How To Know If You Need Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Does Testosterone Only Effect Men?

While most people think of testosterone as the male sex hormone, women have testosterone too and also need to consider these symptoms as well. The signs and symptoms of low testosterone can make it difficult to lead a normal life. If you think you have low testosterone and wonder, “Do I need testosterone therapy?” then keep reading to learn more about how to tell if you lack this critical hormone and what you can do about it.

What is Testosterone Used for in the Body?

As a male sex hormone, testosterone is primarily used for the development of sex organs. In addition, it also serves other functions. These include the following.

• Bone and muscle development
• Male secondary sex characteristics including deeper voice and body hair growth
• Sperm production
• Hair growth
• Male mental health

Testosterone production naturally slows down the older a person gets. Even though low testosterone is most common in older men, lifestyle factors mean that younger men can be afflicted. The American Urology Association says that anything below 300 nanograms of testosterone per deciliter of blood constitutes low testosterone.

What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone/Testosterone Deficiency?

Testosterone may be a sex hormone, but not all of the symptoms associated with low T involve the bedroom. However, problems with sexual health are still the most common signs of low testosterone levels.

Sexual Health Issues

The signs of low T consist of the following.

• Reduced sex drive – A sudden drop in sexual desire or interest in sex is a common warning sign.
• Fewer spontaneous erections – You might recall getting a lot of unwanted erections during puberty, often for no real reason. These are caused by testosterone. Infrequent spontaneous erections are another sign that testosterone levels have dropped.
• Erectile dysfunction – Being unable to get an erection when you want one, such as being unable to get aroused by your partner, is another sign of low T.
• Infertility – If you’ve been trying to conceive with your partner and haven’t had success, it could be time to visit testosterone replacement therapy clinics and get yourself tested.
• Low semen volume – Given that testosterone is used for semen production; low testosterone leads to low semen counts. Consider a testosterone check if you notice a drop in semen production.

Other Common Issues

Though the sexual signs of low testosterone are generally the first to be noticed, they aren’t the only ones. Here are some other symptoms you may need to visit local doctors that prescribe testosterone.

• Hair loss – Male pattern baldness is a natural sign of aging in men. With that said, hair loss could be the result of a drop in testosterone. Reduced facial hair is a clear sign of low T.
• Chronic fatigue – Having less energy is also a natural sign of aging, but chronic fatigue that won’t go away is not natural and can be associated with low testosterone. If you eat right and sleep right but still feel tired a lot, you should get tested.
• Reduced muscle mass – Given that testosterone is an essential element of building muscle, low testosterone can cause muscle mass deterioration. Drops in muscle mass are particularly bothersome for those who try — and fail — to build strength through weightlifting.
• Reduced bone mass – Testosterone is used to keep bones healthy and strong. Having low testosterone puts you at risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
• Increased body fat – Some research suggests testosterone affects how your body stores and uses fat. Men with low testosterone typically have more body fat – in particular, they are prone to developing gynecomastia/man boobs.
• Mood changes – Studies suggest that men with low testosterone levels are more likely to develop depression and have trouble focusing. This leads to dips in motivation and self-confidence.
• Sleeping problems – Men tend to have more trouble sleeping as they get older, which researchers believe is related to lower testosterone levels

One or two of these symptoms is nothing to worry about, but you should consider hormone testing in Los Angeles(or wherever you live) if you notice multiple symptoms.

How to Determine if I Have Low Testosterone

Anything between 350 ng/dL and 1,000 ng/dL is considered a healthy testosterone level. If you are concerned that you have a low testosterone level, then you will need to go through a blood test. A blood test is the only way to determine hormone levels.

The good news is that these tests are simple, effective, and cheap. You can expect to get the results of your test back within a few days. Depending on your results, you may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy in Los Angeles. Whether or not you qualify for treatment or even need it is determined based on a case-by-case basis.

What is Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy is the treatment of someone diagnosed with low testosterone. There are multiple forms of effective testosterone replacement therapy. Doctors will use patches, gels, injections, pellets, and oral tablets to restore healthy testosterone levels. Injection therapies are considered the most effective, but they aren’t the only solution.

The benefits of testosterone therapy vary depending on several factors, including your pre-treatment symptoms. The benefits of correcting low testosterone include the following.

• More energy
• Better mood
• Improved muscle mass
• Boosted sexual desire
• More motivation
• Better memory and cognitive function
• Reduction in body fat
• Potential increase in erectile function

Certain health conditions can prevent you from getting hormone replacement therapy. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, your doctor may advise you to avoid testosterone replacement therapy. The following consists of examples.

• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Above-average red blood cell counts
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia and other lower urinary tract symptoms
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Severe congestive heart failure

Do I Need Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

There are too many health problems associated with low testosterone for you to leave the condition alone. The only way to know for sure is to consult a doctor and have them run a blood test. We offer a low-cost testosterone check for only $9. Furthermore, we can connect you to local doctors that prescribe testosterone if you have low testosterone levels.