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An estimated five million adult men in the U.S. have low testosterone.
For these men, Low T is a natural part of aging that weakens libido, decreases mental function, and interferes with the general enjoyment of life.
But there’s some good news: You don’t have to accept Low T. The experts at TUCC deliver safe and effective treatments to boost your body’s testosterone levels so you can enjoy everything life has to offer no matter your age.
At TUCC, we believe it’s important for patients to know the whole story about their condition, including any associated disease states. This ensures a comprehensive approach to treatment.
Learning about Low T is just as crucial as treating it. Let’s start the discussion about Low T right now!
Testosterone is a sex hormone that is most often associated with males. This hormone plays a vital role in men’s health, regulating libido (sex drive), bone mass, hair growth, muscle mass, strength, fat distribution, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. It also helps to maintain and develop an overall sense of well-being.
During puberty, testosterone production goes into overdrive, helping boys develop features such as body and facial hair, a deeper voice, and increased muscle strength. Testosterone is also necessary in the production of sperm, which is why it’s often associated with a man’s sex drive.
Low Testosterone (male hypogonadism) occurs when the testes do not produce enough of the male sex hormone. This typically happens as men age and testosterone production naturally decreases.
It’s as simple as this: Your body doesn’t need as much testosterone as you get older, so it stops producing what would be considered a regular amount. After the age of 30, testosterone gradually drops at a rate of about 1 percent per year.
While Low T is often associated with aging, it could be linked to many other causes and conditions, such as:
Figuring out what’s causing your low testosterone is the best way to plan a course of treatment.
A testosterone test administered by a physician measures the amount of the male hormone in your blood. For this test, blood is drawn from a vein and checked for low levels of a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).
For men, normal measurements are between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. However, a low testosterone number alone isn’t necessarily enough to warrant concern. It all depends on the symptoms present and any abnormalities observed by your doctor during an exam.
Testosterone levels can also vary depending on the time of day. The best time for a testosterone test is between 7 and 10 a.m., when your body’s testosterone levels are at their highest. Afternoon tests often give a false impression of low levels.
A low reading on your testosterone test could include many other symptoms. In fact, doctors consider additional symptoms to gauge what type of treatment —if any—is most appropriate. Potential low testosterone symptoms include:
At TUCC, we believe the best way to treat low testosterone is to deliver a measure of the hormone to your body. This is often achieved with one of two treatment paths:
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be administered in many forms. Most patients will begin their treatment process with transdermal (TD) application routes. Most often, a gel is applied to clean, dry skin every day at the same time, usually after a man gets out of the shower. TRT can also be delivered through creams and skin patches. TD application is easy, well tolerated, and allows for excellent absorption of testosterone and even delivery of the hormone on a daily basis. There are minimal side effects with TRT. Some men will experience mild skin irritation while others may see an increase in their hematocrit (the volume percentage of red blood cells in blood), which will then need to be monitored.
Injection Therapy involves the injection of testosterone on either a bi-monthly or weekly basis. The injections will administer a high concentration of testosterone for the first few days and will decline to a low level after 10-12 days. While this therapy is extremely effective, it requires the patient to learn how to administer injections themselves or with the help of a partner or, alternatively, make frequent office visits.
After implementing a method of treatment, patients should notice improvements to their energy levels, exercise tolerance, libido, and erectile function within the first few weeks of therapy.
Optimal results will be achieved within about 3-6 months. TUCC will request that patients return to the Center for Men’s Health 4-6 weeks after their first dosing to ensure adequate serum levels. Once a good regimen has been established, blood work will be checked periodically.
Signs and symptoms often vary, requiring a physical examination by a doctor. The most common symptoms can include:
If you have any of these signs and symptoms, a simple blood test can determine your testosterone level. This can be done at most laboratories, but it’s best to have your blood drawn at a specialized lab— such as ours at TUCC—that uses advanced testosterone measurement techniques. Your blood should be drawn between 7 and 10 a.m. due to daily variations in testosterone secretion.
As men get older, testosterone levels decline naturally in a gradual and almost imperceptible manner. However, a more significant decline can occur in some men. If low testosterone is impacting your quality of life, you are likely to benefit from testosterone replacement therapy.
Yes! Numerous studies demonstrate that TRT can restore normal levels of testosterone. Benefits include an improved libido, increased muscle and strength, weight loss, improved psychological health, and more.
It’s best to seek treatment from a physician who is trained in testosterone replacement therapy, known more specifically as an andrologist. An andrologist is a board-certified urologist who has additional training in sexual medicine, male infertility, and hypogonadism (low testosterone).
Many of these highly trained physicians call TUCC home. They are here to help you regain your confidence and vastly improve your health through treatments for low testosterone.
We’re here to help.
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