As men age, their natural levels of testosterone begin to decline. Low testosterone could be caused by aging or a medical condition called hypogonadism. Testosterone helps regulate and control a wide range of bodily functions by binding to androgen receptors in your body or brain. When your body does not produce enough testosterone, you can get help from NovaGenix in West Palm Beach. Common symptoms of low testosterone include low libido, low energy, inability to build muscle mass, and depression. 

Patients diagnosed with low testosterone get prescribed a testosterone replacement therapy that boosts their natural levels using injections, gels, pellets, or other delivery methods. If you have been prescribed testosterone replacement therapy, it is natural to wonder what kind of changes you are likely to experience. Your body will undergo various changes; some may appear right away, while others may take a while to manifest.  

Improved Libido

One of the most common signs of low testosterone is a dip in sex drive. Sexual desire is influenced by androgen receptors in your brain. These receptors require testosterone to activate and regulate their activity. When you start your testosterone replacement therapy, your androgen receptors will be reactivated. You will then notice an improvement in your sex drive. Testosterone will improve your libido and make your erections more satisfying. Erections are dependent on healthy blood flow and nerves, and testosterone therapy cannot treat erectile dysfunction unless combined with other drugs. 

Increased Muscle Mass

Once you start your testosterone replacement therapy, you will experience ease in building muscle mass. Muscles respond well to testosterone because androgen receptors are often found in muscle tissue. Testosterone stimulates these androgen receptors, which in turn promote muscle growth. If you want to make the most of your new increased capacity to build muscle mass, you should participate in strength training. 

Some men also report a fat loss and an increase in muscle mass. Even though testosterone does not directly impact fat loss, the link with weight loss might be due to increased muscle mass increasing the basal metabolic rate. The higher your basal metabolic rate, the more calories you shed when resting and thus the more fat you burn. 

Increased Energy

Fatigue is one of the symptoms of low testosterone. Once you start your hormone replacement therapy, you are guaranteed to experience increased energy levels. Researchers have not yet pinpointed how testosterone affects energy, but they speculate that it stimulates the mitochondria to produce more energy within your cells. Androgen receptors are also thought to play a role in increased energy production by generating sufficient input. 

Improved Mood

Just like with energy, researchers are not sure how testosterone affects your body to improve your mood. Doctors have noted that a significant improvement in attitude and general outlook on life is one of the undeniable impacts of testosterone replacement therapy. You may notice the change immediately or after some time, but you can expect to wake up with more energy and enthusiasm for the day ahead. 

Shrinking of Testicles

When you are experiencing low testosterone levels, your pituitary gland senses the deficit in the bloodstream. It secretes luteinizing hormone to stimulate testosterone production and follicle-stimulating hormone to promote sperm production. When you begin your testosterone replacement therapy, your pituitary gland will sense the sufficient levels in your bloodstream and stop sending the stimulating hormones to your testicles. 

Eventually, the testicles shrink because a big part of the size of the testicles is specialized for making sperm, so the size decreases when you produce less. Testosterone replacement therapy is also thought to affect fertility and is not recommended for anyone planning on having kids. 

Swelling of Feet and Ankles 

Testosterone increases the body’s water retention and causes the body to hold onto excess fluid. This side effect is most common in people receiving nondaily testosterone replacement therapy. When you get a lot of testosterone in one sitting, e.g., by injection, you are more likely to experience swelling. The swelling is expected to go away on its own after a few days. 

Change in Skin Type

Undergoing testosterone replacement therapy is likely to change your skin type because the hormone increases oil production. Oil production is good for healthy skin, but too much oil may cause breakouts. Changes in skin type are most common in patients who have a history of acne or those receiving nondaily treatments, thus receiving a high dose of testosterone at a go. 

There are several other possible effects of testosterone replacement therapy. It is advisable to speak with your doctor about how the treatment will likely affect you.