When you read testosterone, what comes first in your mind? Most people associate testosterone with the image of a “macho” man with an Arnold Schwarzenegger-like physique, and hence, only desirable for men wishing to attain a bodybuilder image. However, this perception is not true at all since testosterone covers many aspects of a man’s life. Thus, to correct this misconception, this article will cover what you need to know about testosterone and hormone replacement therapy in San Diego.
Table of Contents
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a major sex hormone that is produced in men by the testes. As such, it plays a variety of roles and impacts a man’s physical, emotional, and sexual processes.
How does testosterone affect my body?
Physical processes influenced by testosterone include the development of penis and testes, appearance of facial and pubic hair, muscle size and strength, bone growth, and sperm production. While emotionally, testosterone influence a person’s moods, energy levels, and sleep patterns. Sexually, testosterones stimulate sexual desire (libido) and also aids in achieving and maintaining an erection.
For these reasons, testosterone affects the general health and well-being of men. Having a healthy level of testosterone is not only a goal for men desiring to achieve a “macho” image, but it is also for men who wish to have a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Can my body produce enough testosterone for a lifetime?
However, as important as the role of testosterone in a man’s life, its production decreases with age. The testosterone level of typical male peaks at about age 20 and slowly decreases thereafter. A person in his 30’s would experience a 1% to 2% decrease of testosterone level per year. While this decrease may not be noticeable, it is common for men aged 60 and above to experience noticeable changes. This drop-in testosterone levels “low T,” is referred to as “male menopause” or andropause.
In addition to aging, certain conditions and/or diseases may also affect testosterone levels. Hormonal disorders, Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and other chronic medical conditions, particularly liver or kidney disease, may also cause lower testosterone levels.
Further, medications, especially steroids, morphine, and tranquilizers, as well as treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, are also culprits in lowering testosterone levels. Also, since testosterone are produced in the testes, direct injury to the organ, as well as infections to the same, may lead to lower production of testosterone.
Should I have a Testosterone Replacement Therapy in San Diego if I have a low level of testosterone?
As previously discussed, testosterone affects physical, emotional, and sexual processes. Thus, males with low testosterone may experience hair loss, decreased muscle and bone mass, increased body fat, and decreased semen volume. Emotionally, men with “low T” experience mood changes, which may lead to depression, irritability, and lack of focus. Because of lowered energy levels, men may also experience fatigue. Sexually, men may also notice a reduction in sexual desire and difficulty in erection or maintaining one.
Hence, men desiring to maintain good and healthy well-being should be aware of their testosterone levels. Especially if they are experiencing any of the conditions mentioned above.
How do I know if I have a low testosterone level?
A man’s total testosterone ranges from about 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/DL) to 800 ng/DL. Checking of testosterone level is a fairly simple procedure. However, interpreting the result is a different story. Hence, it is recommended that the testosterone level checks be done in a specialized clinic with a reputable physician.
What should I do if I have “low T”?
Should the test result in testosterone level below normal, a person may opt for a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). In TRT, the testosterone hormone is administered to an individual thru skin patches, gels applied and absorbed directly by the skin, direct injections or pellets implanted into the body’s soft tissue.
What are the benefits of San Diego testosterone replacement therapy?
While the results may not be immediate, there are short term benefits in TRT. For instance, men who undergo testosterone replacement therapy in San Diego report that within a few weeks after the therapy, they experienced better sexual performance due to the increased sex drive and better erectile function. Some short-term benefits also include improved sleep, higher energy levels, and healthier appetites.
However, since a man’s body chemistry and needs differ from one person to another, a long-term TRT program may prove more beneficial rather than a one-time fix. Further, testosterone levels should also be monitored to ensure that it lies within the normal range.
Are there any risks associated with TRT?
Like any medication, TRT has some associated risks. Side effects of too high testosterone levels include gynecomastia, infertility, and high blood pressure. Some men report cases of oily skin, body hair growth, and shrinking of the testicles. Thus, it is important that a physician monitor testosterone levels periodically to ensure that it is within a healthy range. Further, a physician may also add human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) – an analog of luteinizing hormone – to TRT can help maintain fertility and testicular size.
Where should I go for testosterone replacement therapy?
Should you decide on a testosterone replacement therapy in San Diego, there are many factors to consider before making your choice.
It is recommended that you choose a specialized clinic and with a program that is customized to your health and needs. Considering the benefits and risks associated with TRT. The clinic should provide you with a physician who is not only knowledgeable about TRT but who can also maintain honest and straightforward communication with you.
In addition, individuals should ensure that the hormones used in TRT are of high quality and are identical to the hormones naturally produced by the body.
Finally, it is desirable that your chosen clinic has an in-house laboratory. This will ensure that your results are treated with the utmost confidentiality, and you can get immediate results.
The Takeaway
Testosterone is not only a concern for bodybuilders; it should be a concern for men who wish to lead a fulfilling lifestyle. Thus, men should be aware of their testosterone levels to ensure that it is within a healthy range. For men with “low T,” all is not lost as they can still opt for testosterone replacement therapy.
