You wake up tired, even after a full night’s sleep. Motivation feels out of reach, workouts don’t deliver the same results, and your confidence just isn’t what it used to be. It can be easy to brush these things off as “just a part of getting older,” but what if there’s more to the story?
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining things. As we age, our bodies experience a natural decline in testosterone, and other hormones, which can lead to a wide range of frustrating symptoms that affect our energy, mood, and quality of life.
Fortunately, our team at Total Skin Dermatology & Aesthetics has a safe and effective solution. Testosterone replacement therapy, or “TRT,” in Grand Forks offers a medically guided path to feeling stronger, clearer, and more like yourself again.
This blog breaks down everything you should know about TRT, from how our bodies produce and use testosterone to what a TRT treatment looks like at Total Skin.
Testosterone 101: More Than Just Muscle
Both men and women have the hormone testosterone. The testicles produce this hormone in men, and the ovaries make it in women, though in smaller amounts. Our natural production ramps up in our teenage years and dips when we hit the age of 30 or so.
Typically, we associate testosterone with sex drive, muscle mass, and energy, and though it does support those functions, it plays a far bigger role in the body than many of us might realize. Testosterone also helps regulate your body’s production of new red blood cells, and it maintains bone mass and health.
Your body, specifically the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, controls the levels of testosterone you produce. As we age, these glands and organs naturally produce less and less of this hormone. Sometimes, they don’t function normally, and this can also cause a dip in testosterone levels.
What’s low testosterone?
Whether it’s due to the natural decline in testosterone production or issues with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, an imbalance of testosterone usually leads to a cascade of issues and symptoms that can hinder your quality of life.
People often refer to this condition as “low-T”. Some of the most common symptoms of low-T include:
- Reduced sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hair loss or balding
- Loss of muscle mass
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
If any of these symptoms seem familiar, it may be time to think about testosterone replacement therapy, more commonly known as TRT.
Low T? Meet TRT
TRT in Grand Forks is a unique type of hormone therapy that helps restore and rebalance the testosterone levels of someone suffering from low-T. TRT gives your body the testosterone it needs to function properly.
For TRT at Total Skin, we use bioidentical hormone pellets to bring testosterone levels back into a “healthy” range. Your body easily absorbs these pellets, which are chemically identical to your body’s natural hormones. The hormones are then integrated throughout the bloodstream.
What are the benefits of TRT?
TRT alleviates the symptoms for those dealing with low-T; it’s just a matter of giving the bioidentical hormones the time to restore balance within the body.
If you haven’t yet started TRT, or if you just started, it’s important to know that the benefits won’t develop overnight.
We aren’t saying you won’t notice improvements in the short term, but rather that TRT is not a “quick fix”: It’s a long-term strategy for improving your overall wellness and internal balance.
In the first few months of TRT, many patients experience:
- Improvements in energy levels and cognitive functions
- More vitality, motivation, and confidence
- Improved sleep quality
- Better erectile function
After several months of TRT, those who stick with their plan can experience:
- Improved muscle growth and retention
- Better bone and joint health
- Improved immune function
- Increased red cell production
Remember, TRT in Grand Forks isn’t a cookie-cutter treatment, so each person’s experience with TRT looks a little different.
Throughout your entire TRT journey, our team at Total Skin walks alongside you, adapting and tailoring your treatment as needed, depending on how your body responds to the bioidentical hormones.
Your Personalized TRT Journey at Total Skin
For your TRT treatment, a personalized approach is everything. Our team tailors the therapy to your body’s natural hormone rhythms and lifestyle. Here’s what you can expect when starting TRT with Total Skin.
Step 1: The Consultation
Our patients all start with this step when they begin their testosterone replacement therapy. This consultation helps us get to know you, your health concerns, and your goals a little better.
During this meeting, we review your symptoms and your medical history. We will direct you to a lab to get your hormone levels analyzed. Knowing your exact testosterone levels helps us determine the best way to rebalance your hormones and help you find relief.
Before Your Treatment…
You should follow a few pre-care instructions we recommend before you arrive at your TRT appointment:
- For about a week before your appointment, avoid taking blood thinners, like aspirin or ibuprofen. If a doctor has prescribed any of these medicines, consult your Total Skin provider and your primary care provider before discontinuing any medication.
- For about 24 hours before your appointment, avoid alcohol to help minimize bruising and bleeding.
Step 2: The Treatment
After we run the lab work and develop a deeper understanding of your testosterone levels, you move on to the “treatment phase” of TRT. At Total Skin, we use BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) for our testosterone treatments.
To start treatment, we insert a small, bioidentical hormone pellet under the skin, typically in the upper buttocks or hip area. To keep you comfortable during the insertion, we numb the skin.
The pellet is about the size of a grain of rice, and your body will gradually absorb it over the following months. You shouldn’t notice the pellet, and it shouldn’t feel uncomfortable.
After Your Treatment…
Just like before your treatment, you should follow some recommended post-care instructions after your TRT treatment:
- For about 3 days following your TRT treatment, avoid soaking in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools. Showering is fine, but avoid scrubbing your incision site for about 7 days (or until it heals).
- For 3 days, avoid any strenuous activity that may exercise the incision area. This includes running, squats, etc.
Step 3: The Results
For about 4 to 6 months, the pellet releases a consistent dosage of hormones into the body and bloodstream, working to restore your body to its optimal hormone levels. You should start feeling the benefits of better balance in the weeks following your initial pellet insertion, with even better results months later.
After your initial pellet insertion, we schedule a series of follow-up appointments to check in with you. This gives us a chance to evaluate your body’s response to the TRT in Grand Forks and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Usually, you’ll have a pellet insertion appointment every 6 months.
Got Questions About TRT? We’ve Got Answers
TRT is a big step, but it doesn’t have to feel like an overwhelming one. You may have some questions about this treatment before deciding whether it’s right for you.
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about TRT—plus their answers—so you can feel more informed and confident about your next steps.
Is TRT safe?
Yes! At Total Skin, our professionals administer treatments safely. We also tailor each treatment to your body’s specific needs. Based on your symptoms and testosterone levels, we will craft a treatment plan to help you reach optimal testosterone levels.
Is TRT a one-time procedure?
TRT is a recurring treatment. You meet with your provider at Total Skin every few months, either for a check-in or for a fresh pellet insertion. Depending on your testosterone levels and symptoms, the time between appointments can vary.
If for any reason you need to stop TRT, you may notice some changes in your body. Your hormone levels may gradually decline when you stop treatments, and the symptoms of Low-T may return.
Is there an age limit for TRT?
Though patients at different ages have different needs from TRT, we only have one specific age limit: You must be 18 years or older to pursue the treatment.
Is TRT the same as taking steroids?
No, TRT in Grand Forks is not the same as taking steroids. A professional carefully monitors you throughout the TRT treatment process. They typically administer testosterone at a lower dose for the purpose of supplementing the body’s natural production of testosterone and bringing it to optimal levels.
In contrast, anabolic steroids are obtained illegally and are not monitored by a professional. Their high doses are very dangerous and can lead to several negative side effects.
Don’t Settle for Less Than Your Best Self
Aging may be inevitable, but feeling drained, disconnected, or not quite like yourself doesn’t have to be. Low-T affects more people than you might think, and it’s treatable with the right support.
TRT in Grand Forks at Total Skin Dermatology & Aesthetics offers a safe, science-backed solution designed around your unique needs and goals. Whether you want to regain your energy, sharpen your focus, or improve your overall well-being, our team can help you take the first step.
Request an appointment and discover how personalized hormone therapy can help you feel like you again.
There’s more to Total Skin than meets the eye. Learn about our wellness center and dermatology offerings on our blog.
