Testosterone is the predominant male hormone and is responsible for the normal growth and development of the male sex organs, bone density, muscle mass, and is essential for health and well-being in men. Testosterone is produced in the testes, the reproductive glands that also produce sperm. It is also produced in smaller quantities within a woman’s ovaries. For women, testosterone works in tandem with estrogen. It affects fertility, sex drive, red blood cell production, muscle mass, fat distribution and human behaviors.
In healthy men, testosterone levels between 350 ng/dL and 1,000 ng/dL are referred to as normal. Normal physiology allows the brain and the testes to work together to keep testosterone in this range. In heathy women, testosterone levels between 15ng/dL to 70ng/dL are referred to as normal.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is the practice of diagnosing a person with low levels of testosterone and treating with injections, gels, creams, patches, surgically implanted pellets or through oral applications. At our clinic, we use injection therapy or creams to treat low testosterone in eligible patients.
Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy vary based upon the pre-therapy symptoms and other factors, but can include:
To determine testosterone levels, our team will perform a simple blood test, the results of which you will know within a few days. If your total or free testosterone are not within the optimal range, you may be a candidate for treatment. Determining whether a patient is the right candidate for testosterone therapy is evaluated on a case by case basis by the medical professionals in conference with the patient.
What are the risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?
Although rare, there are some risks with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Some patients could experience the following side effects:
What are the advantages of testosterone injections versus other replacement methods such as patches or gels?
The proper method of testosterone delivery for you is a matter for you and your physician to determine; however, many find that some gels and creams tend to be messy and less convenient than other treatment modalities. Testosterone injections can be more potent and fast-acting, due to their direct path to muscle tissues. Because the amount injected is controlled, you can also be more certain of the amount your body is absorbing. Unlike creams and gels, there is no dry time so you can immediately shower, exercise, or partake in sexual activities.
Your testosterone levels will likely continue to decline over time and the severity of your symptoms will most likely continue to increase.
The team at Regenerative & Sports Medicine offers a quick and easy way to diagnose and treat low testosterone. Talk with our team to start an initial consultation and simple blood test. If the results indicate low testosterone levels, we will discuss your individual treatment options.