Men experiencing a low sex drive, fading energy, mood changes, decreased muscle mass, and erectile dysfunction may have low testosterone levels, also known as low T. Testosterone replacement therapy may be the solution to restoring vitality and vigor for men diagnosed with the condition. The majority of testosterone prescriptions are written for men aged 40 and older.
What is low testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles that creates male physical features. It also helps maintain the following for men:
- Bone density
- Favorable Fat distribution
- Muscle strength and mass
- Facial and body hair
- Red blood cell production
- Sex drive
Testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood and decline approximately 1% yearly after age 30 or 40. For older men, a low testosterone level may be due to normal aging, or a condition known as hypogonadism.
Hypogonadism reduces the ability to produce average amounts of testosterone due to issues with the testicles or the pituitary gland that controls the testicles.
You may have low T if you have the following symptoms:
- Low iron
- Depression
- Irritability
- Fewer and weaker erections
- Reduced energy
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Loss of calcium from bones
- Decreased Sex drive
- Increased body fat
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
If you think you may have low T, it is essential to have an experienced physician review your medical history before conducting a physical exam and blood work to measure your testosterone levels. They will also rule out another possible condition that might be causing your symptoms.
Treatment is individualized depending on age, symptoms, and goals. There are four methods of testosterone replacement therapy for patients – transdermal where the medication is absorbed through the skin, pellets where the medication is implanted under the skin and slowly release for 3-4 months, daily physiologic dosing that allows adjustments while minimizing the peaks and valleys of other injection methods, and traditional injection dosing every 5 days.
How does testosterone replacement therapy work?
Testosterone replacement therapy helps restore the levels of this hormone in the blood to reverse symptoms of low testosterone. At CraftMD, our protocols allow patients to find the right approach that fits their needs and lifestyle.
While the use of gels and creams is an easy option, it does come with considerable drawbacks. Heavy sweating and friction can interfere with the gels and creams’ absorption. Similarly, there is a high risk of transferal of the medication when coming into close contact with others. This can be particularly troublesome if you’re in physical contact with pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant, or children.
Some patients also choose to include human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) subcutaneous injections . In a 2013 study, men taking testosterone along with hCG were able to maintain adequate sperm production – which often lowers with testosterone alone. hCG also helps prevents the testicular shrinkage that can occur when taking testosterone alone.
Finally, we also monitor and optimize estradiol levels while on treatment. Estradiol in men is essential for modulating libido, erectile function, and spermatogenesis. Testosterone replacement can alter these levels significantly. An oral medication is added when needed to keep your levels – and sexual function – in the optimal range.
What are the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy?
Men who are prescribed testosterone replacement therapy may notice improvements in their:
- Alertness
- Sexual function
- Libido
- Energy
- Mood
- Overall well-being
- Erection quality
- Increased bone density, muscle mass, and insulin sensitivity
Why choose Dr. Craft for testosterone hormone replacement therapy in Phoenix, AZ?
CraftMD offers a wide range of effective treatments for men, focusing on providing excellent results customized to meet each patient's specific needs and aesthetic goals.
From hair loss treatments to testosterone replacement therapy, we want to help men improve their confidence and quality of life. Dr. Craft will discuss your areas of concern, personal aesthetic goals, and desired outcome to get the results you want so that when you look in the mirror, you love what you see.
Double board-certified surgeon Dr. Craft has the credentials, education, and experience to perform surgical and cosmetic procedures for men with satisfying, transformative results. To schedule a consultation with us, please call or contact us online.
