Do you find yourself struggling to lose weight? Do you feel exhausted and lethargic, no matter how much you sleep? Is your sex drive next to zippity zap?
If these symptoms describe you, you might be dealing with low testosterone (low T) and could really benefit from a consultation at one of the many low T centers in our country. The purpose of low T centers is to identify issues with testosterone production and treat it with hormone replacement therapy. The hormone treatments provided at low T centers should improve all of the symptoms we previously mentioned in one she-bang.
If we’ve piqued your interest in low T centers, and want to know more about testosterone hormone therapy, stand by for a list of frequently asked questions:
Question: How is low testosterone treatment administered?
There are a variety of ways that low T centers can increase your testosterone levels. Testosterone can be administered through patches or gels that are absorbed into the body through the surface of the skin. There are oral treatments that enter the blood stream like the food you eat. There are testosterone pellets that are injected under the skin and then gradually release the hormone over time. The most common way that professional low T centers administer testosterone is through an injection.
Question: How is a person tested for low testosterone levels?
Most likely, your doctor will take a simple blood test to check your testosterone levels. The blood test will show the levels of free testosterone you have at a given time. If these levels appear to be below the normal range, you could benefit from testosterone therapy. Of course, every medical treatment should be reviewed and discussed with a medical doctor before you take it.
Question: What benefits will I see through testosterone therapy?
The benefits of testosterone therapy depends on the symptoms you are experiencing as a result of having low testosterone levels. A few common benefits include:
- Increased muscle mass, with lower fat storage. (Of course, the best weight loss results come through diet and exercise, in addition to testosterone therapy.)
- Increased libido, particularly if you are struggling with low sex drive.
- Improved energy levels.
- Better mental outlook. Low testosterone levels often attribute to irritability and depression.
- Improved mental clarity and better motivation.
Question: What risks are associated with testosterone therapy?
Some of the risks associated with testosterone therapy includes:
- Increased red blood cells. This could contribute to a heightened risk of heart attacks and blood clots, particularly if you already hold a risk for them.
- Infertility. In some cases, testosterone therapy will downward regulate the levels of sperm you produce. If you are interested in conceiving a child while you are receiving testosterone therapy, this is something that you should discuss with your doctor.
- Prostate changes. If you already have an overactive prostate, testosterone therapy may make it worse. If you have a history of prostate cancer, you should not get testosterone therapy unless your urologist clears you for it.
Question: What method of testosterone therapy is best?
Of the testosterone therapy methods, choosing the best one for you depends on your needs; only your doctor could answer that question. However, studies show that the testosterone injection is often the most effective form for transmitting the correct dosage for your body to absorb. The testosterone gels run the risk of coming off before they are absorbed. In fact, it’s possible to transfer the hormones to children or others just by coming in contact with them. The patches often create a rash at the site of the patch, and can also easily come off if you sweat. Using any topical testosterone therapy is difficult to ensure that your body absorbs the correct dosage. Only through injections straight into the muscle can you ensure that your body got the dosage you need.
Question: How much does testosterone therapy cost?
The prices vary, however testosterone therapy is commonly covered by most medical insurance plans. In most cases, you’ll only be subject to pay the copay or deductible that your insurance charges.
Do you have any other questions about testosterone therapy? Please share them in the comment section below, or reach out to a low T center for a consultation.