Testosterone Replacement for Men

Testosterone replacement for men is a way for men with hormonal imbalances to achieve comprehensive wellness and improve their quality of life. We all know that testosterone plays a major role in developing male physical characteristics and reproductive functions, but many people don’t know that it also helps maintain proper mental health in men. Yet, some men have lower testosterone levels, and conditions known as Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD) or Low Testosterone (Low-T). TD and Low-T can lead to depression, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, low testosterone levels may be associated with decreased strength and stamina. Although it is the male sex hormone, testosterone’s benefits aren’t just limited to libido and erections. They also regulate mood and energy levels. Testosterone deficiency also impacts physical health, including bone density and muscle mass. Testosterone replacement therapy introduces natural testosterone into an aged, diseased, injured, or declining endocrine system, effectively improving men’s hormone levels.

If you feel you may be suffering from Low-T, it is important to talk to an experienced doctor like Dr. Mylissa Graber, FACEP, about testosterone replacement therapy or TRT. It is an effective and safe way to restore healthy testosterone levels in the body. Call Dr. Mylissa’s Medical Boutique at (561) 330-9444 or reach out online to schedule your appointment in Del Rey Beach, FL.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that men produce in their testicles; this hormone has several benefits, including: [1]

  • Increased bone density
  • Fat distribution
  • Muscle strength and mass
  • Facial and body hair
  • Red blood cell production
  • Sex drive
  • Sperm production

Testosterone production reaches its highest levels for men during adolescence and early adulthood. However, beginning around age 30 or 40, your body produces less of the hormone each year, with around a 1% decline each year. [2] When you reach older age groups, it becomes crucial to determine if waning testosterone is part of typical aging or indicative of an underlying health condition (hypogonadism).

Hypogonadism adversely affects testosterone production because of an issue with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that regulates the testicles; this affects around 2-4 million men around the world. [2] Testosterone replacement therapy can improve low testosterone symptoms in these men.

About Low Testosterone Levels

Low testosterone is defined by the American Urology Association as less than 300 nanograms of the hormone per deciliter of blood. [3] Low testosterone levels can be caused by many different things, such as

  • Disease
  • Injury
  • Medications

Testosterone levels also decline naturally with age. As men get older, their body produces less testosterone; this may lead to a decrease in sex drive and energy level, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, and a decrease in muscle mass and strength.

The FDA suggests that TRT can treat conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome. [4] Klinefelter syndrome is caused by an extra X chromosome and is often characterized by poor muscle tone, smaller testicles, and low serum testosterone levels.

Furthermore, you may also need TRT if you damage or lose your testicles. If your testicles are removed because of an illness such as cancer, you may require TRT.

What Does Low-T Look Like?

Low testosterone can present itself in many different ways. Symptoms may include:

  • Low libido
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Brain fog

If you feel you may be suffering from Low-T, it is important to talk to an experienced doctor like Dr. Graber about testosterone replacement therapy. It is an effective and safe way to restore healthy testosterone levels in the body. Call (561) 330-9444 to schedule your appointment today!

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a treatment option for male patients diagnosed with Low-T by their doctor. Simply put, it replaces the testosterone your body isn’t producing.

TRT comes in various forms, such as injections, gels, and patches, but Dr. Graber believes injections get the testosterone to the bloodstream the fastest with the least amount of side effects. Best of all, if you feel comfortable, you can administer the injections in the comfort of your home. Dr. Graber will determine the best injection schedule based on your needs and symptoms.

Many men experience greatly improved symptoms after undergoing testosterone replacement therapy, including:

  • Increased energy
  • Improved mood and libido
  • Better sleep
  • More muscle mass
  • Increased bone density

Testosterone replacement therapy has been utilized as a treatment for low testosterone since its introduction in the mid-1900s and is currently used by more than 5 million men worldwide. Do you think you may have Low-T? Contact us for a consultation and testing appointment.

Testing for Low Testosterone

Before you begin testosterone replacement therapy, you must receive a low testosterone diagnosis; this can typically be done with a simple blood test. It is estimated that around 35% of men are currently taking testosterone replacements without testing, which can be dangerous.

Dr. Graber will test the following:

  • Total testosterone levels should be tested using samples collected on two separate occasions. The blood will be drawn before noon because testosterone levels are generally lower later in the day. If you are ill when it’s time for testing, Dr. Graber will probably wait until you feel better because your illness could produce inaccurate results.
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a test to determine the cause of a Low-T level; this usually occurs when testosterone levels are below average. LH controls how you produce testosterone, and if there are abnormalities, it may be due to a problem with the pituitary gland.
  • If your prolactin level is high, it could signify pituitary problems or tumors. 
  • Testing your blood hemoglobin levels is standard. Still, Dr. Graber will inspect other potential causes for a low hemoglobin count, such as climate level (like altitude), sleep apnea, or tobacco smoking.

Dr. Graber may further test for sperm-making function, estradiol hormone, bone density, and other things, depending on what she finds appropriate for your case. Furthermore, if you have any of the following conditions, Dr. Graber will measure your testosterone levels.

  • Anemia with no known cause
  • Diabetes
  • Loss of bone density
  • Fractures from low-impact injuries
  • Radiation exposure to the testicles
  • Positive HIV/AIDS test results
  • Chronic narcotic use
  • Infertility in the past

What are the Risks of TRT Without Testing?

Testosterone replacement therapy is a great way to help men with Low-T, but it can also cause serious side effects if taken without a proper diagnosis. Taking testosterone without testing can lead to health problems such as

  • Risk of blood clots
  • Increased risk of prostate cancer
  • Liver toxicity
  • Heart problems
  • Hair loss
  • Depression or anxiety

It is important to always discuss testosterone replacement therapy with your doctor before taking it. Dr. Graber will help you navigate the TRT process and will help make sure it is the right treatment for you.

How Do TRT Injections Work?

If you feel you could boost your energy level, libido, mood, focus, or concentration, and if you’d like to increase your muscle mass and strength, call us to work TRT into your life.

Testosterone replacement injections are about as uncomplicated a process as you will come across. A syringe is filled with the specified amount of testosterone Dr. Graber has determined will help you. The injection will go into your thigh or glute muscle tissue since it is the quickest way to get testosterone into your bloodstream. The entire treatment takes minutes and requires no downtime afterward; you can return to your regular daily activities immediately. Dr. Graber administers TRT injections every seven to 10 days or as prescribed.

What are the Risks of TRT?

Although it is often effective, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may have harmful results. The FDA has recommended that drug labels for testosterone products reflect the potential risk of heart disease and stroke in some men who use them. All men should be checked for these conditions before TRT and periodically thereafter.

After carefully reviewing relevant peer-reviewed literature, the American Urological Association found no strong evidence indicating that TRT increases or decreases the overall risk of cardiovascular events. [5]

Schedule a Consultation

As we said earlier, it is important to get tested by a medical professional before starting your treatment for Low-T. Dr. Graber is here to help you with your journey and will discuss the various options available. She will help ensure you take the right dosage and frequency to achieve the best results.

You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Graber in Del Rey Beach, FL, about the testing and treatment options available. We look forward to helping you maximize your health, fitness, and well-being. Call (561) 330-9444 to get started.

References

  1. Gruenewald DA, Matsumoto AM. Testosterone Supplementation Therapy for Older Men: Potential Benefits and Risks. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2003;51(1):101-115. doi:10.1034/j.1601-5215.2002.51018.x
  2. Bassil N, Alkaade S, Morley JE. The benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy: a review. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 2009;5:427-448. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2701485/
  3. American Urological Association. Low Testosterone: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment – Urology Care Foundation. www.urologyhealth.org. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone
  4. Chang S, Christiansen CF, Bojesen A, Juul S, Münster AMB, Gravholt CH. Klinefelter syndrome and testosterone treatment: a national cohort study on thrombosis risk. Endocrine Connections. 2020;9(1):34-43. doi:10.1530/ec-19-0433
  5. American Urological Association. Testosterone Deficiency Guideline – American Urological Association. www.auanet.org. Accessed December 13, 2022. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/testosterone-deficiency-guideline#x7732
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