As a veteran, you’ve made tremendous sacrifices to serve our country. Now it’s time to focus on your health and wellbeing. Low testosterone levels can sap your energy, lower libido, and make it difficult to maintain muscle mass. If low T is interfering with your quality of life, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may help.
TRT is an effective medical treatment for veterans experiencing symptoms of hypogonadism. Read on to learn more about the benefits of TRT and why more veterans are turning to hormone optimization programs.
Why Do Veterans Need Testosterone Therapy?
Veterans are at a higher risk of developing low testosterone levels or hypogonadism. Multiple studies have shown that veterans have lower testosterone compared to non-veterans for several reasons:
- Exposure to combat stress and trauma can disrupt the body’s hormone regulation. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with decreased testosterone production.
- Sleep deprivation and irregular sleep, common in military life, negatively impact testosterone levels.
- The intense physical demands of training and service take a toll on the body over time.
Low testosterone causes several problematic symptoms including:
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Increase in body fat
- Reduction in bone density, increasing fracture risk
- Fatigue, lack of motivation, and mood disorders
- Erectile dysfunction and reduced libido
- Difficulty concentrating and mental fuzziness
By restoring testosterone levels through TRT, many of these symptoms can be effectively treated or reduced. TRT also helps veterans struggling with anemia, depression, and heart problems linked to low testosterone.
Types of Testosterone Therapy for Veterans
Veterans with low T have several options when it comes to TRT:
| Method | Description |
| Injections | Testosterone injections, usually cypionate or enanthate, are given weekly or biweekly. This method provides stable testosterone levels but requires frequent doctor visits. |
| Transdermal gels | Gels provide daily testosterone directly through the skin. Brands like Androgel or Testim are easily applied at home. Potential skin irritation is the main downside. |
| Patches | Adhesive testosterone patches also supply hormones transdermally. Androderm patches require twice weekly application. |
| Pellets | Pellets implanted under the skin continuously release testosterone over 3-6 months. Though convenient, pellet insertion and removal requires a minor procedure. |
| Oral | Oral testosterone capsules or tablets are infrequently used due to potential liver damage. |
Finding the right TRT delivery method may take some trial and error. Consult with Physician’s Rejuvenation Centers and we will work with you to customize treatment based on your needs and preferences.
Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Available for the Military?
Active military personnel have limited access to TRT due to concerns about performance enhancement and difficulty establishing medical necessity. The Department of Defense follows guidelines that TRT should only be prescribed if testosterone levels are extremely low and symptoms are impacting duties.
Once military service ends, veterans can more readily access TRT through VA healthcare or civilian providers. The VA considers TRT for veterans exhibiting clear symptoms and blood levels below 300 ng/dL.
However, veterans describe difficulty obtaining TRT approval in the VA system due to provider inexperience with hormone issues. Outside providers may have more flexibility in prescribing TRT based on symptoms alone.
Out-of-pocket costs for TRT range from $250-$500 monthly without insurance coverage. Some veterans advocate that VA benefits should include TRT when medically indicated to improve quality of life after military service.
The Difference Between Regular vs. Veterans Testosterone Therapy
Any man with clinically low testosterone levels can potentially benefit from TRT under a doctor’s supervision. However, veterans face some unique challenges:
- Establishing service connections for low testosterone levels through the VA can be difficult. The burden of proof falls on veterans to conclusively demonstrate low T is related to military service.
- Lack of provider education on veteran hormone health leads to underdiagnosis of low T. Symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to mental health conditions.
- Stigma surrounding TRT as a performance enhancer impedes access to treatment for veterans within military healthcare.
- Increased stress during service likely accelerates declining testosterone levels in veterans compared to same-age civilians.
- Ongoing stressors like PTSD exacerbate hormone imbalance after military duties end.
As more research emerges on veteran health, there is movement towards establishing standardized VA protocols for testosterone testing and treatment. Connecting with a VA or civilian doctor knowledgeable about veteran hormonal issues can help you determine if TRT is right for you.
Take Control of Your Health
Don’t let low testosterone sap your strength and vitality any longer. Through testosterone replacement therapy, you can regain the energy, confidence, and wellbeing you deserve. TRT helps veterans affected by hypogonadism reclaim their quality of life after serving our country.
Schedule a consultation today with Physician’s Rejuvenation Centers to see if our individualized TRT program is right for you. Our experienced medical team is dedicated to helping veterans optimize their health through customized hormone replacement plans.
We know you’ve already given so much for your country. Now let us support you on your journey towards feeling like your best self again. With TRT, you can continue serving your community while enjoying the strength and vigor you felt in your younger years. Contact us to get started on the path to hormone health and wellbeing.
FAQs
What are the benefits of testosterone therapy for veterans?
Testosterone therapy can help veterans with low testosterone levels due to aging, injury, or medical conditions. Benefits may include increased energy, improved mood and concentration, enhanced muscle mass and strength, and better sexual function. However, these benefits may vary per individual.
What are the risks or side effects of testosterone therapy?
Side effects of testosterone therapy can include skin reactions like acne, sleep apnea, enlarged breasts, testicle shrinkage, and increased red blood cell count. Potential risks, such as heart disease, stroke, and prostate cancer, are under study. It’s crucial to discuss these with healthcare providers before starting therapy.
What is the VA’s coverage for testosterone therapy?
The Veterans Administration (VA) does cover testosterone therapy when a veteran has clinically low testosterone levels impacting their quality of life. However, coverage varies per individual. Veterans should consult with a VA representative or their healthcare provider for specific information.
How can you identify if a veteran needs testosterone therapy?
Symptoms like fatigue, depression, decreased sexual desire, difficulty concentrating, or loss of muscle mass could indicate a need for testosterone therapy. Healthcare providers can order blood tests to check testosterone levels. It’s crucial to consider that these symptoms can also indicate other medical conditions.
What should you expect during testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy typically involves regular injections, patches, gels, or implants, with monitored symptoms and testosterone levels. Compliance with healthcare provider instructions is essential, and any side effects or concerns should be reported promptly.