Do you have them codified somewhere? Just as the symptoms of testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) can vary widely, the same can be said about the benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy from patient to patient. In both of these states, the body is deprived of full oxygenation on a consistent basis, and that can also increase red blood cell counts. We know what to look for and how to intervene. American Urological Society. The main takeaway here is that testosterone injections are not going to cause you to go bald. Theyre suspended in the liquid component of your blood: Plasma. The symptoms of low testosterone can damage your health and wellbeing in many different ways. Your body metabolizes testosterone into estradiol, a form of estrogen. Dont put it off. . Many men, from around age 35 to 65 or so, live with ED (erectile dysfunction) symptoms along with low libido, weight gain, difficulty building muscle, and increasing fatigue. In other words, it varies. Just like any form of medical therapy, there are potential risks and benefits which must be weighed on an individual basis. Symptoms of hypogonadism in adult males may include: Testosterone replacement therapy is a common treatment option for men with low testosterone levels and symptoms of hypogonadism. That means that we study our craft critically and thoroughly. Ingesting testosterone through your stomach can cause severe liver damage. If testosterone is stimulating an increase in red blood cells, we reduce the stimulus to a level more suitable for your body. The endocrine system is complex and requires individual treatment and adjustments over time to achieve/maintain the right hormonal balance. The first step to finding out if you have low testosterone is to discuss your symptoms with a knowledgeable medical provider. In the afternoon and evening, mens testosterone levels tend to drop, sometimes severely. In astudyinvolving 312 men with hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy did not worsen prostate symptom scores, nor did it negatively impact lower urinary symptoms (such as maximum urinary flow rates). Placing your health at risk with unnecessary medication or the wrong form of treatment can cause even more problems than you began with. The same men who experienced a slight gain in lean muscle mass experienced a more significant reduction in body fat. For the psychosocial effects assessed by the study, anxiety levels, aggression, and sociability all showed significant response at three weeks after the start of therapy. Well, I learned that all of those feelings can be indicative of low testosterone. Can you give me a timeline? The goal of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is to compensate for the failure of your body to produce enough testosterone to function properly, and at a high level. Whether negative or positive, results do something very important: Finally discovering that your testosterone is low (as youve probably been suspecting for a while) can be wonderfully freeing now you know what the problem is. Prosper, TX 75078 You can just as effectively inject into the vastus lateralis (the As treatment continues, it may be necessary to change the dose or type of treatment over time. Some patients initially see those weekly visits to the clinic as an inconvenient disruption to their weekly activities. Yet another casualty of the aging process is bone density. On the other hand, roid rage, which is frequently associated with anabolic steroid abuse (and the supraphysiologic levels that ensue), occurs in the setting of extremely elevated levels of testosterone. The bottom line is that the key to effectively treating low testosterone symptoms rests largely on your ability to talk about them. Furthermore, abnormal estradiol levels have been linked to lower testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction, and a decrease in free testosterone. It stands to reason that youre interested in TRT because you havent been feeling well. Imagine how it feels to communicate with the person. In summary, theres just too much up and down going on to feel comfortable with the safety of this form of Low T medication, which is why we never recommend sublingual testosterone at Testosterone Centers of Texas. This is important. 1. Depressive moods may show improvement after three to six weeks, but the greatest effects are not realized until 18 to 30 weeks of TRT. Your total testosterone score should not be the goal. This is not something seen when TRT is managed responsibly and safely. These are average ranges based on the testing of many individuals. Gynecomastia is enlargement of the male breast tissue, a condition thats commonly referred to as man boobs, an undesirable physical side effect. You need a provider who is reliable, dependable, and able to keep up with your ongoing therapy. A lower sperm count means that a mans chance of impregnating his partner will be lower. It is convenient to use but may cause gum irritation. The following side effects are possible, but occurrences can be significantly reduced (or prevented entirely) through consistent monitoring of your major hormone levels and expert dosing procedures: What is the link between Testosterone Replacement Therapy and high blood pressure? The focus should not be on reaching a predetermined number on a lab test. . All things considered, those side effects associated with Testosterone Replacement Therapy are quite manageable. The goals of treatment are determined by the symptoms youre experiencing. Any significant increase in hemoglobin may be treated by altering how much testosterone you receive. The scoring for all three of these parameters continued to improve over the next 9 weeks, all plateauing around week 12. Activation, by the way, is defined by Britannica Online Encyclopedia as the stimulation of the cerebral cortex into a state of general wakefulness or attention.. If you begin therapy, youre evaluated regularly to ensure youre responding to treatment. Then, unless levels are restored, the free testosterone in your bloodstream will be further metabolized (eventually into inactive metabolites), and your symptoms will return. Does This Clinic Follow Specific Ethical Standards? When you receive a dose of supplemental testosterone, your body absorbs, metabolizes, and utilizes the hormone, and this causes levels to fluctuate. Making numbers look better is one thing carefully balancing hormonal shifts and the potential side effects is where the art of medicine becomes crucial. Perform this exercise with 10 repetitions, at least 3 times a day. Sublingual Low T medication is held under the tongue or between the gums and cheek so it can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes that line your mouth. Dont be afraid to ask hard questions. Andrology. By the time most men begin investigating Testosterone Replacement Therapy, its usually quite clear whether or not male pattern baldness has begun. Research related to the connection between TRT and heart health has increased lately. But thats just the beginning. This is typically short-term and can be treated as necessary. It is important to note that testosterone, in and of itself, is not a causative factor in the development of prostate cancer. In the study mentioned in the section above, sexual function was evaluated by tracking: For the three measurements of sexual function, men reported positive changes for all at their 3-week evaluation. In fact, it seems returning testosterone levels to normal may be good for your heart. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Another study found that one of the benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy was increased muscle mass. Because I scheduled my appointment before 10am, I had my levels checked. Jia H, Sullivan CT, McCoy SC, Yarrow JF, Morrow M, Borst SE. That means that we study, we are up to date on the latest research in our field, and we continually seek to deepen our expertise in order to provide the highest standard of care. An increase in solid blood cells suspended in the same amount of liquid plasma leads to thickening or increased viscosity of your blood a condition called erythrocytosis or polycythemia. WebHow to Give Yourself a Testosterone IM Injection - 3 - Step 3: Preparing the injection dose . Those treatments dont address low testosterone levels. Baldness and testosterone have been associated with each other for literally thousands of years. I feel up, when before TRT I might have felt flat. Even within the normal range, men with the lowest testosterone levels tend to have the highest cholesterol levels. Tune out your physical senses. Try playing white noise through headphones and wearing blackout goggles. Shifting attention away from your physical perceptions might allow you to focus more deeply on sending the telepathic message. You and the receiver should both try tuning out your senses. By Sherry Christiansen Therapy isnt a simple matter of increasing or reducing a single hormone. If you value your liver (and your life), OTC testosterone supplements are something to stay away from. In fact, its not even clear that a baseline for prostate-specific antigens even exists. If you and your partner are hoping to expand your family in the near future, it may be necessary to look at other possible avenues of Low T treatment that will maintain sperm production. The locker room at the local gym is unlikely to be monitored by a qualified medical professional. 2023 Testosterone Centers of Texas. During deep sleep, the body and brain work together to heal damage at the cellular level, so interrupted sleep or poor-quality sleep can contribute to various health problems over long periods of time. Your body is supposed to create its own testosterone. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that TRT may initially worsen. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research. For instance, men who are dealing with a loss of interest in sexual activity will typically claim to notice an increase in their drive within three weeks, and often find a return to their full level of activity after six weeks. Next, youll go to your appointment. The benefits of TRT often reach beyond just boosting energy and sex drive. There are other things that more commonly cause elevated PSA levels, such as infection, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and inflammation. Just as with any other medical treatment, there are possible side effects associated with Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Your provider should test your blood repeatedly (anywhere between once a month to once a quarter), and they should also know about other types of hormone replacement therapy and be willing and able to manage your other hormones as necessary. Unfortunately, there just isnt a lot of data out there that can point to a clear cause. There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to hormone therapy. Had these men not initiated TRT and not underwent regular testing of their PSA level, these cancers may have gone undetected for years. Many experts feel that polycythemia (a condition where red blood cells are elevated) is a common side effect of TRT. Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency (2018). However, only your doctor can prescribe testosterone replacement therapy. Something was missing. What Methods Do You Use to Administer Supplemental Testosterone? By and large, Testosterone Replacement Therapy should only be initiated on the right candidates. Its simple, its free, and it helps others, so its truly a win/win situation. For men with a personal history of prostate cancer, treatment for Low T is considered contraindicated according to most sources. If your father went bald, then you are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from baldness yourself compared to someone whose father kept his hair. When you receive Testosterone Replacement Therapy here at TCT, we start off your treatment by checking various markers in your blood. Unlike many other medical practices, we respect your time and dont leave you in the waiting room wondering when youll be next all of this sets us apart. This higher viscosity blood exerts more pressure on the cardiovascular system. The largest study of its kind to date finds no evidence that testosterone reduces We put your safety above everything, beginning with the initiation of treatment and continuing as long as necessary. I really appreciated this part of the process because I knew they werent trying to trick me with some phony results these guys are professionals, and they wanted to give me a legitimate diagnosis, not fill their pockets at my expense. The pituitary gland then produces less FSH and LH, which signals the testes to slow both testosterone and sperm production simultaneously. And a simple, almost stupid Testosterone Telepathy technique you can use on ANY man to make him worship you like his personal queen (even if he barely pays attention to you, or says he doesnt want to commit now) . Lets pretend, for the sake of the argument, that OTC testosterone supplements work (they dont) and that they are safe (theyre not theyre actually very dangerous for your liver). Some side effects seen with TRT are the direct result of the use of exogenous testosterone (testosterone not made naturally in the body). Simply put, your brain senses sufficient levels of testosterone, so it slows down natural testosterone production. However, to ensure the safety of our patients, we extensively test everyone who comes in to make sure injections are right for them. If you know somethings wrong and still havent taken action yet, do it. We use a test called a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Velocity test. Several studies seem to indicate that normal levels of testosterone may actually have a protective effect on the heart. Inhale and exhale slowly by counting to five and repeat till you feel good. That aside, because PSA is essentially a tumor marker for prostate cancer, patients with a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and those with an elevated PSA level should proceed with caution and be monitored closely. However, studies purporting that TRT causes this risky condition fail to answer some very obvious questions: Were any preventative measures were taken? We use metrics established by the Endocrine Society to determine if your testosterone levels indicate the presence of hypogonadism (Low T). Blood donation (phlebotomy) is solution for men with elevated hematocrit while taking TRT. If you increase the solid portion, but dont increase the liquid portion (plasma), the solution becomes thicker. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate Low T, a blood test is the primary tool for reaching a clinical diagnosis. Something went wrong. Were going to address the most pressing questions our patients ask right up front. Testosterone Replacement Therapy can be quite complex, and it therefore requires direct oversight by a trained medical care provider. Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the testicles do not produce enough testosterone, do not produce sperm or both. Lets start off with a question that you and your spouse or partner should answer together before beginning TRT: Is fertility important to you, and are you planning to have children in the near future? If you have clinically diagnosed hypogonadism (Low T), you should expect improvements in your symptoms as hormone levels normalize and become more consistent. In some instances, the benefits of TRT may outweigh the risks. WebWhile there are some differences of opinion, the generally accepted normal range of total testosterone for men should be 300-1000 ng/dl. A final problem with pellets is that some insurance carriers will not cover them unless an individual has failed two other forms of treatment (and note that this only applies to the FDA-approved form of testosterone pellets, Testopel BioTE pellets are not FDA approved and will not be covered by insurance). You can read more about some of the research into this subject here. At this point, apply pressure on the area between the anus and scrotum. Adding testosterone can increase the effectiveness of these drugs when low testosterone contributes to the problem. Further, pellets can extrude, and as with any procedure there is inconvenience and small risk of infection. Additionally, it is this same process that is responsible for the potential reduction in size and/or change in firmness of the testicles. Furthermore, not all patients absorb this medication well. The unfortunate truth is this: The cause of prostate cancer is largely unknown, and, because were discussing cancer, theres a lot of fear associated with the problem. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It sounded great! However, this hormone therapy isn't for everyone. This should reduce erythrocytosis. Ask your provider: What kind of side effects are possible from my treatment? The second step is finding the correct testosterone dosage. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. This can present difficulties for men who are considering therapy. Testosterone should never be used this way. I turn thirty-eight in a week, so Im in the younger category of people receiving TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy), but even so, I probably could have started a few years sooner. Does this mean you can get back into the kind of shape you were in throughout high school? That means excess testosterone can become excess estrogen, which can cause or contribute to a hormonal imbalance, in turn leading to enlarged breast tissue. It can also be given to replace testosterone levels that have fallen as a result of an orchiectomy (removal of one or both testicles). However, we should still be careful and keep a close eye on your PSA numbers if you have other risk factors. Therefore, it is no surprise that increased energy and a boost in sexual desire top the list of benefits. The result is fragmented sleep. Low testosterone is a fairly common problem, especially in men over 30. In fact, we check them so regularly that we can find evidence of an abnormality much sooner than it otherwise may have been detected. The most important reason we dont recommend topicals first: Some men receive little or no benefit from topical methods of delivering supplemental testosterone. Any significant elevation of PSA levels indicates the need for a thorough examination to determine the cause. By restoring testosterone levels to normal through TRT, the need for pain management medications may decrease. Essentially, this means that the associated difficulty with urination that results from prostatic enlargement is no more likely to occur in men being treated with testosterone. There are many positive benefits of TRT that may enhance the overall quality of life for those with low testosterone levels. The same study above (click here to check it out) also found that testosterone injections benefit not just your muscles, but also your body fat levelsby decreasing them. We have seen a handful of these cases clinically. All Rights Reserved. 469.213.7996, 9986 Grapevine Highway, The First Visit To a Testosterone Replacement Therapy Clinic, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) How We Know Its Right for You, The Low T Blood Test Normal Testosterone Levels, Why Being Sure of the Low T Diagnosis Matters, Your Test Results Could Be Wrong Make Sure You Get a Second Opinion, Effects of TRT on Psychosocial Parameters, The Testosterone Replacement Therapy Timeline Conclusions, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Available Treatment Methods, Injections The Most Reliable Low T Medication Choice, The Advantages of Testosterone Injections, The Disadvantages of Testosterone Cypionate, A Testosterone Cypionate Injection Schedule Is the Best Therapy for Low Testosterone, Topicals, Sublingual Testosterone, Pellets, and Why We Avoid Them, A Few Words About Bioidentical Hormones and Pellets, Bioidentical Hormones Are Custom-Engineered and Mixed for You TRUE, But, Avoid Boosters, Testosterone Pills, and Over-The-Counter Testosterone Enhancers, Because Youre Not Seeing a Medical Provider, Any Side Effects You Experience From Testosterone Boosters May Go Unnoticed, OTC Testosterone Pills and Supplements Dont Work, Prescription Testosterone Pills Are Flat-Out Dangerous, Benefits of Treatment Goals of Treatment, Four Physical Health Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy, Three Sexual Performance Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy, Three Mental Health Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy. There is a long argument about why this test is supposedly better, but the bottom line is that hormone levels in your saliva may not accurately reflect what is going on inside your body the test which determines the ingredients is inferior and may be wrong from the start. To put that another way, a blood test confirming your suspicions about low testosterone levels can free you from the stress of uncertainty. Flower Mound,TX75077 Spiritual commitment is doing The attending physician observes the changes the patient undergoes and rarely fails to be fascinated by the multitude of functions testosterone appears to have in [the] process of masculinization in the broadest sense.. Detection of a potential problem before it becomes a health concern is the first step to preventing any negative side effects. 888.828.4300info@tctmed.com, Have any questions? TRT uses the lowest effective dose to alleviate symptoms, which generally puts you consistently in the mid-normal range. How important is it to you that we work to eliminate my symptoms? The goals of treatment are determined by the symptoms youre experiencing. The answer to that question will vary for each Low T clinic, just like any other business. That first treatment was fast, but more importantly: Thats the most surprising part about TRT for me. A very nice person with great manners and a pleasant disposition will call you on the number youve given and schedule an appointment. Even if a particular supplement worked and wasnt directly dangerous, you wouldnt know what they were actually boosting your testosterone levels up to or with because your levels arent being accurately monitored. This is as much an interview (you interviewing the provider and the Testosterone Replacement Therapy clinic) as it is an informational discussion to confirm that the person sitting across you has your best interest in mind. Cautions about a connection between TRT and OSA appear frequently, but the scientific literature and research findings are inconsistent and methodologically flawed, which suggests that the connection is actually a weak one. The hypothalamus doesnt really concern itself with whether the testosterone in your system came from a TRT injection or was produced naturally. At TCT, we recommend testosterone injections over all other forms of Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Quite simply, this is why you should always receive Testosterone Replacement Therapy (or any other hormone therapy) from expert medical providers specializing in hormone treatment. Do it for you, do it for your wife, your kids, your job, whatever but do it. Testosterone exposure may not reduce men's cognitive empathy, a new study finds. When treating Low T, blood tests play a number of important roles throughout the entire Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) process. The problem with these other pills is that they just dont work. Its really that easy. 817.918.4763, 4150 Justin Rd. In these circumstances, many men feel their manhood has been seriously threatened or tarnished, but Testosterone Replacement Therapy often achieves an increased sexual arousal and a restored sex drive after only a few weeks. Its more like the change between different climates as you drive across a country. You wont be turning into a giant with TRT injections, but you might retain some extra water. Osterberg EC, Bernie AM, Ramasamy R. Risks of testosterone replacement therapy in men. Yes, guys, you have estrogen. This isnt optimal. A primary reason is due to the many side effects of long-term testosterone replacement therapy, including a controversial increased risk ofheart disease. So ask you provider: How will you monitor my progress? While the testosterone used in both standard prescription medications and compounded creams, gels, and pellets is more biomimetic (behaving like its natural counterpart) than bioidentical, the brain does identify and react to this testosterone the same way it would if you were producing the testosterone naturally. In fact, the number of men who meet the criteria for chronic low testosterone has increased in recent years, particularly among men in their 50s (12%) and 60s (19%). ----- It worked! Suite D Suite 190 If you report side effects, we adjust. To quickly recap, the first objective of TRT is to raise testosterone levels into a normal range, but the overall goal is to improve the symptoms associated with that proven deficiency and to keep those levels there. Theres a giant flaw in this thinking, pointed out in this article by the Mayo Clinic: The doses are often based on saliva tests. Take the cap off the vial. However, many more studies have not demonstrated this cardiac risk. What other improvements can I expect? Any quality provider is going to be ready, willing, and able to discuss the details of your therapy in depth, and as a patient, you have a right to get all the information you want before you begin your treatment. This increase is not changed by aspirin, coumadin, or other blood thinners. In simple terms, excess red blood cells are removed in order to reduce viscosity and relieve potential exertion. Please check your entries and try again. In other words, if youre under the care of a medical provider who specializes in hormone replacement therapy, youre unlikely to experience gynecomastia (or any other side effect). Its sometimes easy to misdiagnose yourself under these conditions. Regardless of whether you do or do not have clinically low testosterone, a blood test can clear up confusion and set you on the right path toward getting the most suitable treatment, one that addresses the root causes of your symptoms. Especially with injections, response to therapy has nothing to do with waiting for your testosterone levels to come up.. What youre doing is a proactive step toward maintaining your health and being the best you that you can be! The study on 76 older men (which you can read more about here) found a small increase to lean muscle mass for men on Testosterone Replacement Therapy compared to the control group. Youll be welcomed by another nice person with great manners and a pleasant disposition as you walk in the door, and then youll be taken to meet with the medical provider. How will you determine if Im a good candidate for treatment? There are three major benefits that can result from Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Losing the ability to achieve an erection and physically perform in the bedroom is a particularly distressing symptom that can occur in men suffering from low testosterone. This style of treatment allows patients to stay above borderline low levels, which often are still associated with unwanted symptoms, while keeping you out of the borderline high range that increases your risk of side effects. Many people still believe that baldness and testosterone go hand-in-hand because it is rare for women to lose their hair. Seriously, its an easy process thats made easier still by pleasant professionals who know what theyre doing and will make sure youre informed and comfortable. Feel these emotions as if Dont be afraid to get a second opinion. Youll want to find out the same from any Low T clinic you approach for treatment. It will help develop muscle control. Studies have shown that sperm count often returns to normal several months after stopping Testosterone Replacement Therapy. You would have to constantly test your own testosterone levels, which is a practice fraught with its own issues. If a man with low testosterone is interested in future fertility, he should seek counseling with a urologist focusing on male reproduction for alternative options. When I say that TRT, or Low T treatment, is more complex than it may seem, understand that we have done our homework. However if its assessment is overlooked, as is far too often the case, it can lead to potentially serious problems. Look, I spent eight years in the Marines and have experienced some pretty horrific blood-draws by some pretty inexperienced hands this was NOT one of those. The hormone hCG mimics LH in the body without suppressing the levels of GnRH or FSH and therefore may actually have a positive effect on fertility. Its not enough to just have a couple of mild symptoms.
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