Can I take testosterone replacement (TRT) without checking testoterone

You can initiate it but it certainly is best to have a urologist or specialist check your testosterone levels so you will have a baseline. There can be some undesirable side effects so I doubt your doctor would prescribe without due diligence. Make sure you read all the literature you can get your hands on before making the decision so you will be aware of the benefits and or undesirable side effects. I am 80 years old and started testosterone pellet therapy approximately one year ago and it has been beneficial. I can tell a slight difference in the gym and my libido has increased. My doctor orders blood test periodically to check the levels.

I wish I could pinpoint the reason for my practically nonexistent libido. My testosterone level is normal. Certain images(not pornographic!) may cause slight elevation in hardness but not enough to really notice. I am 78 and would like to enjoy a few more years of sexual pleasure. My wife is somewhat willing. Thanks in advance.

Never start Testosterone without having the levels checked first - Mayo clinic also checks free Testosterone (gold standard) - this should be above 6.5 ng/dL but most men live > 10 ng/dL. Low T = symptoms + low biochemical levels. Replacement needs to normalize where the T should have been. Like most medications T is beneficial in the correct range (too low or too high causes problems).

Libido is complicated, but it will increase with higher T. Lifting weights, adequate protein intake, adequate sleep and stress mitigation can facilitate higher T levels naturally - all of these things will also make you live longer and ward off things like dementia, heart disease and cancer. There are numerous studies showing building muscle strength extends healthspan (not just lifespan)!

Best

Dr Kohler
Professor of Urology

@tkohler Dr. Kohler, I just had my total testosterone level checked (at age 76) and it is higher than 1000. Yet I do not feel any different and have none of the high symptoms. I suspect that my Free testosterone is low. How can I promote releasing some of my bound, total T to convert to Free T?