If you think you are suffering from low T or if you’ve been given a diagnosis, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) will be beneficial.
This can help you regain your confidence by restoring your levels back to what they once were.
Testosterone levels begin to drop in men beginning at age 30. Low T is much more common as you age, but there’s good news: advances in modern medicine have helped doctors discover new treatment options and hormone balancing therapy can slow the rate at which your hormones decline, allowing you to experience a better quality of life.
How do I know if I have low testosterone levels?
Here are the most common symptoms of low T:
- Low libido. Some men may find themselves slightly less interested in sex, while others may lose their sex drive altogether.
- Erectile dysfunction. Along with a loss of sexual interest, some men with Low T experience erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence.
- Mood swings. Low T can cause changes in mood, difficulty concentrating, and even depression in some men.
- Decreased energy. Some fatigue and loss of stamina are normal with age. We have work responsibilities, families, and generally lead busy lives, so feeling tired isn’t at all uncommon. However, when a regular lack of energy, frequent fatigue, and feelings of lethargy are present along with other symptoms of Low T, it may be time to see a doctor.
- Loss of muscle tone and brittle bones. Loss of muscle mass and overall strength, as well as loss of bone density that can lead to fractures (think male osteoporosis), are also associated with
- Low T levels.
- Other symptoms of Low T may include body hair loss, weight gain, poor memory, inability to recall specific words, shrinking testes, and even sleep disorders.
Do you have “Low T?”
After you receive your lab results, (normally in 15 minutes) the Men’s Health provider team will meet with you for a confidential consultation and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Your consultation includes a 30-minute appointment with one of our expert men’s health providers to discuss your results and discuss your options. For most of our patients, injections can start as soon as the same day or the next day.
Types of TRT
Food and Drug Administration-approved oral testosterone replacement preparation, testosterone undecanoate (Jatenzo), is absorbed by the lymph system. It might avoid the liver problems seen with other oral forms of testosterone.
Other preparations you might choose, depending on convenience, cost, and your insurance coverage, include:
- Gel. There are several gels and solutions available, with different ways of applying them. Depending on the brand, you rub the testosterone into your skin on your upper arm or shoulder (AndroGel, Testim, Vogelxo) or apply it to the front and inner thigh (Fortesta).Your body absorbs testosterone through your skin. Don’t shower or bathe for several hours after a gel application, to be sure it gets absorbed.Side effects include skin irritation and the possibility of transferring the medication to another person. Avoid skin-to-skin contact until the gel is completely dry, or cover the area after an application.
- Injection. Testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) and testosterone enanthate are given in a muscle or under the skin. Your symptoms might waver between doses depending on the frequency of injections. You or a family member can learn to give testosterone injections at home. If you’re uncomfortable giving yourself injections, a member of your care team can give the injections.Testosterone undecanoate (Aveed) is given by deep intramuscular injection, typically every 10 weeks. It must be given at your provider’s office and can have serious side effects.
- Patch. A patch containing testosterone (Androderm) is applied each night to your thighs or torso. A possible side effect is severe skin reaction.
- Gum and cheek (buccal cavity). A small putty-like substance, gum-and-cheek testosterone replacement delivers testosterone through the natural depression above your top teeth where your gum meets your upper lip (buccal cavity).This product, taken three times a day, sticks to your gumline and allows testosterone to be absorbed into your bloodstream. It can cause gum irritation.
- Nasal. This testosterone gel (Natesto) can be pumped into the nostrils. This option reduces the risk that medication will be transferred to another person through skin contact. Nasal-delivered testosterone must be applied twice in each nostril, three times daily, which might be more inconvenient than other delivery methods.
- Implantable pellets. Testosterone-containing pellets (Testopel) are surgically implanted under the skin every three to six months. This requires an incision.
What does the treatment process typically look like?
First, you’ll receive an intramuscular injection in your glute (your upper buttocks) using a safe and effective testosterone cypionate to aid in the process of hormone restoration.
We’ll continue to closely monitor your health and progress through additional labs and brief weekly visits. Your physician will monitor blood levels closely to ensure the dosage is correct for your needs. If necessary, the dose and frequency of your testosterone injections will be adjusted to get the best results.
What results can you expect from testosterone replacement therapy?
Over time, TRT restores your body’s testosterone levels and most men will begin to experience some symptom relief in as little as one month. Symptoms will continue to improve over time with the proper course of treatment.
For many men, the results of testosterone replacement therapy can be truly life-changing:
- increased energy and stamina;
- restored sex drive;
- the vast improvement of erectile dysfunction (ED);
- increased muscle mass and overall bone density;
- better moods and diminished feelings of depression.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) at Our Clinic
We know your time is valuable. Our easy scheduling options enable you to schedule your weekly visit at the same time each week, or you may drop in any time during business hours when it is most convenient for you.
Get in touch with our team of experts to learn any more details you need.