, testosterone levels naturally decrease - by about 1-2% per year after age 30. But when this becomes noticeable depends on the body and lifestyle.

When medications become necessary

If the doctor has already tried all the methods (more exercise, healthy eating, giving up bad habits, taking vitamins etc.), and your testosterone level is still low, then in this case the doctor may prescribe medications.

The goal of such medications: to maintain testosterone levels at a normal level, as if your body were producing it.

HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is needed when a man has been diagnosed with testosterone deficiency. This condition is called androgen deficiency syndrome or male hypogonadism.

Two types of hypogonadism:

• Primary - a problem with the testicles - they do not produce enough testosterone. This can be due to genetic problems, injury, or other factors.
• Secondary - a problem with the pituitary gland, which regulates hormone production.

Testosterone deficiency can be congenital and acquired.

First - due to inherited diseases, genetic problems, or developmental disorders. And the second - due to injury, disease, or other factors.

Interesting: Today, men most often choose injections or gels with testosterone. In the US, demand for testosterone drugs doubled from 2005 to 2010, and continues to grow. On a global scale, demand is even more impressive: testosterone sales increased 12-fold from 2000 to 2011, reaching $1.8 billion.

The four main types of medications:

1. Implantable medications - these are small capsules that are injected under the skin. Testosterone is released gradually over several months.
2. Transdermal medications - these are patches that are attached to the skin. Testosterone enters the body through the skin.
3. Injectable medications - injected into the muscles or under the skin. They last longer than tablets.
4. Oral medications - these are tablets that are taken orally.

Important! The choice of treatment method is the doctor's decision, which is based on the individual case of the patient, his preferences and the characteristics of the body.

Before starting hormone replacement therapy, it is important to undergo a comprehensive examination to ensure that it is right for you.

Here is a list of the main tests:

1. Complete blood count - A complete blood count shows the number of white and red blood cells, as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This allows the doctor to detect anemia, inflammation, and other health problems.
2. Breast ultrasound - This test is necessary to rule out gynecomastia - breast enlargement in men. Testosterone can be converted to estrogen, which can cause gynecomastia, which is a contraindication for HRT.
3. Complete blood count - This test evaluates the general condition of the body, the number of red blood cells, the hemoglobin level, and the presence of inflammation.
4. Biochemical blood test - This test evaluates the function of the liver, kidneys, blood sugar levels, and the presence of other disorders.
5. Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, Bilirubin) - This test evaluates the liver, which can be impaired by some types of HRT.
6. Testosterone, Total Testosterone, Estradiol - These tests evaluate the levels of the male hormone testosterone and the female hormone estradiol.
7. LH, FSH - These hormones control testosterone production. The test can determine whether the problem is in the testicles themselves or in the regulatory system.

And regarding the point about testosterone, there is one interesting point.

You see a «normal» testosterone level in a blood test, but this does not mean that everything is fine. A blood test does not give an accurate picture - the level of testosterone in the blood is constantly changing. To get more accurate data, urine tests or several blood tests during the day are needed.

But usually no one does this. And doctors rarely take seriously patients who want to get more accurate information.

Even if you have a «normal» testosterone level, this does not mean that it is right for you. It is important to know what your testosterone level was in your youth, to compare and understand whether there is a deficiency now.

In general, testosterone levels are a complex topic, and you should not limit yourself to just a blood test. Talk to your doctor to get a more complete picture.

The threshold testosterone level for prescribing hormone replacement therapy is 9.7–10.4 and 6.9 nmol/l.

Short-acting testosterone: simple and affordable

Testosterone Enanthate, Sustanon or Cypionate are popular HRT drugs that are similar in structure and are great for many patients.

How they work:

• They last about 2 weeks.
• Injections are done intermuscular every 2 weeks (up to 200 mg) or weekly (up to 100 mg), preferably less often to avoid skin problems at the injection site.

Bottom line: Affordable price, ease of use, and the ability to self-administer make these drugs a good choice for many people.

Testosterone gels: comfort and convenience for many

Testosterone gels and solutions for external use are a popular choice for HRT. But what is it? It is a transparent alcohol gel that is applied to the skin.

An example of a drug - testosterone solution from a pharmacy (60 mg, applied to the armpit area)

How do they work?

1. Their effect lasts longer than the testosterone esters we mentioned earlier.
2. The dosage should be adjusted every 2-3 weeks, monitoring the level of testosterone in the blood.

Bottom Line: Testosterone gels are a convenient and affordable way to maintain normal testosterone levels. They work well for most people, although there are some side effects to be aware of.

Long-acting testosterone: convenient for 3 months, but not for everyone

That`s a testosterone Undecanoate. It is the longest-acting testosterone preparation: up to 8 weeks.

How it works?

• Injected into the muscles.
• Action begins one month after injection.
• Dosage (800-1000 mg) and injection frequency (every 10-14 weeks) are determined by the doctor.
• Several tests are required to select the correct dosage.

№ Pros Cons 1 2 3

Conclusion: Testosterone Undecanoate is a good option for people with experience using testosterone and AAS in generally, and fairly developed muscles. It is too difficult to use for beginners.

HRT: Side Effects You Need to Know

1. Testicular atrophy:

1. External testosterone suppresses the body's own testosterone production.
2. This may lead to a decrease in testicular size.
3. Recommendations: use gonadotropin (a hormone that stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone), do not use high doses of testosterone, consult with a doctor.

2. Thrombus formation:

1. Testosterone may increase blood clotting.
2. In older people, this may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
3. Recommendations: with an increased risk of thrombosis, use ASA – 100 mg/per day.

3. Cardiovascular system:

1. Testosterone may increase the level of "bad" cholesterol and decrease the level of "good".
2. High doses may lead to an increase in the left ventricle of the heart.
3. Blood pressure may increase.
4. Recommendations: Omega-3 fatty acid diet, testosterone dosage reduction, blood pressure lowering medications (Metoprolol or Enalapril).

4. Aromatization:

1. Testosterone can be converted into estrogen (female hormone).
2. This can lead to fluid retention, edema, breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia) and high blood pressure.
3. Recommendations: Use aromatase inhibitors (such as Letrozole and Anastrozole), do not use high doses of testosterone.

HRT has both pros and cons. Before starting it, be sure to consult with your doctor and thoroughly discuss all the risks and benefits.

Well, you can find all the drugs for HRT on our official website anabolshop.org!

Good anabolism to all!