There are many myths about testosterone and how it affects the body. This “male” sex hormone does have many impacts on the male sex characteristics and functions but has much farther impacts than just sex. When testosterone levels are too low, it can affect both male and female health. Testosterone therapy is a medical treatment that can help restore normal hormone levels for better health and quality of life.
What Is Testosterone?
Many different hormones are made in the body, including multiple sex hormones that regulate the reproductive system and other functions in the body. Hormones are used to regulate certain chemical changes in almost every system in the body. Testosterone is not the only “male” sex hormone, but it is recognized as the most important as far as its impact on the body. Both men and women produce testosterone in their adrenal glands. More testosterone is produced in the testes and ovaries, but men produce much higher levels than women.
Testosterone is responsible for stimulating the development of male sex organs and regulating many aspects of the male reproductive system. Testosterone triggers sperm production and growth of the sex organs at puberty when levels begin to increase, along with other male characteristics like face and body hair. Testosterone is also important for red blood cell production, and it can affect sex drive, muscle growth and bone density in both men and women.
Maintaining Healthy Testosterone Levels
The production of testosterone in the adrenal glands and testes in men is controlled by the brain and pituitary gland. As males reach puberty age, the production is increased to begin the changes from adolescence into teen and adulthood. Most males will reach their highest testosterone levels in their late teens or early twenties and maintain these levels for several years. It is usually in the thirties that testosterone begins to naturally decline in production.
The eventual reduction in testosterone is a natural aging occurrence and should not trigger negative effects. Most men will lose about 1% of testosterone a year, a slow decline that does not create health or lifestyle concerns. It is when a quick drop in testosterone occurs that there can be negative side effects. This is when testosterone therapy may be considered to relieve symptoms and restore better health.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Most people have heard commercials for “testosterone boosters” that claim to increase the production of the key male hormone. These commercials list some of the possible symptoms of low testosterone, but it is important to know that hormone production is not the only thing that can cause certain symptoms. While the symptoms can indicate that you may benefit from testosterone therapy, you should always be diagnosed by a medical professional before using hormone therapy. Symptoms may include:
- Low energy or fatigue
- ED (erectile dysfunction)
- Increases or changes in fat storage (some men notice more breast fat)
- Decreases in muscle mass or strength
- Decreased sex drive
- Hair loss
- Infertility issues
Symptoms such as hair loss or ED are common, but they can also be caused by other factors. It is vital to see a medical professional for hormone testing and evaluation to determine whether testosterone therapy is right for you.
Causes of Drops in Testosterone Levels
“Low T” is a term for lowered testosterone levels. This does not refer to the natural drop in production with age, but a more dramatic reduction in testosterone that can have an impact on health. There are many possible causes of low T; some are controllable, while many others are not. Some of the possible causes of lower testosterone include:
- Lifestyle choices. Alcohol, tobacco and certain recreational drugs can impact testosterone production. Cutting out these substances may help some men increase their T levels.
- Sleep. Testosterone production is mainly achieved when you sleep. If you are not getting quality sleep due to sleep apnea, insomnia or stress, you may have lower T levels.
- Medications. There are many medications that can impact hormone production, including testosterone. If T levels are low, it may be a side effect of a drug you are taking.
- Injury. An injury to the testicles can result in low testosterone and many of the same symptoms as low T.
- Stress. If you have extensive stress in your life, it can impact your hormone production. Finding ways to manage your stress can be beneficial.
There are many factors you can control, but some you cannot. Genetics and health conditions may contribute to your low T, which is when testosterone therapy can be extremely beneficial.
Testosterone Therapy Options
The first step in seeking testosterone therapy is being diagnosed with low T. It is critical to have your condition diagnosed by a medical professional. At Arcadia Wellness Center, we have our patients meet with our hormone therapy specialist to undergo a comprehensive evaluation. If low testosterone is a possibility, we perform lab testing to confirm hormone levels. If low T is diagnosed, there are many options that can be used to trigger higher testosterone production.
Lifestyle changes can be a significant part of increasing testosterone. If you are decreasing your hormone production through a sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep or drug/alcohol use, it is advisable to change these habits to improve your health and hormone balance. However, there are therapies we can use to boost your testosterone quickly and restore hormone balance in the body.
Testosterone therapy usually involves using testosterone delivered through oral medications, topical creams or injections. The most direct option is injections, which deliver the hormone to the bloodstream. Every patient may receive a different dosage or injection regimen based on their specific needs.
Testosterone injections are usually performed every week or every two weeks. Once injected, the testosterone levels quickly increase. Usually, within three days after the injection, the T levels reach their highest point, then begin to drop down again until the next treatment. Patients on testosterone therapy can begin noticing a decrease in some of their symptoms within 24 hours, but each patient responds at their own pace.
Testosterone therapy can not only help improve your sex life, metabolism and muscle strength, but it may also improve your health. Low T has been linked to health problems, bone density and other wellness issues. Restoring hormone balance can give you back your energy, confidence and health, making it a worthwhile investment in your quality of life.
Do I Need Weekly In-Office Testosterone Therapy?
While some medical clinics may require that patients come in for weekly testosterone injections, that is not necessary at Arcadia Wellness Center. Our medical director, Sarah Quinn, has testosterone therapy options that only require our patients to visit us every few months. This is a much more convenient and discrete treatment plan that works well for our patients while still providing the health benefits of hormone therapy.
Testosterone Therapy in Phoenix
If you have symptoms of low T and want to explore your health options, come see us at Arcadia Wellness Center. Call our medical facility in Phoenix, AZ to schedule a hormone therapy evaluation. We can perform your exam and if needed, schedule hormone level testing. If testosterone therapy is recommended, you can receive it through our clinic without the need for weekly or monthly visits. Call today to book your appointment.
