Testosterone is an essential hormone that plays a vital role in men's health and wellbeing. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, leading to a condition known as hypogonadism or low testosterone. Low testosterone affects up to 30% of men over age 50 and can cause concerning symptoms like low energy, reduced muscle mass, weight gain, poor concentration, irritability, low libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, and more. If left untreated, long-term health consequences may occur over time impacting quality of life. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) offers safe and effective treatment to restore testosterone to normal levels, improve symptoms, and support better health.
Many men start experiencing subtle symptoms of declining testosterone in their 30s and 40s. However, low testosterone becomes more apparent in middle age and beyond. Symptoms indicating potential testosterone deficiency include:
If multiple low testosterone signs and symptoms are present, a medical evaluation is recommended. Early detection and starting testosterone therapy can help resolve symptoms and restore wellbeing.
Diagnosing low testosterone involves having a blood test to accurately measure current total testosterone levels along with tracking symptoms.
Reference ranges may vary between labs but normal total testosterone levels generally fall between 300 to 1000 ng/dL for adult men. Results below 300 ng/dL indicate hypogonadism.
When total testosterone is low, measuring free testosterone also provides useful information. Free testosterone is the bioactive form that cells can use.
Doctors may check other related blood markers during testing as well - including luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, prolactin, thyroid hormones (TSH), insulin levels, vitamin D, and PSA (prostate specific antigen).
If blood tests show low total or free testosterone coupled with symptoms, TRT should be considered. An endocrinologist or men’s health specialist can provide expert diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
For men suffering from hypogonadism, research shows testosterone replacement therapy offers multiple health and wellness benefits including:
By replenishing testosterone to youthful levels, TRT alleviates low T symptoms across many aspects of health - physical, sexual, cognitive and emotional. Most men report significantly improved quality of life and wellbeing during treatment.
Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to improve verbal memory and spatial abilities in older men with low testosterone levels. This was an unexpected finding, as testosterone is not thought to play a major role in memory and spatial cognition. The discovery suggests testosterone supplementation may help stave off memory decline in aging.
The goal of testosterone therapy is restoring blood levels into a healthy, mid-normal range by replacing the testosterone body is lacking. This relieves hypogonadism symptoms for sustained benefits. TRT can be administered by injections, gels, pellets, patches or oral preparations.
Intramuscular testosterone injections are considered one of the most effective TRT options providing steady hormone release. Injections like testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate are frequently prescribed for treatment plans. Patients self-administer shots at home once every 1-2 weeks to sustain stable total testosterone levels. When properly managed, injectable testosterone delivers superior treatment outcomes.
Testosterone gels or creams can be topically applied on the upper arms, shoulders or abdomen once daily. These water-based formulas absorb into the skin delivering medication. Topicals provide ease of use but dosage requires adjustment based on absorption which varies. Types include Androgel, Testim, Axiron, Fortesta and others.
Lasting 3-6 months, testosterone pellets are bio-identical hormones compressed into very small rods inserted under the skin. A certified provider performs the quick 10-15 minute implant procedure in-office. The pellets dissolve slowly to release hormones providing stable, long-term testosterone levels. One of the most convenient options, pellets avoid weekly shots or daily gels. Brand names Testopel and Testopel Pellets.
Transdermal testosterone patches like Androderm can effective yet application sites may develop skin reactions. Buccal testosterone tablets absorbed through gums work rapidly but frequent dosing 2-3x daily is required. Oral capsules like testosterone undecanoate work via the liver requiring strict protocols due to side effects. These options tend to be less favored today. Consult a doctor regarding best TRT protocol for your needs.
If blood tests indicate low testosterone, don’t delay further diagnostic evaluation and starting replacement therapy when appropriate. The wide-ranging symptoms of hypogonadism negatively impact quality of life across many measures. Untreated, complications worsen over time.
Research confirms TRT offers significant health enhancements for most men suffering from deficient testosterone levels. The longer men have symptoms prior to diagnosis and receiving treatment plays a role in overall outcomes. Those with a shorter duration of low testosterone symptoms tend to achieve more significant benefits from TRT vs those remaining undiagnosed for longer periods.
Thankfully testosterone deficiency today is a highly treatable condition with excellent management strategies available. But best results require promptly identifying when hormone declines warrant medical attention paired with initiating science-backed testosterone therapy under a doctor’s supervision without long lag times. TRT helps counteract low testosterone's effects, returning men's health back to more youthful functioning.
Men living in the Fairmont region suffering from low testosterone symptoms now have access to comprehensive treatment through Balance Hormone Clinic. As a national leader in quality care for hormone health and aging, our endocrinology experts offer medically-supervised programs for low testosterone and TRT to help patients regain strength, vitality and wellness.
Balance Hormone Clinic focuses exclusively on hormone-related conditions like low testosterone. Our capabilities as a specialty clinic dedicated to TRT and men’s wellness set us apart from general practitioners lacking specific expertise. Key reasons to select our Fairmont office:
Testosterone Assessment
General Health
Additional Screening
Review health history Discuss symptoms Physician physical assessment Evaluate lab results Confirm diagnosis Prescribe customized treatment plan
Injectable testosterone Gels, Creams or Patches Pellets or Oral Capsules
Evaluate progress improving symptoms Adjust dosing seeking peak benefits Manage any potential side effects Ongoing lab testing
Wellness coaching Weight loss support Fitness recommendations
We also verify insurance coverage, arrange appointments fitting your schedule, handle renewals and prior authorizations, refill shipments, provide educational materials plus anything else making your treatment as streamlined as possible.
Partnering together, our aim is restoring your testosterone for renewed energy, health and wellbeing. We look forward to serving your hormone treatment needs. Please call Balance Hormone Clinic in Fairmont or visit online to learn more about starting care.
