What Does TRT Mean In Bodybuilding?
Before we get into TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy), let’s understand the significance of testosterone in humans.
Testosterone is often associated with the male sex hormone produced in the testicles. Women also had this hormone in their ovaries but relatively lower than their male counterparts.
This hormone plays an integral part in the male’s body development. Besides maintaining a good sex drive, it also helps in the following:
- Muscle mass and strength
- Body and facial hair
- Bone density
- Sperm production
- Fat distribution
Lower production of this hormone also referred to as low T, may affect all these. Know that the production level of this sex hormone decreases after thirty or other factors such as stress, cancer treatments, and testicle injury.
And this is where TRT comes to the fore. This synthetic testosterone introduced into the body makes up for the low level of this hormone.
This therapy is also widely used in bodybuilding. It helps in muscular growth and especially for middle and older-aged men. TRT also repairs muscle tissue and boosts strength.
Is TRT The Same As Steroids?
TRT and steroids may vary slightly, although both contain artificial derivatives of this hormone. The synthetic content of testosterone is higher in steroids which helps in easy and quick bodybuilding.
In comparison, TRT is mainly for treating symptoms of low T. This hormone therapy aims to balance the testosterone level in the body.
Besides, it was specifically created to treat hypogonadism. It’s a sex hormone deficiency in the sex gland, also known as the gonads.
Steroids, also called anabolic steroids, may contain additional ingredients likely to affect the kidney and liver. Often people misuse this supplement type for endurance or to feel strong, resulting in addiction over time.
It leads to several health complications leading to various side effects. Despite being a doctor-prescribed medicine, some people consume it without consultation or overdo it.
These artificial hormones share the same chemical compound; however, the risk factors are more significant in steroids.
Is TRT Good For Bodybuilding?
TRT may not be the best choice to attain a sculpted body or to boost your weight-lifting performance. It’s primarily created to treat people suffering from low T.
The main aim of TRT is to balance the testosterone level, which will help in better body development and overall health.
No doubt you’ll see a boost in strength and develop lean muscles by going through this treatment. It’s not for bodybuilding but to improve sex drive and attain more energy.
Appropriate low T treatment improves physical performance and positively impacts your overall health. Some of the benefits are as follows:
- It allows you to have a healthy sex life by increasing your libido.
- Enhanced energy and strength.
- Improved ability to concentrate better.
- Improvement in endurance and performance level.
- Fewer mood swings.
- It helps in bone strength and density.
- Increase muscle strength and mass.
- Fat reduction
Different types of TRT are available to treat low T. Some of them are as follows:
Testosterone cream
It’s a topical cream with synthetic testosterone applied mainly in hairless body parts, such as the shoulders, abdomen, and upper arms. The testosterone is passed into the bloodstream through the skin.
Avoid applying this cream to the genitals. Also, if you have skin issues, stick to other types of TRT treatment. Or consult a doctor first before proceeding with the treatment.
Injections
This type of TRT treatment is reportedly the fastest way to boost testosterone levels. Here artificial T is entered into the bloodstream by injection. It’s primarily injected in the upper arms or hips.
Patches
If cream and injection aren’t your preferred choice, you may opt for testosterone patches. It’s simply sticking plaster with synthetic T in your body part.
The most common body areas to apply this patch are the thighs, upper arms, back, stomach, and shoulders. It’s advisable to change the patch site every seven days.
Does TRT Increase Testosterone Permanently?
TRT is less likely to increase this sex hormone permanently. It’s a treatment that helps balance the low T in your body. A synthetic T is enabled to balance this hormone level.
This treatment cures the problem caused due to low T. There have reportedly been signs of improvement in hypogonadism due to this therapy. In some cases, some people have experienced the vitality and enhanced energy.
The testosterone level only increases when you use TRT medication and, in the process, improves the symptoms. Increased testosterone due to this treatment is yet to be proven medically.
It would be better to stick to a healthy lifestyle if you see signs of low T. Daily physical activity and a healthy diet might be excellent ways to keep the testosterone level intact.
Can Too Much TRT Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Generally, excess of everything only leads to negative effects. In this case, too much TRT may cause erectile dysfunction. However, one can’t blame entirely on this treatment as other factors like stress may cause erectile problems.
Besides, there is an imbalance in the body when a new element is injected. It may cause a reaction but goes away over time. The same can be said for this issue.
Undoubtedly, there are multiple risks associated with getting this artificial hormone. But proper administration from the doctor leads to various health benefits.
Therefore, it’s highly advisable to use as prescribed by the doctor and stay within that. It’s safer and prevents possible risks related to it.
Abnormally high or low T affects one’s physical and mental health. So, to cure this hormone issue, TRT was introduced. Unlike steroids, mainly known for bodybuilding, this one cures the symptoms of reduced T instead.
This treatment has multiple benefits along with several potential risks. However, having or getting the accurate dose as advised by the doctor prevents the risks.
Besides, adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for a better outcome. Too much reliance on the medication without improving your lifestyle may only hamper progress. Therefore, having a nutritious diet, regular exercise, etc., is vital.
