Understanding Testosterone Therapy`

You’re not alone if you’re experiencing loss of muscle tone, low energy, and a decrease in sexual function. These and other symptoms that can impact your physical, mental, and emotional health are associated with low testosterone, a condition that affects about 40% of men aged 45 and older.

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men. It is produced in the testicles and can affect many aspects of male health including sperm production, sex drive, and muscle and bone mass. Testosterone is responsible for developing and maintaining the physical features and sexual characteristics that are unique to men.

Low testosterone, also called “low-t,” occurs when the testicles produce levels of testosterone so low that a deficiency results. Without adequate levels of testosterone, the male features and functions normally supported by this hormone can be affected. For some men, testosterone therapy can provide relief. 

Since many symptoms associated with low testosterone are also signs of other conditions, it’s important to get an accurate medical assessment before pursuing testosterone therapy. The testosterone therapy specialists at Ovation Wellness in Madison, Mississippi, provide professional diagnosis and treatment options for men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone. After a thorough physical examination, medical history, and blood test, our staff determines whether testosterone therapy is appropriate and recommends options to help improve the way you feel. 

Needing testosterone therapy

The purpose of testosterone therapy is to counter a decline in testosterone production by restoring normal levels of the hormone. Your testosterone levels naturally decrease at a rate of about 1% annually after age 30. Low testosterone levels occur more frequently with age, occurring in about 20% of men age 60 and older and 30% of men age 70 and older.

Low testosterone can also occur as a result of heredity or a medical condition. It is associated with chemotherapy, testicular injury or infection, alcoholism, obesity, certain medications, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

Testosterone therapy is typically advised for men who have both symptoms of low testosterone and blood tests that confirm that their symptoms are related to this condition.

Since testosterone therapy can have adverse effects on some individuals, you should undergo testosterone therapy only under the direction of a medical professional. Your provider can advise whether this treatment is right for you. Having some conditions such as blood clots, prostate cancer, congestive heart failure, or sleep apnea may prevent you from undergoing testosterone therapy safely. 

Treatment options

Testosterone therapy is available in a wide range of products and delivery options. The contents of testosterone therapy products use either synthetic or bioidentical hormones. 

Synthetic hormones are man-made substances that are manufactured to imitate the chemical composition and structure of your body’s testosterone. Bioidentical hormones are plant-based compounds that are chemically identical to your testosterone because they naturally share the same molecular structure.

The staff at Ovation Wellness helps you determine which option is best for you based on factors such as your preferences, lifestyle, and condition. Treatment options for testosterone therapy include:

• Transdermal skin patch: The patch is worn on the back, stomach, upper arms, or thighs. It is applied once daily, typically in the evening, and remains in place for 24 hours. The patch releases small amounts of hormone into the skin throughout the day.
• Topical gels and solutions: Topical treatments are applied once daily on the skin, usually in the morning. Brands differ regarding instructions on where and when to apply for the best results. 
• Nasal gel: Testosterone nasal gel is administered inside the nostril using a nasal dispenser. It’s typically used three times every day, with six to eight hours between doses.
• Injections: Testosterone injections are usually administered in the gluteal muscles in your buttocks. They are typically given between 2 and 10 weeks apart. 
• Bioidentical hormone pellets: Bioidentical hormone pellets are inserted under your buttocks. They slowly release a constant flow of hormones over several months, allowing for a consistent level of hormones without daily maintenance. The pellets are replaced after several months. 

Expected results

The results you get from testosterone therapy depend on many individual factors including your original symptoms, age, and other conditions. With treatment, you may achieve improvement in sex drive, mood, energy level, and mental acuity. For some men, testosterone therapy can also improve muscle mass and bone density. 

Undergoing testosterone therapy requires ongoing monitoring to ensure the treatment is working and you’re not experiencing any adverse effects. The staff at Ovation Wellness determines the schedule most appropriate for your condition and needs. 

Testosterone therapy is a treatment, not a cure, for low testosterone. This means that your symptoms are likely to return if you stop using testosterone therapy. You have to continue treatment for as long as you want to have positive results. 

Find out more about testosterone therapy and whether this treatment may help improve symptoms that interfere with the way you feel. Call our office to schedule a consultation today.