If you’re a man suffering from low levels of testosterone, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. The number of middle-aged men with prescriptions for testosterone continues to climb, and according to recent studies, one in four men over the age of 30 suffer from low levels of testosterone. Luckily, there are a variety of treatment options available to remedy low levels of testosterone, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). In this blog, we’ll discuss the basics of TRT and how it can have a positive impact on your life.
At the Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson, we’ve helped hundreds of men improve their levels of testosterone through our innovative TRT treatments. If you or a loved one is suffering from the side effects of low testosterone, contact our men’s physicians today.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy: What Is It?
Testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment in which additional testosterone is added to a man’s body through various applications. From pills to medical injections, TRT’s main goal is to increase the concentration of testosterone in the body. If you suffer from low levels of testosterone, you may have hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is a popular medical condition that is commonly characterised by low levels of testosterone in the blood. This can lead to testosterone deficiency which can lead to a lack of body hair and excessive breast growth in men. Hypogonadism often occurs when a man’s testes do not produce enough testosterone.
Who Uses Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Testosterone replacement therapy is normally used to treat men who have received a definitive diagnosis of hypogonadism. In order for a patient to be diagnosed with this condition, they must have low blood concentrations of testosterone and clinical symptoms of deficiency. While it is natural for men’s testosterone levels to decrease as they age, testosterone is still required for:
- Male sexual development
- Reproductive functions
- Building muscle
- Maintaining a healthy level of red blood cells
- Maintaining bone density
How Is Testosterone Administered?
Testosterone can be administered to men in a variety of ways. Most men will receive their first form of treatment in the form of testosterone injections. For men who cannot receive injections, your physician may administer an oral pill to take on a regular basis. There are also testosterone patches available, which work simply by placing them on your arm, back or leg.
Injectable Testosterone
The most standard and cost-effective treatment option for low levels of testosterone are testosterone injections. When you work with your men’s physician, they will be able to walk you through the administration process so you feel completely comfortable. A testosterone injection is simply an oil-based solution that contains testosterone. Once it is administered, the solution will gradually release testosterone levels into your bloodstream.
The standard testosterone dose is one injection containing 200-250 mg of testosterone every two to three weeks. In older or younger men, the testosterone dose may be reduced to as little as 100 mg. If your physician doesn’t see much improvement with your initial dose, they can always increase it.
Oral Testosterone
Oral testosterone therapy, as you may have guessed, involves the use of pills to increase your levels of testosterone. This method is often more expensive and less effective than other modes of TRT. The starting doses for oral testosterone may be as low as 40 mg daily, but most men typically require anywhere between 160 to 240 mg of testosterone a day. It’s important to note that these pills should be taken with food, as this can help increase the testosterone levels that are absorbed by the body.
Transdermal Testosterone Patches
Testosterone patches are an easy and convenient way to boost low levels of testosterone. These medical patches safely adhere to the skin, however they have been known to cause skin irritation in up to 50 percent of men that use them. Most men require a single patch, which contains 5 mg of testosterone, every day. The patch can be applied to the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen, and should be left in place for 24 hours.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Tucson
If you live near Tucson and you suffer from low levels of testosterone, contact the Men’s Vitality Center today. Our healthcare physicians are well-versed in the various forms of testosterone replacement therapy, and we would be happy to discuss your options with you.