Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Right for Me?

Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Right for Me

Testosterone Replacement Therapy can be an option for men who need to recover from side effects related to decreased Testosterone or “Low T.”

Also termed “Hypogonadism,” this deficiency is more common than you think. There is a lot to know about Testosterone, how it is made, why we need it, and what can go wrong when it isn’t at its prime production level. We are talking about it all here, so stay tuned.

What Is Testosterone?

You have heard the name before, you probably learned about it in your teenage years: Testosterone. The male hormone that makes you tough, right? Well, it is a lot more than just that. Testosterone is a hormone that all men (and women) have. It belongs to a group of steroids called Androgens, which are responsible for growth effects in men and women. It is responsible for puberty, a deepening voice, growth and development of penis and testes, bone growth, sexual labido, hair growth, and muscle growth.

Where Is It Made?

For men, Leydig Cells in the testes make Testosterone. Like other systems in the human body, Testosterone is regulated by a feedback loop. What does this mean? It means that if the body senses that there is too much, the brain will send out a signal to shut down production or convert the extra to something else that the body is in need of. This also means that if you are healthy with normal Testosterone levels and also get Testosterone Replacement Therapy, your body will stop producing it on its own.

For women, Testosterone is manufactured in the ovaries and adrenal gland. Since the ovaries are such a huge factor in making Testosterone for women, often, menopause can cause a decrease in this hormone with age as it does with men as they age

Why Do I Need Testosterone?

Individuals who lack proper Testosterone levels can develop a myriad of problems later in life. For teenage boys, if they do not have adequate Testosterone, major developmental milestones are not fully reached. Individuals who produce too much can also have problems as well. Testosterone aids in a slew of processes in the human body and is crucial to our survival. For both males and females, Testosterone is a very important hormone in the body and is needed indefinitely.

What Is Considered a Normal Range of Testosterone?

When you look at normal numbers or ranges for testosterone, they differ between men and women. For men, these numbers can range between 230-1000 ng/dl. Testosterone levels can increase during puberty and usually stop climbing in your twenties. Once you are over the age of 30, your Testosterone levels can start to decline.

What Happens When Testosterone Is Too Low?

If men are experiencing low T, they may be showing some symptoms. These symptoms can look like irritablility, decrease in muscle mass, loss of hair, decrease in sex drive, hot flashes, weak bones, poor concentration, and small testicles or decreased sperm count. As you can imagine, even one of these side effects can cause a heap of trouble all on its own. It’s important to notice any changes and talk to a doctor about our findings. Being proactive about your health and any issues that arise will help you get answers sooner and get you feeling better quicker. It is also important to note that you can have insufficient levels of Testosterone and not show heavy symptoms or any symptoms at all.

What Can Cause Low Testosterone?

There are a few factors that can cause Low T, and they are as follows. Consuming a very minimal amount of calories consistently, consuming a very large amount of calories consistently, drug use, over training, injury, decreased or little sexual activity, stress, aging, depression, obesity, chronic illness, infection, age, and not getting in enough sleep. Aside from these topics, certain foods can also cause Low T.  Soy food and soy-based products can lead to a drop in Testosterone. These foods include tofu, miso, and soy milk. Another food group that can have this effect is Mint. Other consumables include Licorice Root, vegetable il, Flax Seed, alcohol and nuts. If you are a frequent consumer of processed foods, these can also have a decreasing effect on this hormone. Pre-packaged snacks, frozen meals, and other food items should be avoided if you are trying to repair your Testosterone Levels.

What Happens When Testosterone Levels Are Too High?

It is possible to have your Testosterone levels be too high.This is not a common occurrence to happen naturally and can also cause some problems in your daily life. A common reason an individual might have high Testosterone levels is that they are on anabolic steroids for performance enhancing reasons. Bodybuilders and athletes use these to boost athletic performance and increase muscle growth and mass. Taking high doses of Testosterone can have negative side effects for these athletes. They might experience oily or acne filled skin, hair growth or hair loss, mood swings, deepening voice in women, or other masculine features, shrinking of testicles, growth of breast tissue in males, connective tissue damage, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and or heart problems.

Another reason for high T levels (and also less common) is that men might experience a tumor or mass in the testes or adrenal glands. Some signs you might be experiencing high T are: acne, increased appetite, infertility, low sperm count, high blood pressure, liver problems, heart problems, mood swings, difficulty urinating and prostate enlargement, or prostate shrinking or impotence.

What Can I Do If I Have Low Testosterone?

Having low Testosterone is not a life sentence. There are treatments and modalities today that can help to lessen the symptoms and reduce the impact on daily life drastically. You can take an inventory of your self care. Think about what you feed your body, your sleeping habits, your water intake, your sexual activity, and how much you exercise. All of these are factors that can have an effect on your Testosterone levels. Certain foods can aid in healthy Testosterone production. Tuna is one of them. It is easy to make even as a healthier option. You can find pre-made tuna packets at the grocery store that are a variety of flavors such as habanero, garlic, and or lemon pepper, just to name a few. Pair these on some crackers or eat right out of the bag. Salmon or Sardines are also an option if you are not accustomed to the taste of tuna. Egg yolks are next in line and like tuna, are rich in vitamin D. Egg yolks can be eaten for breakfast in scrambled eggs or omelets as an easy start. Zinc has also been shown to help with Testosterone levels. For this reason, seafood like shellfish and Oysters are a great option to keep in your diet.

If you think you might be experiencing low testosterone and want to know if Testosterone Replacement Therapy is right for you, take this free questionnaire. It is a short survey and can be submitted here. The following are what the questions are like. They can be answered in a yes or no format.

  1. I have a reduced desire for sex that is not ok with me.
  2. I have Erectile Dysfunction.
  3. I have a lack of drive and motivation that affects my productivity.
  4. I lack energy and am always tired.
  5. Life is less enjoyable than it used to be.
  6. Fun activities are less fun, or take too much effort.
  7. I often feel irritable and grumpy.
  8. I have noticed a loss of tone in my muscles.
  9. Weight seems to settle stubbornly in certain areas of my body, and remains there despite weight loss.
  10. My workout results do not match my efforts.

After submitting your free questionnaire, one of our friendly staff members will contact you with information on therapy options if needed.

In certain cases, having low Testosterone is not a bad thing to experience. These cases would be for those individuals who have had or are currently experiencing prostate cancer.

What Can I Do To Keep A Healthy Testosterone Level?

Leading a healthy lifestyle is a great place to start in keeping your body at a healthy level of Testosterone. Think about what you eat in a day. Is it mostly packaged and items that are quick to grab and go? Are you consuming more sugary drinks and candy than you are foods that enrich and energize your body? Engaging in a regular and consistent exercise program will also aid you in keeping healthy Testosterone levels. Exercise can create a short term release of Testosterone which can trigger muscle growth. The more intensity you have and the harder you train, the more Testosterone you get. Endurance exercise can cause the opposite effect for this hormone and can actually cause a decrease in levels. Some other things you can do would include: getting proper amounts of sleep, avoiding drugs or unnecessary medications, manage stress and anxiety, eat enough calories, get in adequate micronutrients and macro nutrients, and have regular safe sexual activity.

Are There Treatment Options for Low Testosterone?

If you have this condition, there are a few things you can do to help. Aside from adjusting your diet, sleeping habits, and exercise schedule, talking to your doctor can be a great next step. You will be asked if you can make an appointment for a physical to be performed along with some lab work. You will also be asked a series of questions about your sexual relationships, and lifestyle, as well as your symptoms and what you are experiencing. If you find out that you could use some beneficial therapy, there are a few pathways to choose from. There are injections, pills, patches, gels and creams—any of these can help increase Testosterone.

Injections— Once you meet with your specialist, you can decide on a series of injections. The first one or two are usually done in office, and then you have the option to make an appointment to come in for the rest, or pick them up and do them in the comfort of your own home. After the injections, Testosterone levels can hit a high and then gradually decline to a low over time. This can cause some mood swings and irritability between shots and should be noted.

Patches— If you choose the patches, you apply a new skin patch every 24 hours. They release small doses of the hormone into your skin.

Gels— The topical gels are used daily. Every day you apply the prescription gel to your shoulders, arms, or thighs. Since this is a medical grade gel, the importance of proper hand washing after application is stressed to prevent others from coming into contact with the gel.

Medication— Capsules can be swallowed that release Testosterone into the bloodstream daily.

Pellets—  Small pellet like implants are placed under the skin. They are put around the hips or buttocks area of your body and release Testosterone slowly. These are replaced every 3 to 6 months.

Visit Genesys Men’s Health for Your Testosterone Replacement Therapy Needs

You do not have to be a man over 40 for us to help you with your issues or concerns with Low Testosterone Levels and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). We help clients young and old who are experiencing some trouble and are looking for answers. We offer an up to date and aggressive approach to TRT for all ages. At Genesys Men’s Health, we pride ourselves in taking care of each client personally and uniquely to find out the best possible route of action to help them get back to feeling their normal self.

Take our free online assessment here to see if you have TRT needs. We also offer the option to book a free hormone evaluation on our website at www.Genesysmenshealth.com. Our office is located in Sandy, Utah. Come by and meet our friendly staff and schedule an appointment. You can also call us at (801)-671-7456. Contact us today!

Testosterone Information: What It is and How Does It Affect Men?

Testosterone Information: What It is and How Does It Affect Men?Testosterone Information: What It is and How Does It Affect Men?

Treatment for low testosterone can be Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Your doctor will prescribe you a topical gel to apply to your penis daily that will start to relieve the symptoms of low testosterone. The other treatment option you have to choose from is an injection. This will be done in office first, and then you will be given the opportunity to do your own injections in the comfort of your own home.

Are There Any Side Effects to Testosterone Therapy?

The negative side effects can increase if you are treating an age related drop in testosterone. Our body naturally declines in testosterone production as we age and there is less reason to treat a deficiency if it is from normal causes as opposed to a medical issue in your youth. If it is still a concern with age, you can try natural ways to boost your testosterone levels, such as diet and exercise.

Visit Genesys Men’s Health for Your Testosterone Replacement Therapy Needs

Here at Genesys Men’s Health, we offer an up to date and aggressive apTestosterone information may be confusing to interpret at first because of all of the clinical terms you may encounter. 

There is so much information out there, and it is hard to separate truth from error and find what you are looking for. We are discussing everything about Testosterone levels in men, and how it can affect you in your day to day life. From where it is made to how to check your testosterone levels, you can find it all here.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. Termed an “Androgen, ”it is included in a group of steroids that have a growth effect. Testosterone is the most important Androgen in Males. Contrary to popular belief, Testosterone plays many different roles in the male body and each is important. You might only associate Testosterone with puberty and male sex organs or being masculine. But this hormone affects more than that. When your body isn’t producing enough Testosterone, you will notice some different symptoms that may indicate a deficiency. This can start anywhere from a low sex drive to the increase in production of breast tissue in males.

Why Do I Need Testosterone?

Testosterone is needed in the male body to develop the penis and testicles, for developing muscles, bone growth, sex drive, develop sperm, puberty aspects such as facial hair, pubic hair, growth spurts, and a deepening voice. It also affects mood ranges and aids in keeping a uniform or normal mood. Not developing healthy levels of Testosterone in the pubescent years can alter the levels of Testosterone and development later in life.

Where is Testosterone Made in Men?

You can count on testosterone to be made in the male testes. Leydig cells in the testes synthesize testosterone. It can also be produced in adrenal glands. To secrete testosterone, the Hypothalamus releases GNRH or Gonadotropin, releasing hormones in groups. This in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to make LH or Luteinizing Hormone. LH, then converts Cholesterol to make testosterone. This is all a part of the negative feedback loop that creates testosterone.

When Do Testosterone Levels Start to Decrease with Age?

Your testosterone levels will get to their all time high when you are in your teens to early 20s. You are young, have a lot of energy, and are exploring your life. After you reach your 30s your testosterone levels can gradually decline around 1% per year. With that said, normal aging will most likely bring about decline in Testosterone levels. If you are younger and experience symptoms of low testosterone, it is best to talk to your doctor to find out if there is a medical condition causing it, since the natural cause of age is not a factor here.

Can I Have too Much Testosterone?

The short answer to this question involving testosterone information is yes, men can have too much testosterone in their bodies. Although it is important to consider that having too much testosterone is far less common than having too little. Symptoms of having too much testosterone in your body are as follows: increased risk of heart attack and damage to heart muscle, acne, difficulty urinating, liver disease, high cholesterol, weight gain, increased risk of blood clots, headaches, retaining fluid, inability to sleep, irritability, impaired judgement, mood swings, aggressive mood, muscle mass growth, and prostate enlargement. Most of the time, individuals who have an excess of testosterone and are experiencing trouble are athletes who, in search of better performance, have chosen to take steroids or other testosterone enhancing drugs. 

Can I Have too Little Testosterone?

Men can produce lower levels of testosterone in their bodies than they actually need to thrive. This can happen more gradually and naturally as opposed to an excess of too much testosterone which would most likely be from taking steroids or additional testosterone to boost sports performances. Some symptoms or signs of low testosterone are: small testicles, low sex drive, low sperm count, infertility, decreased muscle mass, lack of deepening voice, Erectile Dysfunction, weak bones, increased breast tissue, hot flashes, less or lack of body hair. Most of these symptoms mentioned are not a result in a normal decline of testosterone, especially if you are part of the younger generation.

How is Testosterone Circulated?

The body is a smart machine. If it senses that there is already too much testosterone being regulated, it will stop producing it on its own or use it to make something else. This is also why it is important to get Testosterone Therapy when you really need additional help, and not seek it out for opposite reasons. Regulation of testosterone starts in the Hypothalamus and is also regulated by the Pituitary Gland in the negative feedback loop with the end result of testosterone production.

What is a Typical Testosterone Level for Males?

This range for men can run from 230-1200ng/dl. This can be broken down further by age category as follows. If you are a male between the ages of 17 and 18, the normal or typical range of testosterone in your body would be around 300-1200 ng/dl. From 19 years old and up, these ranges can vary between 240-959 ng/dl.

When is Low Testosterone not a Concern?

If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, and have a medical condition such as prostate cancer, it is best to not try to boost your testosterone levels. It is possible for Testosterone to stimulate tumors or cancer to grow. For this reason, medications that lower Testosterone will be prescribed to prevent further growth of cancer.

Do Females Need Testosterone?

Even though women do not need testosterone for lower voices or other development of male anatomy, Testosterone plays an important role in their bodies as well. It is produced in the ovaries, and similar to men, also made in the Adrenal Glands. Testosterone also contributes to sex drive in women, and plays an important role in secreting hormones for the menstrual cycle. If women have too little Testosterone produced in their bodies, they can experience depression, infertility, lack of menstrual cycles, problems sleeping, memory issues and inability to concentrate. If they produce too much Testosterone, the effects are development of facial hair, masculine voice, and manly body image, as well as male pattern baldness.

How Important is Diet with Low Testosterone?

Taking care of your body with food is one of the best things you can do for yourself from day one. Everyone should make eating healthier foods a priority. The effects that a good diet of a variety of nutrient rich foods has for your body is insurmountable. Eating severely low calories can have a loss effect with your levels of testosterone. With that said, when trying to determine if you have low testosterone, there are some foods that have been shown to have a higher influence on the production of testosterone. Check with your doctor before trying foods affecting testosterone. Foods that contain a higher amount of Zinc & B vitamins are in this category. These include Eggs, Beans, Oysters, Avocados, Red Meat, & Bananas. 

Does Exercise Affect Testosterone Levels?

In short, exercise does affect testosterone levels, and here is why. When we think about what we know about testosterone, one of the main responsibilities of testosterone is muscle growth. The level of Androgen exposure you have as an adolescent may determine how our muscles grow and develop when we are in the adult stages of life. When you exercise, you do experience an increase in testosterone release for a small period of time. Now, the type of exercise and the duration and intensity have an affect on this. In terms of metabolic conditioning exercises or resistance training you get more testosterone production. Exercises that fall under the endurance category have been shown to have a suppressive effect on testosterone. The best thing you can do for your body and testosterone levels for exercise is to participate in intense exercise workouts consistently.

What Can Cause Low Testosterone Levels?

If you are experiencing lower testosterone levels, there are lifestyle changes you can analyze to see if they are affecting you. In today’s society, working full time, having a family, and a social life and or hobbies, can leave self care at the bottom of the list. Boosting your self care can greatly affect how you feel and your testosterone levels. Several factors could be relatable when it comes to a drop in Testosterone. You might be experiencing depression, be under extreme amounts of stress or have anxiety, be obese, not be conusming enough fat in your diet, eating too much or too little calories, not be sexually active, over train, partake in drug use, be medically ill, or be getting little to no sleep. All of these things can greatly affect how your body produces Testosterone.

How Can I Get My Testosterone Levels Checked?

If you want to have your Testosterone levels checked out, you can talk to your primary care doctor and they can refer you to a specialist and direct you what to do next. You will need to have your blood work done to find out what your current levels are and if they are in normal ranges for your age. If they are not, you will be presented with treatment options that will allow you to start on the path to healing. The prime time to get your blood work done is in the morning when your testosterone levels in the blood are the highest.

How Often Should I Get My Testosterone Levels Checked?

If you are in the younger years of your life and experiencing some issues you think might be related to low testosterone, it is best to meet with your doctor to get checked out. This could look like Erectile Dysfunction, small testicles, low sperm count, infertility, low sex drive, hot flashes, weakness, and/or development of breast tissue. The first step is talking to your doctor about what the causes may be and finding you treatment. If you are in the older years of your life and are experiencing changes in testosterone that are natural with age, it is not as imperative that you get tested.

What Are Some Available Treatment Options for Low Testosterone?

After you confirm you have low testosterone levels, you and your doctor wiproach to Testosterone Therapy for men. When it comes to Testosterone Information, we consider ourselves experts and are eager to share our knowledge with you. We offer a variety of treatment options for Low Testosterone. We know that everyone is unique and their treatment will be unique also. You can expect to regain mental clarity, energy, emotional stability, sex drive, physical stamina and endurance, as well as improved muscle strength. Take our free quiz online to find out if you have low testosterone and to get your free hormone evaluation. You can find our office located in Sandy, Utah, or reach us by phone at (801)- 671-7456. Contact us today!

Utah Men's Health Specialists
Genesys Men's Health Institute

7535 Union Park Ave (3rd Floor), Sandy/Midvale, Utah 84047

Phone: (844) CURE4ED