Combining TRT and Exercise for Better Health

Posted: May 8, 2020

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, so let’s talk about how exercise affects testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Regular exercise is good for everyone, not just those with low testosterone. However, physical activity may be even more important for men who suffer from low T. If you are already on TRT or believe you may need TRT, our providers can help you determine a healthy exercise regimen that can help boost the effects of your testosterone replacement treatment.

Exercise may help enhance the effects of your TRT treatment plan for hypogonadism.

What Happens When Your Testosterone Levels are Low

Testosterone replacement therapy is a common treatment for low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism. As you age, your testosterone levels naturally start to decrease. However, when they decline too much, you may develop hypogonadism. Aging, obesity, and malnutrition are all risk factors for hypogonadism. Additionally, certain medications can increase your risk for hypogonadism. Opioid use, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are all associated with an elevated risk of developing hypogonadism. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your testosterone levels remain in a healthy range for optimal health.

Hypogonadism can cause many unwanted symptoms and increase your risk for other health complications, such as erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders like diabetes.

Some symptoms of hypogonadism include:

• Fatigue
• Excess abdominal fat
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low libido
• Mood changes
• Loss of muscle mass
• Sudden hair loss

Low testosterone can significantly impact your health and prevent you from living the life you want. However, TRT can help reduce your symptoms and help you feel better.

How TRT Helps

Testosterone replacement therapy can help raise your testosterone levels to a healthy range. This often produces many benefits, including more energy, better mood, and even better sleep. Additionally, men on TRT may  notice an increase in their libido and a decrease in “mental fog.” Therefore, testosterone replacement can help address many of the symptoms of hypogonadism that disrupt your life.

In addition to feeling better, healthy testosterone levels can also help improve your overall wellness and decrease your risk for other serious health complications. For example, hypogonadism can cause you to carry extra weight in your abdominal area. Belly fat is particularly dangerous and increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. However, TRT can help your body redistribute fat away from your abdomen. This not only helps lower your risk for other health issues, but also helps you feel more confident about your body, which can improve your social, emotional, and sexual health.

Exercise May Increase the Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Treatment

Research shows that exercise may improve how effective testosterone replacement therapy is for patients. A recent study set out to understand how exercise affects TRT. Researchers found that physical activity resulted in a lot of positive benefits for men on TRT. For the study, researchers divided men into two groups: a control group where men took testosterone replacement therapy and led a sedentary lifestyle, and the test group that exercised along with TRT. The second group started an exercise regimen for one hour and twenty minutes three times a week. The exercises included 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, 10 minutes of stretching, 30 minutes of strength training, and 20 additional minutes of aerobics. This group experienced some key changes compared to the control group.

By the end of the study, the men in group two had lower BMIs, better testosterone levels, and improved symptom reduction. Therefore, researchers concluded that exercise was able to enhance the effects of TRT. Also, the men in group two also noticed that the improvements they experienced extended even after stopping their testosterone replacement therapy.

Why Exercise May Help TRT

There are a few ways to explain these additional benefits of exercise with testosterone therapy. First, many studies have shown that weight-bearing exercises can help increase your testosterone levels. In hypogonadal men, TRT also increases your ability to work out, especially when it comes to strength training. Therefore, the benefits are two-fold when you pair exercise and testosterone replacement therapy together.

Additionally, other studies have found that having a high BMI can decrease the effectiveness TRT. While testosterone replacement treatment can often promote weight loss, adding in exercise can help intensify the results of testosterone therapy. Therefore, exercise may be especially beneficial for men on TRT who are overweight.

What to Do if You Think You Have Low T

Exercise is an important component for a healthy lifestyle, so it’s no surprise that it can also help hypogonadal men who receive testosterone injections. If you suspect that you have low testosterone and could benefit from TRT, it’s important to get your testosterone levels checked and start a customized treatment plan. As part of our comprehensive health assessment, you will answer a health questionnaire that can help us understand how you are feeling and the symptoms you’re experiencing. We also do a full blood panel that looks at your testosterone levels, as well as other important health factors like cholesterol levels. This helps your provider get a full picture of your health and understand what could be causing you to feel unlike yourself.

Then, we help you develop a treatment plan to help you address your health head on. Your provider will take your input into account, so your treatment plan is as unique as you are. Your hypogonadism treatment plan may include testosterone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes, such as a workout plan. Then, we regularly monitor your testosterone levels to help you stay within a healthy range.

At Low T Center, we help you take control of your health. There is no such thing as cookie-cutter solutions at our men’s health clinics. Our medical professionals take the time and care needed to uncover underlying causes of your symptoms. We offer a wide range of treatment options for many different health issues to provide convenient healthcare that fits your lifestyle. Whether you have low testosterone, sleep apnea, or diabetes, our doctors are here to help you feel your best. Schedule an appointment online today at a location convenient to you and start your path toward better wellness. We are here to help you achieve more.

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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.