Testosterone is an essential hormone for both men and women. It plays a crucial role in vitality, sex drive, muscle and bone strength, fat distribution, mood, and cognitive function. However, testosterone levels naturally decline with age, and many adults suffer from abnormally low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism or Low T.
Symptoms of Low T in men can include:
In women, Low T can manifest as:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, having your testosterone levels checked is highly recommended. Untreated Low T can significantly reduce your quality of life. The good news is that safe, effective treatment is available.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can restore testosterone to normal levels, thereby alleviating Low T symptoms. TRT is administered under medical supervision in several ways:
The goal of TRT is not to maximize testosterone levels, but to reach and sustain normal levels - generally 400-700 ng/dL for men. This allows you to feel healthy, energetic, and youthful without significant side effects.
TRT is safe and effective when administered properly and monitored with regular blood work. Potential side effects such as acne, sleep apnea, polycythemia (increased red blood cell production), enlarged prostate, testicular atrophy are uncommon with testosterone levels in the normal physiological range.
The Endocrine Society recommends TRT for men with unequivocally low testosterone along with symptoms of Low T. Symptoms combined with total testosterone below 300 ng/dL clearly warrants treatment.
Treatment can also be considered for men with testosterone levels between 300-400 ng/dL along with definitive Low T symptoms. A 3-6 month trial of TRT may be attempted to determine if symptoms improve.
For women, TRT may be appropriate with persistently low testosterone and troublesome symptoms that significantly impact quality of life.
The decision to undergo TRT should be made carefully after discussion with your doctor about potential risks and benefits to your individual health.
Diagnosing hypogonadism requires having the right blood tests done properly. Normal testosterone levels vary significantly by age, sex, time of day, and testing methods.
To accurately diagnose Low T:
Blood samples should be taken before 10 am when testosterone levels peak. Acute illness and some medications can temporarily lower testosterone, so testing should be deferred.
Ask your doctor to test total testosterone first, along with free testosterone or SHBG. If either free T or total T are low/borderline, retesting should be done along with LH, FSH, and estradiol. Repeat testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis of hypogonadism.
Restoring testosterone levels in deficient men and women leads to wide-ranging benefits:
In summary, testosterone replacement can transform your sense of well-being by alleviating troubling symptoms of Low T and improving body composition, mood, cognition, endurance, heart health, and longevity
Testosterone treatments have been shown to improve verbal fluency in aging men, meaning that getting hormone replacement therapy helps some men communicate and find words more easily as they get older. The effect seems to depend on baseline testosterone levels.
The physicians at Revive Hormone Clinic have over 25 years combined experience successfully treating hormonal disorders and promoting health aging in men and women. We specialize in testosterone replacement therapy for hypogonadism and provide comprehensive treatment for associated conditions like erectile dysfunction, infertility, and chronic illnesses.
Our clinic offers:
We work closely with regional labs and pharmacies to make starting and staying on treatment smooth and convenient for you. We accept most major insurance plans.
Contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation to see if TRT is right for you. Our caring medical team looks forward to helping you look, feel and live your best.
Merced's sunny climate, scenic parks, and small town charm make it a delightful place to start an anti-aging wellness program like testosterone replacement therapy. The cool winters and temperate weather enable plenty of opportunity for healthy outdoor activity and community engagement year-round - both vital components for successful treatment.
Merced's doctors and specialists are attentive and invested in providing top-quality care to area residents. Local labs offer convenient blood testing services crucial for initiating and monitoring TRT. The Merced area also boasts gyms, walking trails, community centers, sports teams, and a thriving arts scene to keep you engaged and active during your wellness journey.
Whether you're seeking to improve your energy, strength, endurance or outlook through TRT, Merced provides a supportive environment to surround yourself with community, move your body, nourish yourself well, connect to nature's beauty, and flourish during this new chapter focused on feeling your best.
The decision to start TRT is significant and personal. But you needn't feel alone in your choice. Revive Hormone Clinic offers specialized expertise in TRT protocols and shares our clients' dedication to health, fitness and aging vibrantly. Let's begin your transformative wellness journey together, safely and effectively.
