“Testosterone Replacement is Not Right for All Men

Risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men (TRT)

Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles in men and in smaller amounts in the ovaries in women. Testosterone levels are significantly higher in males and increase during puberty, then gradually decline around age 30. In addition, the adrenal glands produce dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which the body can convert into testosterone and estrogen.

Testosterone plays a key role in male health, including libido, sperm production, muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution. Synthetic testosterone (anabolic steroids) may be delivered through injections, gels, or patches.

Symptoms Associated With Low Testosterone

Low testosterone levels may be associated with:

Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Low energy and fatigue
Weight gain
Depression
Mood changes or instability
Decreased body hair
Loss of muscle mass
Decreased bone density (osteoporosis risk)

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Overuse Concerns

In recent years, “low T” advertising and testosterone replacement therapy have become more common. However, overuse or unnecessary use of testosterone therapy can create health risks.

Some individuals, including athletes and bodybuilders, misuse synthetic testosterone at high doses for performance or appearance enhancement. In addition, some clinics prescribe testosterone without fully evaluating underlying causes of symptoms such as fatigue or low libido.

Research suggests that true testosterone deficiency (based on diagnostic criteria) occurs in a relatively small percentage of men:

0.1% of men in their 40s
0.6% of men in their 50s
3.2% of men in their 60s
5.1% of men in their 70s

Potential Risks of High or Long-Term Testosterone Use

High-dose or long-term testosterone therapy may increase the risk of:

Acne
Increased red blood cell count
Sleep disturbances
Mood changes, hostility, or aggression
Liver or kidney strain
Male infertility
Breast tenderness
Increased risk of male breast tissue changes
Potential increased risk of prostate-related concerns
Cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, heart failure)

Important Health Considerations Before Starting TRT

Before starting testosterone therapy, it is important to evaluate overall health and possible contributing factors, including:

Diet and nutrition
Exercise habits
Sleep quality
Stress levels
Relationship or psychological factors
Cardiovascular health (which may affect erectile dysfunction)

Low testosterone symptoms may overlap with other conditions, so proper evaluation is important before treatment begins.

Testing and Monitoring Testosterone Therapy

When testosterone therapy is considered, baseline and ongoing lab testing is important. A basic complete blood count (CBC) alone is not sufficient in many cases.

At Alta Mountain Chiropractic, we emphasize a more complete approach to monitoring, which may include:

CBC (complete blood count)
Metabolic panel
Thyroid panel
Cholesterol/lipid panel
Sex hormone panel
Inflammation markers
Iron levels

Ongoing monitoring helps evaluate overall health changes during treatment.

Testosterone, Inflammation, and Lifestyle Factors

Inflammation plays an important role in hormone balance. Elevated inflammatory markers (such as C-reactive protein, TNF-alpha, and other cytokines) often correlate with lower testosterone levels.

At the same time, research and clinical observation continue to evaluate whether low testosterone contributes to inflammation or whether inflammation drives lower testosterone levels. Lifestyle factors often play a central role in both.

Common Factors That May Lower Testosterone Production

Several factors can reduce natural testosterone production:

1. Chronic stress (cortisol)

Increased stress raises cortisol, which can interfere with hormone production, including testosterone and DHEA.

2. Insulin resistance

Higher insulin levels are often associated with lower testosterone levels. This can create a cycle involving weight gain and metabolic dysfunction.

3. Excess body fat (adipose tissue)

Excess adipose tissue increases inflammation and aromatase activity, which can increase estrogen and reduce testosterone.

4. Mitochondrial dysfunction

Cellular energy dysfunction may affect hormone-producing cells. Contributing factors include poor diet, smoking, alcohol use, sleep disruption, and exposure to processed foods and environmental toxins.

Natural Ways to Support Healthy Testosterone Levels

In many cases, testosterone levels may improve with lifestyle changes such as:

Reducing systemic inflammation
Regular exercise, including resistance training
Getting 7+ hours of quality sleep
Eating whole foods and lean protein sources
Supporting zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D intake
Supporting adrenal health
Reducing alcohol intake
Managing stress effectively
Avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals when possible
Limiting ultra-processed foods

TRT: When It May Be Appropriate

Testosterone replacement therapy may be appropriate in select cases when clinically indicated. However, long-term use may reduce the body’s natural ability to produce testosterone.

For this reason, it is important to evaluate underlying causes before starting therapy and consider whether lifestyle and metabolic factors may be contributing.

Low Testosterone Evaluation in Sandy, Utah

At Alta Mountain Chiropractic, we evaluate hormone health in the context of overall metabolic, inflammatory, and lifestyle factors. When appropriate, we may recommend laboratory testing and individualized treatment planning.

If you are concerned about low testosterone or “low T” symptoms, contact Alta Mountain Chiropractic at 801-523-2582 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nathan Eldredge.