Testosterone is an important hormone that plays a vital role in men's health. When levels of testosterone are low, it can lead to concerning symptoms and health issues. At Balanced Hormone Clinic in Elk Ridge, we specialize in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to help men restore healthy testosterone levels.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
There are several potential causes of low testosterone (testosterone), including:
Signs and Symptoms
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of low testosterone include:
If you are experiencing any of these issues, having your testosterone blood work checked is important. Our clinic offers comprehensive lab testing to accurately measure testosterone and help determine if TRT is right for you.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) offers many benefits for men with clinically low testosterone levels. The goals of TRT are to:
Some of the benefits our patients report from TRT include:
With normalized testosterone levels, most men notice a significant difference in their energy levels. You may have an easier time getting out of bed, exercising, and being productive throughout your day.
Low testosterone often presents itself through mood changes like depression, irritability and lack of motivation. By balancing your testosterone, your mental health often improves greatly.
Testosterone plays an important role in building lean muscle mass. It also helps decrease overall body fat. These changes help you feel better physically and improve body composition.
Studies show testosterone therapy can help widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides – all of which promote better cardiovascular health.
One of the first improvements most men notice from TRT is a surge in their sex drive and frequency of erections. For many, TRT eliminates issues with erectile dysfunction and infertility.
Testosterone helps promote bone mineral density. TRT has been shown to strengthen bones that have been weakened by osteoporosis.
By improving all of the above symptoms, your overall energy levels, motivation and zest for life tend to skyrocket after beginning testosterone therapy. Most patients report feeling 10-20 years younger.
If you choose to move forward with treatment after your initial consultation and lab testing, there are several testosterone therapy protocols we utilize at our clinic, including:
Testosterone injections, or testosterone cypionate shots, involve injecting testosterone directly into the body. This allows for precise dosage monitoring and provides immediate peak blood levels. Effects last upwards of two weeks. This is the most preferred TRT protocol.
Custom-compounded testosterone creams can be applied directly to the shoulders, upper arms or thighs once daily. Creams provide steady release of testosterone to more closely mimic natural production.
Testosterone pellets are very small tablets that are inserted under the skin to release hormones steadily over 3-6 months. This requires less frequent dosing. Pellets are more popular for treating menopause in women.
While not commonly prescribed, oral testosterone medications are occasionally used for andropause treatment. However, the liver metabolizes oral forms faster so efficacy can vary significantly.
Here at Balanced Hormone Clinic, we tailor treatment plans uniquely to each patient based on your lab results, symptoms, lifestyle and preferences. We also provide ongoing monitoring to ensure therapy is optimized. Let us know if you have any other questions on the process of getting started!
When searching for a qualified hormone clinic for low testosterone treatment, it’s important to find one you can trust.
Our clinic specializes exclusively in hormone-related health conditions. Our medical advisors have over 15 years expertise optimizing hormone levels and improving patient health through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). We stay up to date on the latest research to provide science-backed protocols.
We utilize advanced testing technology and comprehensive panels to accurately identify hormone imbalances. Test results are carefully interpreted by our advisors versus labs to provide personalized treatment plans. We also offer convenient mobile phlebotomy services, so you don’t have to visit a lab facility.
A “one size fits all” approach rarely works in healthcare. Based on your symptoms, medical history and lab work, we custom tailor a treatment solution to your unique needs. We also modify plans overtime as needed to help you reach optimal wellness.
TRT requires periodic blood work and dose adjustments to ensure treatment remains effective. We schedule follow-up blood tests every 90 days and offer unlimited consultation to troubleshoot issues and answer any questions along your treatment journey.
Balanced Hormone Clinic stands out from retail health clinics by offering dedicated patient care from start to finish. If you’re exploring treatment options for low energy, sexual dysfunction, weight gain or other hypogonadism symptoms, we encourage you to () or (/appointment-men) to discuss your health goals.
While testosterone therapy is often associated with increased muscle mass in men, one surprising effect is that it has been shown to improve verbal memory and spatial abilities in some older men with low testosterone levels. The cognitive benefits seem to depend on maintaining testosterone levels within an optimal range.
For most men, normal total testosterone levels range between 300 ng/dL on the low end to 1,000 ng/dL on the high end. However, optimal T levels are very individual and depend on factors like age, genes and clinic considers “low T” to be total testosterone under 400-500 ng/dL for adult men under 50 years old. Over the age of 50, some decline based on aging is normal, but levels consistently dropping into the 200s warrant can present even if lab work shows “normal” results though, so it depends on the full clinical picture. Have your doctor evaluate FREE active testosterone and bioavailable testosterone as well, not just TOTAL T.
Costs vary considerably based on which types of medications or treatments are prescribed. Average out-of-pocket costs our patients pay for TRT range from $150-300 per therapy is considered medically necessary treatment when clinically deficient, not an “elective” therapy. So costs are often reimbursed in full or partially covered by most major insurance plans after any applicable deductibles or provide cost estimates upfront and assist our patients in checking insurance coverage and filing claims. Your first consultation to go over lab results and plan development is 100% free too.
As with any medical treatment, there are potential risks to weigh. However, today’s bioidentical testosterone medications have excellent safety profiles when properly managed by a most common include temporary side effects like fluid retention, headache or changes in cholesterol levels. We monitor patients closely and make dosage adjustments as needed. Rare long-term risks involve prostate issues or cardiovascular problems in those already susceptible. But studies show these are unlikely in most men undergoing normal TRT.
Most men report significant improvements in energy, sex drive and wellbeing within 1-2 weeks of starting therapy. However maximum benefits take 2-3 months as testosterone levels fully normalize and the body adapts ’s crucial to be patient during the first several months when beginning treatment, and work closely with your doctor for fine tuning as needed. Within 4-6 months, most patients have optimized their protocols.
TRT can be life-changing when correctly implemented and monitored. To help you get the most out of therapy, here are some tips:
Adjust Diet & Lifestyle Habits
Limit refined carbs and sugars, eat more proteins, fibers and health fats. Incorporate strength training & cardio into your fitness routine. Getting lean can allow smaller TRT doses to work more effectively. Sleep at least 7 hours nightly for hormonal balance. Manage stress levels where possible.
Track Symptoms and Progress
Notice how you feel week-to-week on treatment. Keep a journal of vitality, mood, sexual function etc. Share this info with your doctor during follow ups. It helps determine if adjustments are beneficial.
Remember Physiology Differs
Every patient responds uniquely biochemically. Comparing blood levels or doses to friends usually isn’t helpful. Trust your specialist to find the optimal protocol to meet your needs through testing and patient feedback.
Communicate Openly with Your Provider
Being candid about all current prescriptions and OTC supplements allows us to manage interactions. Tell us about any side effects as they occur so we can adjust accordingly while minimizing risk.
Commit to Ongoing Care Plan
While TRT isn’t generally lifelong therapy, you should expect 1 to 2 years of treatment on average along with periodic testing after that to ensure stable hormones. Paying close attention early on helps sustain benefits long-term.
We hope this guide gave you better clarity on low testosterone treatment! Reach out with any other questions.
