Testosterone Treatment Q & A
—What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the male sex hormone produced in your testicles. During puberty, testosterone contributes to the development of masculine features such as body and facial hair, a deep voice, and muscle mass. As you get older, testosterone helps keep your muscles and bones strong and contributes to your sex drive.
—What Is Low Testosterone?
As men get older, their hormone production decreases similar to women's estrogen loss during menopause. However, low testosterone isn't as widely understood, so men often mistakenly assume their low libido or weight gain as simply an inevitable part of getting older. Low testosterone is also caused by testicular cancer or other injuries to the testicles, chronic liver or kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Low testosterone causes symptoms that may include:
- Decreased Interest in Sex
- Fatigue
- Depression and Mood Irregularities
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- Muscles Mass Loss
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Weight Gain
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Men experience low testosterone, sometimes referred to as andropause, to varying degrees. You may have severe symptoms that disrupt your life, or you might feel a little "off" or tired.
—What Is Testosterone Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most common and consistently effective treatments for low testosterone. Testosterone is usually delivered in a pellet that's injected into your upper buttock, where it slowly releases hormones into your body. You can also have testosterone injections or use topical testosterone gels. Before beginning testosterone therapy, we provide a comprehensive consultation and perform blood tests. These assessments check your hormone levels and screen for other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
Your doctor monitors your health closely throughout your therapy. They need to make sure the treatment is resolving your symptoms and improving your health and well-being, while also keeping an eye out for side effects. You'll have frequent blood tests so your doctor can monitor your testosterone levels.
—What Are The Benefits Of Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy can restore your testosterone balance and resolve many of the troubling symptoms associated with low testosterone levels. As your energy levels and libido returns to your normal levels, you feel more energized and are more likely to continue with healthy lifestyle changes to support improved health and well-being.
