Everything You Want to Know About Testosterone

Posted on November 28, 2022 by root

Millions of men suffer from low testosterone, and many don’t even know it. Low T can cause a litany of problems, from weight gain and fatigue to sexual dysfunction and depression. The good news is that there are treatment options available. Here’s what you need to know about low testosterone and how to treat it.


What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by the testicles. It’s responsible for male characteristics such as facial hair growth, deepening of the voice, and increased muscle mass. It also plays an important role in maintaining bone density, sex drive, and sperm production.

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by the testes in men. It is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics, such as a deeper voice, facial and body hair, and increased muscle mass. Testosterone levels usually peak during adolescence and early adulthood. After age 30, some men’s testosterone levels begin to decline about 1% each year.

Despite what many people think, testosterone is not just a “male” hormone. Women also produce testosterone, but in much smaller amounts than men. Testosterone plays an important role in women’s health and well-being, too. It helps maintain bone density, regulates insulin, controls cholesterol, and boosts mood.


What Causes Low Testosterone?

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to low testosterone levels. These include age, injuries or infections that damage the testicles, cancer treatment, and certain medications. In some cases, the cause of low T is unknown.


What Are The Signs and Symptoms Of Low Testosterone?

  • decrease in libido (sex drive)
  • erectile dysfunction
  • fatigue
  • reduced muscle mass and strength
  • hot flashes
  • depression
  • irritability
  • difficulty concentrating


How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?

A simple blood test can be used to diagnose low testosterone. Your doctor will likely order additional tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms before starting treatment. Normal testosterone levels range from 300-1000.


What Are The Natural Ways to Improve Testosterone Levels?

Weight loss can improve overall testosterone levels by up to 20-30%. Some people may see even greater gains. Stress is so detrimental to testosterone levels, so any activity that can help you relax will help boost testosterone levels – these include meditation and yoga.

Think meditation and yoga. Think working out regularly—combined with eating better, good sleep (at least 7-8 hours), and losing weight if you need to all contribute to improved testosterone levels. We know these are not all easy to do, but the benefits to T levels are HUGE!


Do Testosterone Supplements Help?

Vitamin D and Zinc are especially important for healthy testosterone production. Vitamin D is involved in libido and sperm production as well as testosterone production. The sun is the most natural way to receive a direct dose of vitamin D, but you have to be careful about unhealthy levels of sun exposure. Vitamin D can also be taken as a supplement or found in various foods like fatty fish and dairy. Zinc is equally important for testosterone production and is also found in fish. It can also be taken as a supplement and should be taken regularly, especially if you exercise often.


What are the Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

TRT can offer a wide range of benefits for men with low testosterone levels. In general, this therapy can improve energy levels, sex drive, mood, muscle mass and strength, bone density, and red blood cell production.  It is important to note that TRT is not a “cure-all” and will not eliminate all of the symptoms associated with low testosterone levels. However, it can be an effective treatment option for many men.


What Are TRT Treatment Options?

Nasal Gels – Natesto

Best for: Those extremely concerned about your ability to make babies. Nasal testosterone can improve your testosterone levels while preserving your fertility! (Unlike other TRT treatment options)

How often do you take it: 3 times per day.


Pills – Jatenzo

Best for: Those not too crazy about needles and have good insurance coverage

How often do you take it: 2 times per day.


Topical Gels

Best for: Those who want a low maintenance option, with typically moderate symptoms, and probably a bachelor.

What is it: Easy gel to rub on. AVOID direct skin-to-skin contact with women and children at the application site for 2 hours after applying it due to risk of transference.

How often do you take it: Once per day.


Standard Injections (Testosterone Cypionate/Testosterone Enanthate)

Best for: Someone who has no problems with injecting themselves

What is it: Regular intramuscular testosterone injections that you can do at home. Important to check in with your urologist or endocrinologist every few months to monitor testosterone levels, PSA, and red blood cell counts.

How often do you take it: Every 1 to 2 weeks.


Microdosing

Best for: Younger men, highly active

What is it: Smaller doses maintain steadier testosterone levels rather than weekly larger doses.

How often do you take it: 3 to 5 times per week.


Subcutaneous Pellets

Best for: Logistics of other options too cumbersome, seeking convenience since this is every 3-4 months, transitioning gender.

What is it: Pellet are inserted under the skin in a minor in-office procedure, these pellets dissolves very slowly, keeping your T level high over a long period of time.

How often do you take it: Every 3-4 months.


What are the Risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

1. Infertility

Within a few months, testosterone administration suppresses sperm production, causing infertility. In most men, it falls very low. In about half of men, it goes to zero. Most men’s fertility returns to their pre-T baseline when they stop taking it.


2. Irreversibility

Coming off T can be rough or impossible for some men. Men feel terrible when transitioning off testosterone administration and waiting for their body to naturally produce testosterone again.


3. Gynecomastia

Also known as man boobs. As testosterone levels rise, it can be converted to estrogen, which can trigger growth of man boobs. This can even happen in thin men.

4. Polycythemia

This is the opposite of anemia — too many red blood cells, making the blood thicker and more prone to clot. This can increase your risk heart attack or a stroke. It’s important to regularly check your blood work while on TRT to ensure the red blood cell count remains in a normal range.

About Justin Houman MD

Dr. Justin Houman is a board certified, fellowship-trained Men’s Health Urologist who specializes in Men’s Sexual and Reproductive Health, specifically, Erectile Dysfunction Los Angeles, Sexual Dysfunction, Reproductive Urology, Male Infertility Los Angeles, Male Fertility Los Angeles, Low Testosterone Los Angeles, Penile Implants Los Angeles, Microsurgical Varicocelectomies Los Angeles, Sperm Retrievals Los Angeles, TESE Los Angeles, microsurgical TESE Los Angeles, Peyronie’s Disease Los Angeles, Xiaflex Los Angeles, Vasectomy Los Angeles, and Vasectomy Reversal Los Angeles.

Dr. Houman proudly serves the greater Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Malibu as well as the San Fernando Valley, encompassing Encino, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Calabasas, and Thousand Oaks.

Muscular male torso and testosterone formula. Concept of hormone increasing methods.

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