How Long Does TRT Take to Work?
TRT is an ongoing treatment that replenishes Testosterone levels to relieve low T symptoms.
Symptoms of low Testosterone include:
- Sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and low libido in women
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Weight gain and difficulty building muscle
- Changes in overall body composition
- Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
For many patients, TRT is successful in relieving these symptoms. But how long does TRT take to have an effect?
Some results occur within a week to a month, while other results take 3-6 months or longer to begin showing. We’ll go over in detail how long it takes Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) to work.
Sexual Dysfunction and TRT
Sexual dysfunction is one of the main reasons patients seek TRT.
For men, sexual desire usually improves 3-6 weeks after beginning a TRT protocol. That means men feel more desire and are interested in engaging in intimacy more often.
For erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, symptom relief typically happens gradually over the course of six months. Defy Medical offers access to common ED medications for TRT patients in the meantime.
Women often experience a similar timeline, with sex drive improving over the course of six months from the start of treatment.
It’s rare for a female Hormone Replacement Therapy protocol to include Testosterone on its own. Most female patients also take Progesterone and Estrogen, which contributes to the libido-boosting effects.
TRT and Changes in Body Composition
Patients often begin feeling more energy and drive after a few weeks on TRT, which can help them commit to regular exercise. The actual effect of Testosterone on fat burning, muscle building, and weight loss takes place over time.
Testosterone’s effect on fat tends to show itself at 4 weeks, reaching maximum improvement at around 6 months to a year. This is typically the timeline for weight loss as well, if patients combine their TRT plan with a healthy diet and exercise.
Changes in muscle and lean body mass typically take place within three to four months of beginning a TRT protocol. Studies also showed an increase in muscle power in men on TRT within six months.
Patients tend to see improvement in their blood sugar and insulin sensitivity in 3-12 months, as well. This impacts fat-burning and how fat is stored in the body.
TRT and Mood
TRT shows benefit in steadying moods and easing hormone-related depression and anxiety. Patients typically feel an improvement in quality of life and outlook within 3 weeks to one month.
Effects on hormone-related depression take around 3-6 weeks after the start of a TRT protocol, and may continue improving for as long as four to seven months after beginning treatment.
Many patients report feeling calmer, more in control of their moods, and happier on a TRT protocol.
Symptoms Improvement and TRT Dosage
The level of symptom relief depends on the effectiveness of your TRT protocol. If dosages are too low to balance Testosterone levels, symptom improvement may not be as noticeable, or may not happen at all. Inexperienced providers may also prescribe doses too infrequently (one injection every two weeks, for example) which can lead to uncomfortable hormone spikes and falls.
Defy Medical offers in-depth and individualized hormone therapy to ensure your TRT plan works for you. We require comprehensive testing to receive a full picture of your hormone and overall health. Our protocols also include taking doses more often for steadier, more optimized levels.
We also take symptoms into account when building your TRT plan and offer regular follow-up for optimization and adjustment.
Each patient is different, and results vary based on individual response. That’s why Defy Medical offers customized protocols.
TRT Results and Delivery Systems
Symptom improvement is also related to the delivery system you use. Certain systems, like Testosterone injections, allow for faster adjustment of hormones since they’re injected into the bloodstream. This can lead to quicker results.
On the other hand, topical Testosterone needs to be absorbed through the skin over time, which means it can take longer to reach optimized levels. Implantable Testosterone pellets are also absorbed at a different rate, and that can change the timing of symptom improvement.
Each delivery system has benefits and drawbacks depending on your comfort level and lifestyle needs. Learn more about Testosterone delivery systems.
TRT with Defy Medical
Defy Medical has been offering hormone restoration therapies for more than a decade. You can access our care team’s expertise via convenient telemedicine consults, plus order your medications online for a seamless telehealth experience.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is complicated, and you’ll want an individualized plan that targets your symptoms for optimal results.
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Learn More About What is Free Testosterone?Source: Saad F, Aversa A, Isidori AM, Zafalon L, Zitzmann M, Gooren L. Onset of effects of testosterone treatment and time span until maximum effects are achieved. Eur J Endocrinol. 2011 Nov;165(5):675-85. doi: 10.1530/EJE-11-0221. Epub 2011 Jul 13. PMID: 21753068; PMCID: PMC3188848.