Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help improve the symptoms of low testosterone due to male hypogonadism. If your testosterone levels are too low, your dose may be adjusted. Your testosterone levels will go back down between doses. Before starting TRT, your doctor should assess your risk for prostate cancer. These are average ranges based on the testing of many individuals. I used that phrase, "abnormal territory," for a reason — there’s not a clear line dividing what’s abnormal from what’s normal. Direct free testosterone values are not useful clinically and should be ignored. (There is variance from analyzer to analyzer and lab to lab, but this is a generally accepted reference range.) Even more importantly, free testosterone should read 9-30 ng/dl. Had these men not initiated TRT and not underwent regular testing of their PSA level, these cancers may have gone undetected for years. In fact, we check them so regularly that we can find evidence of an abnormality much sooner than it otherwise may have been detected. Any significant elevation of PSA levels indicates the need for a thorough examination to determine the cause. Recent clinical trials, which provide more accurate information compared to observational studies, have provided some comfort around both the heart and prostate cancer risks. Also testosterone is known to stimulate growth of prostate cancer in men diagnosed with the condition. Men can often feel a big difference when they stop therapy because their body's testosterone production has not yet recovered. On treatment, the body stops making testosterone. General fatigue and malaise has so many other causes, and when most men get a blood test, the result is a normal testosterone level. Just being tired isn't enough to seek testosterone replacement therapy. This can help improve the symptoms of low testosterone, like low libido and lack of energy. With TRT, you take a manufactured form of testosterone to regulate your levels. As of 2025, it’s not yet approved for males who naturally experience a decline in testosterone as they age. Together, you and your healthcare provider will decide if TRT is right for you. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A number of studies have been done on the effects of testosterone on the heart. Some experts in the field cite testosterone’s natural anti-inflammatory effects as the reason why some men enjoy a reduction in joint pain. Just as the symptoms of testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) can vary widely, the same can be said about the benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy from patient to patient. Now, there are several different prescription testosterone pills out there, and not all of them have these same terrible side effects. For these same oral testosterone pills, the negative side effects actually go far beyond liver toxicity. What you’re doing is a proactive step toward maintaining your health and being the best you that you can be! Up to 40% of men over the age of 45 (and many younger – like me!) experience hypogonadism, or low testosterone. Seriously, it’s an easy process that’s made easier still by pleasant professionals who know what they’re doing and will make sure you’re informed and comfortable. Before I started treatment, I really didn’t know what to expect from Testosterone Replacement Therapy. It’s important to note that for people assigned female at birth (AFAB), there’s no exact number for determining high testosterone levels, also known as hyperandrogenism. These platforms also offer the option to connect virtually with a trans-inclusive healthcare professional, so you can ask your personal questions to figure out whether testosterone therapy is right for you. "Like all medicines, it’s important to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and side effects before you start," says Forcier. "It’s important to fully understand the risks and benefits of any therapy, including testosterone therapy, which may be ongoing for months to years," she says. For example, some healthcare professionals require a well-documented history of gender dysphoria before prescribing or approving gender affirming interventions like hormone therapy.