Category Archives: Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Dana White is shredded now. Just days ago, the UFC CEO shared a post with a two-year-old picture of him looking noticeably rotund, with his belly visible through his shirt. This picture was juxtaposed by another recent picture at the bottom, where the Las Vegas resident is ripped, complete with a full set of abs and well-defined muscles.

The UFC CEO credited this turnaround to Gary Brecka and his 10X health program, a comprehensive health system that claims to use advanced testing methods to arrive at tailored, customized health solutions for its users. However, one YouTuber has pointed out the deficiencies in White and Breckas claims and why people shouldnt blindly rush to them based on the UFC CEOs transformation, as he found some aspects of them fishy.

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James Linker on his Shredded Sports Science YouTube channel critically examined Dana Whites remarkable health transformation and his tall claims in a video on his channel. Linker pointed out that the UFC CEO has himself admitted that he has started working out and eating natural food over processed foods (which have been linked to serious health conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes). This, the YouTuber felt, was the main reason for Whites much-improved well-being and physique.

So one of the most visible health coaches right now is Gary Brecka, whos become very famous from working with Dana White, who dramatically improved his health. Dana changed his diet; he started to eat more natural than processed foods; and he started exercising every day, which I would say are the key components to his health recomposition, he said.

To which Linker sardonically observed: Oh, and he does TRT, no big deal? The YouTuber pointed out that Dana White had contradicted himself as Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), which the UFC CEO had admitted to being on, was a form of medication, contrary to Brecka and Whites claims.

The UFC CEO had started taking certain supplements that Brecka had prescribed him. According to the latter, his health program involves running comprehensive tests on the patient to determine the state of their health. Based upon these findings, the patient is prescribed certain supplements to improve their health and well-being. And this is precisely the process Dana White went through before being prescribed the supplements he is currently on.

Linker then showed clips of Brecka and White poring over the latters test results. In the clip, Brecka pointed to the UFC CEOs health trending positively as evidence of his systems effectiveness, with White making certain observations, both of which rubbed Linker the wrong way.

Testosterone stayed right in the upper end of the range cuz were doing TRT hormone replacement therapy; not a huge deal there, Brecka observed, pointing to the results. This was followed by White claiming Im not taking any medication now; this is all just supplements.

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Yeah, you do [take medication], Dana. TRT is a literal medication for, for example, men over 50 who have low testosterone levels, Linker added, as he advised his viewers to focus on the time-tested methods to improve their health.

The fitness YouTuber did commend the UFC CEO for his new and improved physique and overall health but warned against falling into the trap of blindly following the latest health fads. He pointed out that while there was an abundance of newfangled and trendy ideas devised by health coaches, doing the basics, i.e., eating healthier food and eating less of it than your body could burn, combined with regular physical activity was the best bet to achieve improved health outcomes.

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Well done to Dana for improving his health but be careful with any new trending health coaching claims because, of course, calorie deficit eating, better quality of food, exercising will be the key components to a health recomposition replacement therapy,he added.

What are your thoughts on Linkers take on Dana White and Gary Breckas claims? Let us know in the comments section below.

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He Does TRT, No Big Deal Health Expert Spills the Beans on Dana White's Fitness Transformation With ... - EssentiallySports

Tired? Low sex drive? Problems sleeping? Wouldnt it be nice if there was an easy answer to these common problems often caused simply by aging?

For men, one solution promoted by drug advertisers is testosterone replacement therapy. Having low testosterone even has its own snappy name: Low T.

But as the use of these medications increases, so do concerns about possible harm if theyre taken unnecessarily.

The Food and Drug Administration requires prescription testosterone replacement therapy products be clearly labeled to inform men about a possible increased risk of heart attacks and stroke.

So is low T a real thing? And when is it OK to embark on testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone is the male sex hormone made in the testicles. It is what makes a boys voice drop lower and facial and other body hair grow. It is also necessary for male sexual functions like erections and the production of sperm.

If you are not producing enough testosterone it can lead to several symptoms:

Testosterone replacement therapy usually comes in the form of patches, injections, pellets that are implanted under the skin or gels. Testosterone cannot be given in pill form because the liver breaks it down very quickly.

Our experts say there are many people who would benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. If you have had a serious medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, or you have injured a testicle, you may need testosterone replacement therapy.

But taking it to solve problems with fatigue, low energy or sinking sex drive without a full check-up can mean the real causes of these symptoms are overlooked.

There are a lot of reasons why you could have low testosterone. Assessing it in the right way is essential, says Conor Best, M.D., assistant professor in Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Testosterone should be checked at least twice using a blood test. Both tests should be done in the morning between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

If the tests do show a low level, you should discuss the possible causes with your doctor before deciding if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you.

Diabetes and obesity, as well as increasing age, can lead to low testosterone.

If theres no clear cause for low testosterone, working on your diet and increasing exercise can often be the answer.

Over-the-counter supplements for testosterone generally do not contain any of the hormone. Manufacturers claim that the herbs and minerals in them will increase your natural production of testosterone.

But our expert says there is no herbal supplement that will reliably increase testosterone.

And over-the-counter supplements are not regulated. This means that the ingredients in them are not checked, so supplements might include more than what is written on the label, or less.

We are concerned that an unregulated supplement that boosts testosterone could have potentially toxic versions of testosterone in it, or another medication with unintended side effects, says Best.

If you are concerned about your testosterone level, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor and get properly tested.

In addition to masking the underlying problem, testosterone supplements come with their own risks.

Testosterone replacement therapy can lead to blood clotting problems because they cause the body to make more red blood cells.

Excess testosterone can turn into estrogen, which comes with risks. Extra estrogen also can lead to blood clots. And it can cause breast tissue to develop, which puts you at a higher risk of male breast cancer, although this risk is small.

Problems with heart disease have also been seen in some large population studies, which led to the FDA warnings about heart attacks and strokes.

Were still learning new things about what all these hormones do. You cant always predict what the downstream effects will be, says Best.

If someone has a pretty normal level, maybe supplementing does potentially do more harm because youre overriding the bodys natural state.

Read the original post:
Testosterone replacement therapy: Yes or no - MD Anderson Cancer Center

Welcome to Testosterone HQMen's Health's guide to the exciting, complicated, and revolutionary world of testosterone. For everything you need to know about T, click

TOPICAL TREATMENTS FOR hair loss. Gummy multivitamins. Generic formulations of Viagra. The online market for mens wellness is booming. And in the last couple years, that includes testosterone, which is easier to get than ever before.

Critical for regulating the male sex drive, testosterone plays a number of other key functions in the body. Its required for generating sperm. It helps to increase muscle mass, distribute body fat, and generate red blood cells. For men lacking in testosterone, the symptoms can be debilitating. Severe fatigue and depression. Irritability. No sex drive, brain fog, and anemia. Low-T guys have a harder time putting on muscle, and generally see more fat around their abdomen.

Testosterone levels, which are measured in nanograms per deciliter of blood, naturally wane as we age. The conventional wisdom, as spelled out by the American Urological Association, is that a healthy level is higher than 300 ng/dL; some experts argue that low is a little lower and starts at 264 ng/dL. Either way, doctors who specialize in hormone therapies say they are seeing a glut of guys whose testosterone levels are above 300 and are dealing with all the symptoms associated with a clinical diagnosis of testosterone deficiency.

Various boutique health companies, in response, now offer a spectrum of testosterone therapies, which have been extolled by the likes of Joe Rogan and Sylvester Stallone. There are straight-up replacement therapiesTRT, as its calledthat replenish levels of the hormone via creams, gels, pellets, or injections of either the subcutaneous or intramuscular kind. Tablets and supplements, intended to optimize the testosterone a guys already got, are also increasingly available. And forget in-person visits: The wellness businesses of today sell products that are shipped directly to consumers.

Administering testosterone is not like popping a multivitamin, to be sure. Replacing testosterone exogenously shuts down the bodys own production, which means you have to stay on it to maintain any positive effects. Younger guys should also consider their own fertility, since TRT can hinder or stop sperm production. And there are certainly ways to naturally keep your own testosterone levels at their peak: proper exercise, a good diet, and sufficient sleep are all good places to start. But many men with low or lower-than-average levels notice that their moods, muscles, and movesin the gym and in the bedroomare all improved by boosting or optimizing their T.

We recognize, though, that sifting through the options out there can be a bit daunting. What you need and where to get it are important questions. To say nothing of if you need testosterone therapy at all. So consider this your what-to-know-before-you-go shopping guide to online testosterone therapy.

Roman is a wellness company known for its array of services and its simplicitythat is, ease of use. Part of the reason is how Roman gets you going: a DIY blood test shipped to your home. The kit comes with all the materials required for finger-prick draws on two consecutive days. A smartphone app guides you step-by-step through the draws. The kit also comes with pre-printed postage so you can mail it back for analysis, which is completed in a week.

The other part? Roman has only two offerings. One is a supplement billed as testosterone support for guys with healthy levels. It contains ingredients common in multivitamins, as well as ashwagandha, a plant that has been shown, in some studies, to modestly increase your bodys natural testosterone levels.

Clomiphene citrate is the other, although its better known by its brand name, Clomid. Assume your blood test comes back showing low or lower-than-average T. A call with a doctor or nurse practitioner follows, and theyll help you decide your dosage of Clomid (if signs point to that drug being right for you in the first place, of course). The drug itself is not testosterone replacement at all. Rather, Clomid is a pill that stimulates more natural testosterone production, which it does by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain. (When that happens, the pituitary gland boosts production of luteinizing hormone, which acts on the Leydig cells in the testes to make more testosterone endogenously.)

Clomids main advantage is fewer of the side effects associated with traditional testosterone replacement, which can include testicular shrinkage and, in some cases, infertility. Our approach really has to do with maximizing the interaction between safety and efficacy, says Tzvi Doron, D.O., Romans chief clinical officer.

Costs:

Maximus caters to all men looking to optimize their testosterone, but its an appealing option for young guys who want to maintain their fertility but also need a boost in T.

Founded by clinical psychologist Cameron Sepah, Maximus doesnt offer testosterone replacement therapy at all. He calls it testosterone stimulation rather than replacement. (And his personal view is that TRT should be a last resort.) The company prescribes custom compounds of pure enclomiphene, one of Clomids two ingredients. Sepah says the reason for this is that Clomids other ingredient, zuclomiphene, can have estrogenic side effects. His sales pitch is pretty easy to boil down: The enclomiphene will quickly help your body generate more natural testosterone, minus the side effects that sometimes accompany replenishing with synthetic testosterone or popping Clomid.

Of the options here, Maximus is the quickest way to get going on testosterone optimization. You start with a quantitative ADAM, a series of questions on symptoms associated with low testosterone. Within 24 hours, a doctor makes an eligibility decision, and initiates a blood test thats shipped to consumersin this case, a shoulder-mounted device that uses microneedles to remove about a pinky-tips worth of blood. Within a week of shipping your blood sample back, youll have your first bottle of enclomiphene, if you qualify. A follow-up blood test after 30 days determines if your dosage needs any tinkering.

All Maximus patients are assigned a physician; all communication is done asynchronously through text and email. The company also provides health coaching to help guys optimize their diet, exercise, sleep schedules, and stress levels.

Our philosophy is that pharmacology and behavior change are synergistic, says Sepah. One of the biggest benefits of testosterone is increased motivation. We find it helps people make the behavior changes.

Costs:

If youre unclear about whether testosterone therapy is right for you, try Hone Health. According to Jack Jeng, M.D., Hones chief medical officer, the company only accepts patients with lower-than-normal testosterone levels. For guys who are borderline, Hones clinicians might suggest lifestyle changes (sleep, exercise, diet) for three months before jumping into a prescription.

We turn away a lot of patients, Dr. Jeng says. You have to make sure the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks.

You start with a blood test, usually self-administered at home via finger prick, to check biomarkers such as your levels of testosterone and estrogen. A 30-minute telehealth visit follows, and if the doctor deems you a good candidate for testosterone therapy, a second blood test is ordered to confirm the first reading. Within a few weeks, you could be on testosterone replacement, delivered at home in the form of creams, injections, or troches, depending on your preference.

If replacement isnt warranted, Hone can instead send Clomid. Unique to Hone is anastrozole, an inhibitor that blocks the conversion of testosterone to estrogenthat conversion can happen when aromatase, an enzyme contained in fat cells, breaks down testosterone. Whatever the case, patients receive follow-up blood tests and telehealth visits every three months in the first year to check for side effects and titrate dosages if necessary.

Give it at least 10 weeks before deciding whether or not this is working for you, says Dr. Jeng. Thats around the time when people start to notice that the benefits have started to really kick in.

Costs:

Blokes is for anyone who wants doctors controlling their testosterone therapy from start to finish. Every interaction with Blokes begins with a blood test, but these arent self-administered. Instead, Blokes schedules an appointment at a Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics facility. (For a surcharge, a phlebotomist can meet you at your home or workplace.)

These tests are the more conventional CBC, or complete blood count. Testosterone and estrogen levels are assessed, and so are your levels of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormonesthe pituitary hormones responsible for testosterone and sperm production, respectivelyas well as your cholesterol and lipids. A one-on-one clinical visit of at least 30 minutes then follows.

You want to know who that patient is before you start prescribing anything, says Amy Killen, M.D., one of Blokes clinicians. You dont want to throw this stuff out like candy.

Once youre in the Blokes system, youre assigned a physician and health coach who guide your therapy and make recommendations on nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. Testosterone replacement options include creams, injections, and troches, as well as nasal sprays and pellets (inserted into the body via a minor procedure). Clomid is on hand, too, as is pure enclomiphene. After 30 days: another blood test, along with another telehealth appointment. Its usually at this mark that Blokes consults with you to figure out if youre on the right form of testosterone therapy or drug.

We prioritize service over automation, says founder Josh Whalen. Every patient is getting some type of one-on-one follow-up with a provider.

Costs:

If youre as interested in health span and longevity medicine as you are in testosterone, then Opt Health is for you. Graham Simpson, M.D., one of the cofounders, has himself been on testosterone therapy for 27 years; hes 72, but doesnt look much older than 50.

Opt Health starts its prospective patients with a blood draw like all the other companies. These are done at a local Labcorp (or at home, with a visit from a nurse or phlebotomist). The blood test triggers an initial consultation, at which point Simpson, his cofounder Jeremie Walker, M.D., or one of Opts other half-dozen clinicians can take you through their testosterone options, which include creams, injections, and Clomid that are shipped directly in three-month allotments. Chances are that any testosterone treatment you end up taking will be paired with Opts offerings of amino-acid peptides or nutraceuticals.

Testosterone is a big part of our business, says Dr. Walker. But I actually have guys that are not on testosterone. Were focused on lifestyle optimizations.

Every three to four months, Opt Health repeats a blood draw followed by a consult with your clinician. A personalized online dashboard helps you track your progress, side effects, symptoms, and something Dr. Simpson calls your DNA age. (Theres your chronological ageyour birthdayand your biological age, he says.) In Opts view, fighting insulin resistance and inflammation is just as important to Opt as prescribing the right form of testosterone treatment.

Were very focused on reversing biological age, Dr. Simpson says. We look at nutrition, we look at exercise, we look at hormones, we look at stress, we look at sleep. We look at many, many things that optimize mens health.

Costs:

Andrew Zaleski, a writer based near Washington, D.C., covers science, technology, and business.

Read more here:
5 Best Testosterone Replacement Therapy Services 2023 - Men's Health

If your testosterone levels are clinically low, TRT can reduce or eliminate some of the symptoms that lead you to seek treatment in the first place.

Just like youd notify your physician of any side effects, update them of any positive progress you see or feel.

Its important to inform the doctor that youre feeling better or seeing improvements in various aspects of your wellbeing. This way, they know that the prescribed treatment is properly working, and they can better determine what, if any, adjustment is necessary.

Why is that important? While you can stop TRT, in most cases, testosterone therapy is a lifelong commitment. Your body no longer naturally produces the same amount of testosterone it used to, so you need treatment to keep your levels balanced. And its not just a set course of treatment and youre done; be aware that optimizing hormones can require constant balancing, and therefore continuous adjustment of dosage and frequency.

Read the original here:
How Much Is Testosterone? The Cost of Replacement Therapy - Hone Health

Hypogonadism, or Low Testosterone

Dr. Raymond Costabile and Dr. Ryan Smith specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone.

Hypogonadism, also known as low testosterone or low T, can lead to symptoms of decreased energy and libido, difficulty building lean muscle mass, moodiness, difficulty concentrating, and even loss of bone density. Men who have some or all of these symptoms and demonstrate low testosterone on a blood draw are candidates for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

There are many options for TRT, each of which has its benefits and disadvantages. The decision about which one is right for you will depend on your personal preferences and a discussion with your doctor. In some cases, different insurance companies may cover one option and not another, which may also be taken into consideration. If the desired effects are not achieved with your initial choice, a different option can be tried to see if it is a better fit for you, your health, and your lifestyle.

Regardless of the type of testosterone replacement therapy chosen, you will need to first be evaluated by your doctor and then monitored at regular intervals (usually every 3-6 months) to confirm good control of your hypogonadal symptoms, check levels of testosterone and perform other related bloodwork, and to ensure that there are no potentially dangerous side effects.

The evaluation and follow-up regimen usually consists of the following:

See more here:
Testosterone Replacement Therapy - Department of Urology

TRT can be administered in a variety of ways, says Judson Brandeis, M.D., a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine expert in San Ramon, California. Consult with your health care provider to determine the best option for you.

TRT injections, self-administered under the skin or muscle, can be short-acting (one to two injections per week) or long-acting (one injection every two weeks), explains Dr. Brandeis. Testosterone levels are inconsistent with this delivery, with levels being highest right after injection and lowest before the next injection, he says.

Topical gels, creams, liquids and patches often last for about four days, says Dr. Brandeis. Theyre easy to apply and produce relatively steady levels.

Though tablet-like in appearance, buccal patches are placed on the gum line above your incisor teeth, says Dr. Brandeis, adding that the drug needs to be used every 12 hours.

Delivered as a gel thats pumped into each nostril, intranasal TRT is usually taken three times a day, says Dr. Brandeis, adding that this therapy can be expensive.

Pellets are fast-acting and placed under the skin of the upper hip or buttocks in about five to 10 minutes in a physicians office, says Dr. Brandeis. Over the course of four to six months this pellet dissolves, providing a consistent and stable level of medication, he says.

The FDA has approved two testosterone capsules that may be taken orally for the treatment of low testosterone. The capsules can be taken twice daily with food.

The rest is here:
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Is It Right For You?

OverviewSymptoms of low testosterone can vary considerably, particularly by age and how severe it is.What is low testosterone (male hypogonadism)?

Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) is a condition in which your testicles dont produce enough testosterone (the male sex hormone). Testicles are the gonads (sex organs) in people assigned male at birth (AMAB). More specifically, the Leydig cells in your testicles make testosterone.

Low testosterone causes different symptoms at different ages. Testosterone levels in adults AMAB naturally decline as they age. This includes cisgender men, non-binary people AMAB and transgender women who arent undergoing feminizing hormone therapy.

Other names for low testosterone and male hypogonadism include:

Testosterone is the main androgen. It stimulates the development of male characteristics and is essential for sperm production (spermatogenesis). Levels of testosterone are naturally much higher in people assigned AMAB than in people assigned female at birth (AFAB).

In people assigned AMAB, testosterone helps maintain and develop:

Your body usually tightly controls the levels of testosterone in your blood. Levels are typically highest in the morning and decline through the day.

Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland normally control the amount of testosterone your testicles produce and release.

Your hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which triggers your pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH). LH then travels to your gonads (testicles or ovaries) and stimulates the production and release of testosterone. Your pituitary also releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to cause sperm production.

Any issue with your testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary gland can cause low testosterone (male hypogonadism).

The American Urology Association (AUA) considers low blood testosterone to be less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for adults.

However, some researchers and healthcare providers disagree with this and feel that levels below 250 ng/dL are low. Providers also take symptoms into consideration when diagnosing low testosterone.

Male hypogonadism is a medical condition that can affect people with testicles at any age from birth through adulthood.

Low testosterone is more likely to affect people who:

Its difficult for researchers to estimate how common low testosterone is since different studies have different definitions for low testosterone.

Data suggest that about 2% of people AMAB may have low testosterone. And other studies have estimated that more than 8% of people AMAB aged 50 to 79 years have low testosterone.

Symptoms of low testosterone can vary considerably, particularly by age.

Symptoms that highly suggest low testosterone in adults assigned male at birth include:

Other symptoms of low testosterone in adults AMAB include:

Low testosterone before or during puberty for children assigned male at birth can result in:

There are several possible causes of low testosterone. The two types of male hypogonadism are:

Causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism are also divided into either congenital (at birth) or acquired (developed later in childhood or adulthood).

Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with your testicles that doesnt allow them to make normal levels of testosterone.

Another name for primary hypogonadism is hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. In this type, your pituitary gland produces more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (known as gonadotropins) in response to low testosterone levels. The high levels of these hormones would normally tell your testicles to produce more testosterone and sperm. However, if you have damaged (most commonly related to prior chemotherapy) or missing testicles, they cant respond to the increased levels of gonadotropins. As a result, your testicles make too little or no testosterone and sperm.

Sometimes in primary hypogonadism testosterone levels are within the normal range and gonadotropins are high. Your specialist will help you understand if you need treatment, even with normal testosterone levels.

Congenital conditions that affect your testicles and can lead to primary hypogonadism include:

Acquired conditions that affect your testicles and can lead to primary hypogonadism include:

Conditions that affect how your hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland cause secondary hypogonadism. This is known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism because there are low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Those low levels cause decreased testosterone and sperm production.

Congenital conditions that can lead to secondary hypogonadism include:

Acquired conditions that can lead to secondary hypogonadism include:

Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is a type of secondary male hypogonadism that results from normal aging. As males age they have a deterioration of hypothalamic-pituitary function and Leydig cell function that decrease testosterone and/or sperm production.

LOH and low testosterone are more common in people AMAB who have Type 2 diabetes, overweight and/or obesity.

In one study, 30% of people AMAB who were overweight had low testosterone, compared to only 6% of those with weight in the normal range. In another study, 25% of people AMAB with Type 2 diabetes had low testosterone, compared to 13% of those without diabetes.

If you have signs and symptoms of low testosterone, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam. Theyll also ask questions about your medical history, medications you take or have taken, smoking history and any symptoms you currently have. Blood tests may be ordered.

To make a diagnosis, a provider will consider your specific signs, symptoms and any blood test results.

The following tests can help confirm low testosterone and determine the cause:

Healthcare providers treat low testosterone (male hypogonadism) with testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy has several different forms, including:

You may not be able to receive testosterone replacement therapy if you have a history of the following:

The side effects of testosterone replacement therapy include:

Laboratory abnormalities that can occur with testosterone replacement therapy include:

Healthcare providers and medical researchers dont know how to prevent low testosterone from genetic conditions or damage to your testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

Lifestyle habits that may help keep testosterone levels normal include:

Theres no one-time fix for low testosterone. However, consistent hormone replacement therapy helps improve sex drive, ease symptoms of depression and increase energy levels for many people assigned male at birth (AMAB) experiencing low testosterone. Treatment may also boost muscle mass and bone density.

The mortality of people AMAB with testosterone deficiency is significantly higher than among people AMAB with normal testosterone levels. But, it is unclear whether replacing testosterone to a normal level reduces that increased mortality. Treatment is largely focused on the treatment of symptoms, not the specific testosterone level.

For congenital hypogonadism in children assigned male at birth, testosterone replacement therapy often helps prevent problems related to delayed puberty.

If youre taking hormone replacement therapy, regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are important.

If youre experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as a decrease in sex drive and hot flashes, talk to a healthcare provider. They will evaluate you and may order blood tests.

If your child assigned male at birth isnt showing signs of puberty by the age of 14, talk to their pediatrician.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Many people shrug off the symptoms associated with low testosterone as an unpleasant part of getting older. But you should address symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. If youre noticing bothersome signs of low testosterone, see a provider and discuss your options for treatment.

More here:
Low Testosterone (Low T): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic

We are reinventing healthcare for men at Low T Center by working to prevent, slow, or eliminate serious health issues. Many patients initially visit us for low testosterone or sleep apnea but discover that underlying conditions are causing their symptoms. We begin the path to feeling better with a comprehensive health assessment, which includes bloodwork, vitals check, medical history, and a health questionnaire. This life-changing health assessment allows our medical staff to identify underlying conditions and prepare a personalized mens wellness plan.

Low testosterone (hypogonadism) can contribute to many common health conditions, including sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction. Low testosterone can also cause serious symptoms such as lack of energy, chronic fatigue, low libido, depression, anxiety, loss of mental clarity, loss of muscle mass, and increased belly fat. These symptoms can disrupt your life and contribute to poor overall health. Testosterone deficiency can cause many negative health consequences, which is why we offer customized treatment solutions to fit your lifestyle. Our team finds and optimizes treatments so you feel your best.

Testosterone replacement therapy(TRT) can help increase low testosterone levels in your body to normal, healthy ranges. Our team diagnoses and treats low testosterone along with other health conditions. Customized treatment plans from our team at Low T Center are customized to each patients specific needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our mens healthcare clinics provide treatment services such as testosterone replacement therapy, sleep apnea treatment, thyroid hormone treatment, and quality care for other common conditions.

Excerpt from:
LowTCenter: Men's Health Clinic for Testosterone Replacement

Taking charge of your health is a big step. SynergenX is here to guide you through the rest of your journey towards achieving optimal health. If you are suffering from symptoms of Low T, chances are its not just one aspect of your life that is being negatively impacted. For men, testosterone replacement therapy is commonly used to treat hypogonadism, a condition that causes low levels of testosterone (low-t). Mens testosterone levels can decline naturally, typically around age 30. Certain health conditions, or even lifestyle habits can also cause Low T. Symptoms such as persistent tiredness, chronic fatigue, brain fog, sexual deficiencies, even depression could start to appear. Testosterone replacement therapy can help correct T levels and reverse these symptoms to get you feeling like you again. Finding out if you have Low T is easy. Just schedule an appointment at one of our clinics. A simple blood test will reveal if your T levels are low.

For men, testosterone replacement therapy is commonly used to treat hypogonadism, which can cause unnaturally low levels of testosterone (Low-T). Men can experience this condition at any age, so testosterone replacement therapy can help correct these levels and support sexual health, muscle mass and bone density.

If you would like to know more about the benefits or age-related side effects of testosterone replacement therapy, call SynergenX at 888.219.7259. Our skilled providers can help you determine if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you.

SynergenX Low-T clinics are located across Houston including Galleria, Katy, Kingwood, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Vintage Park, Webster, Atascocita, Spring and Cypress; two Dallas locations located in McKinney and Walnut Hill; or if you are in the San Antonio area, visit clinics including NorthWest, NorthEast, New Braunfels, Sonterra, or Alamo Ranch. Experiencing the symptoms of Low-T in Chicago? Get more information about testosterone replacement therapy for men at the Burr Ridge office.

Follow this link:
Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men | SynergenX

Diagnosis

Early detection in boys can help prevent problems from delayed puberty. Early diagnosis and treatment in men offer better protection against osteoporosis and other related conditions.

Your health care provider will conduct a physical exam and note whether your sexual development, such as your pubic hair, muscle mass and size of your testes, is consistent with your age.

Your provider will test your blood level of testosterone if you have signs or symptoms of hypogonadism. Because testosterone levels vary and are generally highest in the morning, blood testing is usually done early in the day, before 10 a.m., possibly on more than one day.

If tests confirm that you have low testosterone, further testing can determine if a testicular disorder or a pituitary abnormality is the cause. These studies might include:

Male hypogonadism usually is treated with testosterone replacement to return testosterone levels to normal. Testosterone can help counter the signs and symptoms of male hypogonadism, such as decreased sexual desire, decreased energy, decreased facial and body hair, and loss of muscle mass and bone density.

For older men who have low testosterone and signs and symptoms of hypogonadism due to aging, the benefits of testosterone replacement are less clear.

While you're taking testosterone, the Endocrine Society recommends that your health care provider monitor you for treatment effectiveness and side effects several times during your first year of treatment and yearly after that.

Oral testosterone preparations have not been used for treatment of hypogonadism because they can cause serious liver problems. Also, they don't keep testosterone levels steady.

One Food and Drug Administration-approved oral testosterone replacement preparation, testosterone undecanoate (Jatenzo), is absorbed by the lymph system. It might avoid the liver problems seen with other oral forms of testosterone.

Other preparations you might choose, depending on convenience, cost and your insurance coverage, include:

Gel. There are several gels and solutions available, with different ways of applying them. Depending on the brand, you rub the testosterone into your skin on your upper arm or shoulder (AndroGel, Testim, Vogelxo) or apply it to the front and inner thigh (Fortesta).

Your body absorbs testosterone through your skin. Don't shower or bathe for several hours after a gel application, to be sure it gets absorbed.

Side effects include skin irritation and the possibility of transferring the medication to another person. Avoid skin-to-skin contact until the gel is completely dry, or cover the area after an application.

Injection. Testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) and testosterone enanthate are given in a muscle or under the skin. Your symptoms might waver between doses depending on the frequency of injections.

You or a family member can learn to give testosterone injections at home. If you're uncomfortable giving yourself injections, member of your care team can give the injections.

Testosterone undecanoate (Aveed) is given by deep intramuscular injection, typically every 10 weeks. It must be given at your provider's office and can have serious side effects.

Gum and cheek (buccal cavity). A small putty-like substance, gum-and-cheek testosterone replacement delivers testosterone through the natural depression above your top teeth where your gum meets your upper lip (buccal cavity).

This product, taken three times a day, sticks to your gumline and allows testosterone to be absorbed into your bloodstream. It can cause gum irritation.

Testosterone therapy carries various risks, including:

If a pituitary problem is the cause, pituitary hormones can be given to stimulate sperm production and restore fertility. A pituitary tumor may require surgical removal, medication, radiation or the replacement of other hormones.

There's often no effective treatment to restore fertility in men with primary hypogonadism, but assisted reproductive technology may be helpful. This technology covers a variety of techniques designed to help couples who have been unable to conceive.

Treatment of delayed puberty in boys depends on the underlying cause. Three to six months of testosterone supplementation given as an injection can stimulate puberty and the development of secondary sex characteristics, such as increased muscle mass, beard and pubic hair growth, and growth of the penis.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Having male hypogonadism can affect your self-image and, possibly, your relationships. Talk with your health care provider about how you can reduce the anxiety and stress that often accompany these conditions. Many men benefit from psychological or family counseling.

Find out if there are support groups in your area or online. Support groups put you in touch with other people with similar challenges.

Although you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or other care provider, you might be referred to someone who specializes in the hormone-producing glands (endocrinologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

Make a list of:

For male hypogonadism, some questions to ask your provider include:

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

Be prepared to answer questions about your condition, such as:

Sept. 29, 2021

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Male hypogonadism - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic