You wake up tired, drag through your workday, and crash on the couch instead of hitting the lakefront or the gym. Your sex drive is lower, your belly is bigger, and you just do not feel like yourself. If this sounds familiar, you may wonder if HRT for men or testosterone therapy could help.
This guide walks you through what testosterone therapy is, how it works, who it helps, and what real life on treatment looks like. You will also see how doctors in Chicago check if hormones are actually to blame and how they keep therapy safe.
The information is based on medical guidance and recent research, but your care always has to be personalized by a clinician who knows your full health history.
What HRT for men is and how testosterone works in your body
When people talk about HRT for men, they usually mean testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. It shapes your sex drive, erections, energy, mood, muscle mass, bone strength, and how your body stores fat.
Testosterone levels slowly fall with age. That drop is normal. True low testosterone, or hypogonadism, is different. In that case, your levels are lower than expected for your age and you have clear symptoms that affect daily life.
Doctors do not guess based on how you feel alone. They use blood tests, taken in the early morning when levels are highest, to measure testosterone. Your symptoms and your lab results have to match before a doctor talks about HRT for men. A large medical review of testosterone therapy benefits and risks explains that treatment works best and is safest when both symptoms and low levels are present, not just one or the other (source).
Common signs of low testosterone you should not ignore
You may see yourself in some of these signs:
- Low sex drive or fewer sexual thoughts
- Weaker erections or erections that do not last
- Constant fatigue, even after sleep
- Low mood, irritability, or feeling “flat”
- Loss of strength or muscle, even if you still work out
- More belly fat or softer body shape
- Thinner bones or a fracture from a small fall
- Brain fog or trouble focusing at work
These symptoms are common in stressed, busy Chicago lives. Poor sleep, heavy drinking, long commutes, or other health problems can cause the same issues. That is why testing matters. It helps separate hormone problems from everything else.
It helps to track your symptoms for a few weeks before you see a doctor. Write down changes in sex drive, mood, sleep, and energy so you can share a clear picture.
How doctors diagnose low testosterone in men
A real diagnosis is more than a single quick test.
Most doctors follow three steps:
- Symptom review and physical exam. Your doctor will ask about sex drive, morning erections, sleep, stress, medications, and your goals. They may check testicle size, body hair, and blood pressure.
- At least two early‑morning blood tests. These are usually done before 10 a.m. Low total testosterone is often under about 300 ng/dL, though your doctor reads that number in context.
- Checking for other causes. Thyroid problems, pituitary issues, severe obesity, and sleep apnea can all lower testosterone. Before starting therapy, many doctors also order PSA (prostate test), blood count, and other labs.
This is medical treatment, not the same as using testosterone for bodybuilding or performance. The goal is to bring you back to a healthy range, not push you into “super high” levels.
Benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for men in Chicago
Chicago men are smart and careful. You probably want to feel better, but you also want to protect your heart, fertility, and long‑term health. That balance is the heart of every testosterone conversation.
Recent research through 2025 shows that TRT can help men with true low testosterone feel and function better, but it also carries real risks that need close monitoring. An evidence report from the American College of Physicians highlights both the gains in sexual function and strength, and the need for careful safety checks over time (source).
Real benefits you may feel with testosterone therapy
When testosterone is clearly low to start, TRT can bring several gains:
- Stronger sex drive and better sexual satisfaction
- Improved erections for some men
- More steady daytime energy
- Better mood and less irritability
- More lean muscle and strength
- Less body fat, especially around the waist
- Stronger bones and lower fracture risk over time
You may notice changes in sex drive and energy in a few weeks. Changes in muscle, fat, and bone build across months. Results vary, so your experience will not match anyone else’s story. The best outcomes come when you combine therapy with healthy habits like better sleep, weight control, and movement.
Side effects and safety checks you need to know about
Testosterone is powerful, so your doctor tracks side effects closely. Possible issues include:
- Thicker blood (high red blood cell count), which can raise clot risk
- Acne or oily skin
- Breast swelling or tenderness
- Smaller testicles
- Lower sperm count and possible infertility
- Fluid retention and ankle swelling
- Worsening sleep apnea
- More frequent urination or prostate symptoms
Large trials up to 2024 have eased some fear about big jumps in heart attack or stroke for most treated men, but some studies hint at higher rates of certain rhythm problems and blood clots. Because of that, many doctors look closely at your heart history and may check cholesterol and blood pressure regularly.
Regular visits and labs are what make TRT safer. If your blood gets too thick or PSA rises too fast, your doctor can lower the dose, change the form, or stop treatment.
Who should avoid HRT for men or use it with extra care
Testosterone therapy is not right for everyone. You may need to avoid it or use extra caution if you have:
- Untreated prostate or breast cancer
- Very high red blood cell counts
- Serious, unstable heart failure
- Untreated moderate to severe sleep apnea
Men who still want children soon are a special group. TRT often lowers sperm counts and can cause temporary or even long‑lasting infertility. If fatherhood is in your near future, talk about other options first.
Always share your full health history, including past cancers, heart disease, blood clots, and fertility plans. Your doctor can then customize care or say that HRT for men is not the right move.
Your treatment options and what to expect from testosterone therapy
Picture life after you start treatment. You still commute on the Kennedy, cheer at Wrigley, and walk the Lakefront Trail, but your energy feels steadier and your mood lighter. Therapy should fit into that life, not take it over.
A modern option in Chicago is BioTE testosterone pellet therapy for men, which uses tiny pellets placed under the skin every few months to give a steady dose without daily dosing or frequent injections (learn more).
Types of testosterone therapy and how each one fits your lifestyle
Common forms include:
- Gels and creams. You apply these to your skin each morning. They give a steady level but you need to avoid skin‑to‑skin transfer to partners or kids until the product dries.
- Injections. Shots are given every 1 to 2 weeks at home or in the office. They are low‑maintenance but can cause ups and downs, with a peak a few days after the shot and a dip before the next one.
- Patches. You place a patch on your skin daily. The dose is steady, but some men get skin irritation.
- Pellets. Small pellets are placed under the skin in a short office visit every few months. They provide very steady levels and are hands‑off day to day, but they do require minor procedures.
Your doctor will help you weigh your schedule, comfort with needles, cost, insurance coverage, and how often you want to visit the office.
Monitoring, follow‑up visits, and setting real expectations
After starting HRT for men, expect follow‑up visits and labs at about 3 to 6 months, then at least once a year. Your doctor may check:
- Testosterone level
- Blood count (hematocrit)
- PSA and prostate health
- Cholesterol, blood sugar, and sometimes liver tests
Your dose and form may change based on how you feel and what the labs show. Sex drive and mood usually shift first. Changes in muscle, fat, and bones take longer, often 6 to 12 months.
If you do not feel a clear benefit after a fair trial at a proper dose, your doctor may suggest stopping therapy and looking harder for other causes of your symptoms.
Before your visit, write down your goals and questions. What matters most to you: sex, energy, mood, or long‑term health? Clear goals make every decision easier.
Conclusion
HRT for men means carefully replacing low testosterone to help with sex drive, energy, mood, muscle, and bone health, while watching for side effects like blood thickening, prostate changes, and fertility loss. Feeling tired, low, or “not like yourself” is common, especially with busy Chicago life, and it is okay to ask whether hormones play a role.
A qualified doctor can review your symptoms, run simple blood tests, and tell you if testosterone therapy is a safe option or if something else is going on. Either way, you gain a clearer picture of your health.
If you live in Chicago and see yourself in these symptoms, consider scheduling a consultation with a hormone‑aware OB‑GYN or hormone expert, such as the team at a practice that supports both women and men. Your first step is a simple conversation and a morning blood test, and that step could move you back toward feeling more like yourself again.
