Understanding Testosterone Therapy: What Every Man Should Know

By team on July 31, 2023

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that is vital to the health and well-being of men throughout all stages of their lives. From the development of sexual characteristics in adolescence to increasing lean muscle mass, and maintaining bone strength, testosterone is also essential for the production of sperm, enhancing male libido, improving mood, and boosting cognitive abilities. When men have symptoms of low testosterone, receiving hormone replacement therapy at Shasta Meadows Wellness can restore adequate testosterone levels.

Continue reading to learn more about testosterone therapy and if you could be a good candidate for testosterone replacement therapy.

What is Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone Therapy concept, man holding a syringe.

Similar to estrogen replacement delivery methods for women, testosterone delivery methods also include injectables, transdermal patches, topical gels, implants, or cheek patches. Testosterone replacement injections are given every one to two weeks initially. A second injection is then given four weeks after the first injection. The remaining injections are needed every 10 weeks.

Creams or gels are applied to the skin each day. Transdermal patches remain adhered to the skin for 24 hours and gradually release testosterone into the bloodstream. A new testosterone transdermal patch must be reapplied every 24 hours.

Cheek patches are placed underneath the upper lip and interact with saliva to release testosterone. They should be replaced every 12 hours or twice a day.

Testosterone pellets are implanted under the skin, either in the buttock or hip area. These pellets continue releasing testosterone into the bloodstream for up to six months. At that time, the old testosterone pellet is replaced by a new one.

Signs of Low Testosterone in Men

Low Testosterone in a medical diagnosis form.

Call Shasta Meadows Wellness to schedule a consultation about receiving testosterone replacement therapy if you are experiencing two or more of the following:

  • Lack of sexual desire
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Depression/anxiety/moodiness
  • Difficulty remembering and concentrating
  • Increase in abdominal visceral fat
  • Decrease in muscle tone
  • Decreased in bone mineral density (could lead to osteoporosis)
  • Lack of stamina and energy

Conditions Associated with Low Testosterone

 Man suffers from Low Testosterone caused by obesity.
  • Andropause (age-related loss of testosterone
  • Disorders involving the testicles (cancer, surgical complications, traumatic injury)
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Pituitary disorders
  • Erectile dysfunction

Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

muscle tone and mass of a man.
  • Improved sexual desire and libido
  • Increased muscle tone and mass
  • Boosted energy levels and general vitality
  • Enhanced cognition, especially involving memory and concentration
  • Possible benefits for heart and bone health
  • Reduced feelings of moodiness, irritability, and depression
  • May help decrease instances of erectile dysfunction

For men diagnosed with CAD (coronary artery disease), testosterone replacement therapy may help increase blood flow within and surrounding the heart while acting as an effective vasodilator. Studies also show that low testosterone levels may also be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease.

Who are Good Candidates for Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone Test concept.

The American Urology Association states that low blood testosterone may be diagnosed if testosterone measures less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for adult men. During your consultation at Shasta Meadows Wellness for testosterone replacement therapy, we will discuss your symptoms of low testosterone and your current health condition, and perform a blood test to determine if you do have low testosterone issues.

Lifestyle Modifications for Optimizing Testosterone Levels

Man in the gym doing some physical exercises.

Stay active physically and mentally. For men in their 30s, strength-training and cardiovascular exercises are a great way to stimulate the production and release of testosterone. Older men should walk, hike, bicycle, and swim regularly to help prevent weight gain and improve muscle tone.

Avoid drinking alcohol, especially beer. An ingredient in beer called hops is an estrogenic substance, meaning it causes testosterone to be converted to estrogen. Some research suggests that having two drinks per day may reduce testosterone levels in both young and older men.

Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation is stressful for the body and brain. When under stress, the body releases cortisol, the primary stress hormone known to cause a variety of health problems. Men between 64 and 74 years old who did not get enough sleep were found to have lower levels of testosterone in the morning than men the same age who got sufficient sleep.

Testosterone Therapy and Fertility

Testosterone therapy could decrease sperm production. For this reason, men who are considering having more children should consider delaying testosterone therapy. If you have moderate to severe symptoms of low testosterone and are worried about fertility problems, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of testosterone replacement during your consultation.

Call Shasta Meadows Wellness Center at (530) 215-3820 to schedule an appointment if you are interested in learning more about the benefits of testosterone therapy.

Article written by team

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