Testosterone is a crucial hormone that regulates various processes in the male body and brain. When levels decline due to aging or other factors, it can significantly impact quality of life.
Symptoms of low testosterone or hypogonadism include:
If experiencing several of these, a blood test is recommended to check hormone levels.
Reasons for declining testosterone include:
If left untreated, hypogonadism poses risks like:
Thankfully, there are safe and effective treatment options available.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can produce life-changing improvements:
With treatment, these benefits continue building over the first year of therapy and are sustained long-term with continued TRT.
The first step is having your testosterone blood levels checked, ideally first thing in the morning when they are highest. Expect levels between 300 to 1,000 ng/dL depending on age - optimal is 500-700 ng/dL.
If below normal, other hormones and health markers may be tested to check for underlying issues before starting testosterone therapy.
There are several delivery methods to raise levels:
| Delivery Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Injections (e.g., testosterone cypionate or enanthate) | Most common, administered every 7-14 days. Highest bioavailability. |
| Gels (e.g., Androgel or Testim) | Topicals absorbed through skin daily. Easy to use, adjustable doses. |
| Patches | Adhesive patches changed daily. Easy dosing, but absorption can vary. |
| Pellets | Small testosterone pellets inserted under skin every 4-6 months. Convenient, steady release. |
| Oral capsules | Tablets absorbed by digestive system. Inconsistent absorption, potential liver strain. |
Our clinic physicians will determine the optimal TRT protocol based on your labs, lifestyle, preferences, and insurance coverage.
The starting dose is confirmed by repeating bloodwork after 6 weeks, checking for testosterone levels in the ideal range along with other hormone/health markers (estrogen, red blood cell count, etc.). The dose is then adjusted accordingly.
Follow-up blood tests are recommended every 6 months. More frequent testing may be needed if changing protocols or experiencing side effects.
Improvements from testosterone therapy accumulate slowly - allow 3-6 months for full effects. Have patience and stay consistent with treatment.
Timing and magnitude of benefits vary individually based on age, genetics, lifestyle habits, and the length of time untreated. Don't compare yourself to others.
Work closely with your treatment provider by tracking symptoms to accurately gauge your personal degree and rate of improvement. Keeping a journal can be helpful.
Continue exercise, proper nutrition, and sleep habits - testosterone amplifies the effects of overall healthy living. Don't expect it to offset poor lifestyle choices.
Follow your doctor's advice for regular bloodwork, monitoring heart, prostate, and other health markers for potential side effects. Stop treatment immediately if directed.
Use contraception - testosterone therapy can initially impair sperm production and cause infertility. Allow a sufficient washout period before trying to conceive.
Scalp hair regrowth is a slow process, taking 6-12 months. Manage expectations around this benefit - some areas may lack growth receptors from long-term atrophy.
When properly prescribed and monitored, testosterone therapy is extremely safe for most men.
The physicians at Restore Health Clinic specialize exclusively in advanced hormone replacement protocols centered around bioidentical testosterone and related therapies.
Our integrated care teams have over 30 years of combined experience designing fully customized treatment plans for men needing testosterone.
We stay at the leading edge of TRT options, providing the latest proven medications, delivery methods, and complementary therapies for optimal restorative results.
Restore Health Clinic offers convenient neighborhood locations across the Twin Cities metro, including our Lauderdale By The Sea office.
Schedule your initial deficiency evaluation to learn more. Our courteous Patient Care Coordinators are happy to answer any questions about the process or insurance.
Testosterone replacement therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for men suffering from low testosterone levels. Restore Health Clinic offers personalized treatment plans and comprehensive care from experienced professionals. If you're experiencing symptoms of testosterone deficiency, don't hesitate to seek medical evaluation and explore the potential benefits of testosterone therapy.
