Table of Contents
What do I need to know before starting testosterone?
What To Know Before Starting Testosterone Replacement Therapy
- Understand the risks and side effects.
- Doctors will keep an eye on your red blood cells and PSA.
- Testosterone treatment may make having children difficult.
- Work with your doctor to select the best form of treatment.
What is it like to start HRT?
When starting HRT, it’s very common to experience some initial side effects or start-up symptoms such as breast tenderness or breast size increase. Some women describe slight nausea, headaches or abdominal bloating. Light erratic bleeding is also quite usual.
When should I start taking testosterone?
What Age Should You Start? TRT is usually given to older men in their early 50s as this is when you start to notice the effects of decreasing testosterone levels. It’s a good age to start treatment as the decline is only just beginning, and so you won’t have as many effects as someone in their 60s or even their 70s.
Can HRT help with anxiety?
A: While there’s growing evidence that hormone therapy can help with emotional symptoms, it alone is not effective in treating more severe mental health conditions. Your doctor my prescribe medication for anxiety or depression. Counseling also helps treat the psychological symptoms.
What are the health risks of testosterone hormone therapy?
Information on Testosterone Hormone Therapy. As a result of your testosterone treatment, your overall health risk profile will change to that of a man. Your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol may go up, though these risks may still be less than a non-transgender man’s risks.
How long does it take for hormone therapy to work?
Consider the effects of hormone therapy as a second puberty, and puberty normally takes years for the full effects to be seen. Taking higher doses of hormones will not necessarily bring about faster changes, but it could endanger your health.
How long after testosterone therapy can I have top surgery?
That said, surgeons often recommend waiting at least 6-12 months after the start of testosterone therapy before having masculinizing chest surgery, otherwise known as top surgery, in order to first allow the contours of the muscles and soft tissues of your chest wall to settle in to their new pattern.
What changes can I expect during hormone therapy?
There are four areas where you can expect changes to occur as your hormone therapy progresses: Physical, emotional, sexual, and reproductive. The first physical changes you will probably notice are that your skin will become a bit thicker and more oily.