Once I start TRT, how long will it take before I can see positive changes in my physique?
How long before I start to “look great, feel great”?
Does testosterone replacement therapy cause prostate cancer?
What if I have prostate enlargement but not cancer?
Who are not candidates for testosterone replacement therapy?
Can men use TRT as a form of birth control?
What are the side and adverse effects of TRT?
What is the cost for TRT?
Does my health insurance current cover the cost of TRT?
Once I start TRT, how long will it take before I can see positive changes in my physique?
*Although testosterone decreases body fat, increases lean muscle mass, and improves your energy levels, stamina, and ability to focus, an important part of the equation is your diet and resistance training program. Your results will definitely occur more rapidly as well as enhanced if your testosterone levels are optimized compared to not when your diet and exercise are on point. Results can be seen as early as 2 weeks with the proper nutrition and training regimen.
How long before I start to “look great, feel great”?
*The speed in which your body optimizes your T levels varies from person to person depending on several variables such as age, amount of body fat, and level of activity. In general, most people notice a difference between 2 to 4 weeks, most notably first in the levels of libido, quality of erections in men, and energy levels. Peak testosterone levels usually occur at 4 to 6 weeks which is when the majority of the effects are appreciated. Other benefits such as lowering of cholesterol, decreasing blood sugar levels, and bone strength takes a longer time as the body adjusts which can take up to one year on consistent therapy.
4. Does testosterone replacement therapy cause prostate cancer?
*There has been no evidence to date that TRT causes prostate cancer. It is mainly the derivatives of testosterone that cause prostate enlargement and contribute to prostate cancer. However, any man who has active prostate cancer are not candidates for TRT. Men with a history of treated prostate cancer are strongly advised against TRT as a possibility for recurrence cancer is always a concern. Your safety is always the priority at X-Sculpt and in this circumstance the risks for exacerbating prostate cancer outweighs the benefits for TRT.
5. What if I have prostate enlargement but not cancer?
*Testosterone pellets may make it better, however you would have to be monitored closely to see if you convert your testosterone to it’s metabolites (DHT and estrone). If your tests show that you are converting, then we would start a supplemental medication (an “aromatase inhibitor”) to prevent it’s conversion. If after regular examinations you are not improving or even worsening, then TRT therapy would have to be decreased or stopped.
Who are not candidates for testosterone replacement therapy?
- People with moderate to severe sleep apnea as TRT can worsen the condition.
- Couples who are trying to have children: Men may experience a decrease in sperm count causing infertility, and therefore will not be able to conceive children. Women may pass testosterone to the baby during pregnancy, leading to a condition known as “masculinization” where the baby will be born with advanced development in male features (which can occur in girls as well). Testosterone can still be optimized in men who wish to continue to have children through oral medications, although not as effective as pellet therapy.
- People with active prostate and breast cancer as TRT can accelerate its progression.
7. Can men use TRT as a form of birth control?
Although TRT can cause infertility in men, is not currently recommend for it’s use in birth control however studies for using TRT as a type of contraception is currently being done as 90 percent of men on TRT can have a sperm count close to or at zero.
8. What are the side and adverse effects of TRT?
- Please note that all current research regarding testosterone replacement therapy side and adverse effects are based on analyzing non- hormones which have been shown to have more side/adverse effects compared to which has been shown to be safer. However, as research focusing on hormones continue to develop, the medical community has generalized all hormone replacement under one category.
- Blood clots can possibly develop (particularly in the veins of the legs) due to the increase in red blood cell production. However, one study done by the British Journal of Medicine showed that a blood clot develops in about 16 people out of 10,000. The most common time being in within the first 6 months of starting TRT. After 6 months, the the risk decreases dramatically. A similar study done in Chest (a U.S. medical journal) found that there was no association between blood clot formation and TRT. Regardless, blood clot formation is one reason why regular blood testing is important to ensure that your levels aren't too high. If a blood clot forms, then TRT has to be stopped and treatment for the blood clot has to be started. One recommendation by the medical journals to reduce the development in blood clots is to donate blood, particularly within the first 6 months after starting treatment. X-Sculpt can help make arrangements for blood donation should you choose this option.
- As mentioned previously, TRT can cause acceleration of benign prostatic hyperplasia, an age related enlargement of the prostate. Routine check-ups will be essential to monitor, treat BPH, or modify/discontinue TRT therapy.
- Breast development (gynecomastia) can occur in men when the testosterone levels are too high as the excess testosterone will be converted to estrogen. This can be treated by either decreasing the levels of testosterone or with the use of an estrogen blocking medication.
- In women, unwanted hair growth can occur although less with natural testosterone pellets versus synthetic hormones. Facial hair appearance will be similar to the amount that was present at the age of 30-40 years old. Decreasing the amount of testosterone can help minimize this if it occurs.
- Acne can develop after starting TRT therapy, more notably in those who have a history of acne in the past. Use of anti-acne medication or decreasing testosterone levels can help minimize this problem.
- Testicular shrinkage of varying degrees can occur because the testicles are no longer producing their own testosterone and because they do not have to work as much, they undergo a decrease in size and volume (“testicular atr
What is the cost for TRT?
After the initial consultation, the cost for testosterone replacement therapy can vary from individual to individual. The amount and frequency a person may require can differ due to the initial testosterone levels, gender, and his or her physical characteristics.
Our TRT program may include the following:
- All physician visits
- All laboratory examinations and interpretations
- Testosterone and/or estrogen replacement therapy
- Thyroid optimization
- Medication weight loss prescriptions and monitoring
- LipoLean Vitamin B12 energy and fat mobilization injections
- High dose vitamin replenishment therapy
- Exclusive discounts to certain XSculpt procedures and treatments
*Costs not included:
- Prescription Medications
- Personal Training &/or Gym Facilities – Note we do work with Personal Trainers & Gyms that may provide our patients with discounts
- Surgical & Non-Surgical Treatments
MEET OUR WELLNESS DOCTORS
Dr. Maria Osipova
Dr. Maria Osipova is a board-certified Breast and General Surgeon with over ten years of experience. She currently practices at Osipova Surgical Services and offers specialized services in hormone health and medical weight loss at Xsculpt. Throughout her career, Dr. Osipova has been dedicated to treating both malignant and benign breast diseases, with a particular focus on the impact of hormones on breast tissue.
In her pursuit to broaden her expertise in women’s health optimization, Dr. Osipova became certified in the field of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), peptide therapy, and comprehensive wellness programs, aiming to enhance the overall health and well-being of her patients.
Dr. Osipova’s practice now encompasses a holistic approach to health, integrating medical weight loss, hormone, and peptide therapies to provide thorough and personalized care.
Read Dr. Osipova's full bio here.
Dr. Gerrit Dunford
Dr. Gerrit Dunford is a skilled General and Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgeon based in Chicago, Illinois. He also provides specialized care in hormone health and medical weight loss at Xsculpt. Dr. Dunford's commitment to health optimization emerged from his surgical practice, where he recognized the necessity for patients to achieve optimal weight for better surgical outcomes.
Read Dr. Dunford's full bio here.