Disclaimer: This information isnt a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should never rely upon this article for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common way to increase testosterone and treat the symptoms of low testosterone. But one of the most common sideeffects of testosterone replacement therapy is low sperm count. A risk of TRT is that artificially high testosterone levels can trick your brain into stopping LH and FSH production. And when you stop making FSH, you stop making sperm.

Testosterone production is a feedback loop.When your brain senses low testosterone levels in your blood, it ramps up testosterone production in the testicles by releasing two hormones:

When you add external testosterone (from replacement therapy), your brain stops producing LH and FSH because it thinks you dont need anymore. But FSH is directly responsible for sperm production in the testicles.Decreased FSH levels together with already low natural levels of testosterone can decrease your sperm count. A lot. In fact, men using Testosterone replacement therapy can have a sperm count of zero.

Low testosterone production in the testicles means low sperm count. But too much testosterone can mean the same thing. Many of the side effects of low testosteronelike acne and mood shiftsare reversible. But TRT can have long-term effects on your sperm count and fertility. Talk to a doctor to find out if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you. Then work to find the right dose to make sure your testosterone levels stay within normal levels to reduce your risk of side effects.

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