Hormone therapy · Schedule III

Testosterone replacement therapy, physician-led TRT for diagnosed hypogonadism.

Testosterone levels decline approximately 1 to 2 percent per year after age 30. For most men this is gradual and tolerable. For a meaningful subset, it crosses a clinical threshold, diagnosed hypogonadism, that produces measurable symptoms. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an FDA-approved, evidence-supported treatment for confirmed hypogonadism, not a wellness supplement or shortcut. At Genesis Longevity in Colorado Springs, TRT is offered only to men with diagnosed deficiency under ongoing physician supervision.

Man in his 40s seated at warm-wood consultation desk holding a cream folder with charts.

What it is

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) restores testosterone to physiologic levels in men with diagnosed hypogonadism, a condition characterized by consistently low testosterone with corresponding clinical symptoms. TRT is not indicated for the normal age-related decline in testosterone in the absence of confirmed deficiency.

At Genesis Longevity, TRT is preceded by a Good Faith Exam documenting symptoms and cardiovascular risk, and a clinical evaluation per Endocrine Society and AUA guidelines to confirm deficiency, characterize its cause, and rule out contraindications.

Common formulations include intramuscular testosterone cypionate or enanthate (injected weekly or biweekly) and topical gels. Each has a different pharmacokinetic profile; your provider selects the most appropriate route for your goals and lifestyle.

How it works

When testosterone cypionate or enanthate is administered intramuscularly, the ester bond is hydrolyzed post-injection, releasing free testosterone into circulation. Free testosterone binds androgen receptors directly, or is converted by two enzymatic pathways:

5α-reductase converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which mediates effects on hair follicles, prostate, and libido.

Aromatase converts testosterone to estradiol, mediating effects on bone density, mood, and sexual function in men.

The net effect: gene transcription supporting muscle protein synthesis, erythropoiesis, bone mineralization, libido, and cognitive function.

The fertility trade-off. Exogenous testosterone suppresses LH and FSH via negative hypothalamic-pituitary feedback, which inhibits endogenous spermatogenesis. Men who want to preserve fertility should discuss enclomiphene or hCG-based alternatives before starting TRT.

Conditions and use cases

Who TRT is appropriate for.

  • Men with diagnosed hypogonadism per Endocrine Society (2018) and AUA guidelines.
  • Men with consistent symptoms: low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depressed mood, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat.
  • Not indicated for age-related decline without confirmed deficiency or for athletic performance enhancement.

Expected timeline

What patients commonly observe.

  1. Week 0 to 2

    Stabilization

    Levels begin to climb toward physiologic range.

  2. Week 2 to 4

    Libido and energy

    Improved libido and erectile function commonly emerge in this window.

  3. Month 1 to 3

    Mood and motivation

    Mood improvement, energy, and motivation. Body composition begins shifting.

  4. Month 3 to 6

    Body composition and bone

    Improved muscle mass and strength. Bone density improvements continue with sustained therapy at 6 to 12 months.

Stacks that include this therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy appears in this stack.

Investment and access

Care plans, not menus.

Genesis Longevity therapies are dispensed only after a complimentary consultation and Good Faith Exam. Schedule yours to receive a personalized plan tailored to your biology and goals.

Side effects

What patients commonly report.

Common. Erythrocytosis (rising hematocrit, particularly with IM therapy), managed with dose adjustment or therapeutic phlebotomy. Acne and oily skin. Gynecomastia from estradiol elevation via aromatase, managed with dose adjustment or aromatase inhibitor. Testicular atrophy and reduced sperm production are expected consequences of HPG suppression.

Mood. Mood fluctuations, particularly with high peaks or rapid dose changes. Twice-weekly dosing reduces fluctuations.

Cardiovascular. The TRAVERSE trial (Lincoff et al., NEJM 2023, n=5,246 hypogonadal men) found no increase in major adverse cardiovascular events compared with placebo in a monitored, appropriately selected population. Ongoing hematocrit monitoring and cardiovascular assessment remain essential.

Contraindications

Who should not use this therapy.

Show contraindications

Absolute. Prostate cancer or breast cancer. Severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA must be treated before initiation). Uncontrolled congestive heart failure. Polycythemia (hematocrit over 54 percent). Baseline PSA over 4 ng/mL or palpable prostate nodule without urology clearance.

Relative (require shared decision-making). Desire to maintain fertility (TRT suppresses spermatogenesis, consider enclomiphene or hCG). Thrombophilia or high VTE risk. Severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Pairs well with

Therapies that complement this protocol.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Testosterone replacement therapy.

Sources

Citations & references

  1. [1]Saad F et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; Traish AM et al. J Sex Med 2010; Lincoff AM et al. (TRAVERSE) NEJM 2023. Source
  2. [2]DrugBank, Testosterone Cypionate. Source
  3. [3]ChooseHealth, TRT monitoring requirements. Source
  4. [4]Vista Wellness, TRT/HRT evaluation and testing. Source
  5. [5]Pfizer, Testosterone Cypionate prescribing information. Source
  6. [6]Concierge MD, TRT vs Enclomiphene. Source
  7. [7]AUA Testosterone Deficiency Guideline (2018); Endocrine Society Guidelines (2018).

Status & disclosures

FDA-approved · Schedule III controlled substance
Testosterone cypionate and enanthate are FDA-approved Schedule III controlled substances indicated for confirmed male hypogonadism. A controlled-substance prescription and provider relationship are required.
No fertility-improvement claims
TRT suppresses spermatogenesis. We do not market TRT as a fertility treatment. Men with fertility goals should discuss enclomiphene or hCG protocols.
Confirmed diagnosis required
Diagnosed hypogonadism per Endocrine Society and AUA criteria, combined with consistent symptoms, is required before initiation. The TRAVERSE trial supports cardiovascular safety in monitored, appropriately selected men.

Next step

Talk to a Genesis provider about Testosterone replacement therapy.

Schedule a consultation. Physician-led, evidence-graded.

Or keep reading: See the Male Vitality stack