Many men assume that reaching their 40s, 50s, and beyond means settling for subpar sex life, less confidence, and a body and mind that just doesn’t measure up – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
In fact, so many of the supposed signs of aging are actually symptoms of low testosterone. Thanks to the latest in age management treatments, low-T is a problem that can be exceptionally easy to fix.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has changed the lives of millions of men, helping to restore their energy, sex drive, focus, and physical fitness. And you’ve been wishing for a way to get back to feeling like your best self, TRT could very well transform your life too.
Testosterone: A Vital Key to Men’s Health
If you have been feeling tired, irritable, or pudgy, or have been struggling to keep up in the bedroom, gym, and at work, low-T could be the culprit. You might just be surprised to learn how much your testosterone levels matter in terms of your overall health, and just how powerful effective testosterone therapy can be in turning your life around.
But before we start talking about how TRT works for men, let’s cover a few basics: exactly what is testosterone, how does it work, and why is it so important for men’s wellness?
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in the male body, playing a critical role in male sexual health and other key functions.
Although women’s bodies also produce a small amount of testosterone, it’s generally thought of as the hormone that powers the various aspects of manhood. Testosterone is mainly produced in the testes, and is responsible for so many different aspects of your health:
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- Sex drive and performance
- Fat distribution
- Bone density
- Facial and body hair
- Sperm production
- Red blood cell production
- Energy
So, when your testosterone is at a less-than-optimal level, it manifests as an array of unpleasant symptoms.
What is low testosterone?
There’s not necessarily a “magic number” for the perfect amount of testosterone, especially since every man is different. Instead, healthy levels of testosterone cover a relatively wide range.
Generally, a normal level of testosterone should be no less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), a measurement that’s assessed via blood testing. Many men tend to average 500-600 ng/dL, but your levels could be slightly lower and still considered balanced.
Nearly half of all men over the age of 45 have testosterone levels that measure below that range. It’s pretty typical for your testosterone production to peak around age 20, and then slowly start declining after that. Over time, your levels can eventually drop low enough to medically qualify as a testosterone deficiency – which is why middle-age is the most common time for men to encounter the signs of low testosterone.
The symptoms of low-T
So, how do you know if you have low testosterone? Well, with all of the symptoms a testosterone imbalance can produce, you’re definitely going to be aware that something isn’t right.
Here are some of the many signs of testosterone deficiency:
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- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Weight gain
- Fat build-up, especially around your midsection
- Muscle loss
- Thinning hair
- Difficulty focusing
- Mood swings
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
Unfortunately, many men mistakenly interpret these symptoms (and low T in general) as a sign that they’re not as much of a “man” as they should be. There is a certain stigma that surrounds low testosterone, making it a challenge for men to feel free to talk about their experiences. But what you should know is that low-T is an extremely common, treatable medical condition, and you absolutely aren’t alone.
What causes low testosterone?
For a large majority of men with low T, aging is the key contributing factor. Since testosterone production declines as you get older, your levels can easily become unbalanced by your 40s or 50s.
However, there are other low-testosterone causes to be aware of as well. Your TRT provider should carefully assess your health to determine if your testosterone deficiency is related to one of the following factors so that your treatment can be properly tailored:
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- Some medical conditions, including autoimmune conditions
- Certain medications
- Previous injury to the testicles
- Obesity
- Drug or alcohol use
- Thyroid issues
- Hemochromatosis (excess iron in the body)
- Pituitary gland problems
You also don’t need to be middle-aged to experience low T – it can happen to just about anyone.
For example, male hypogonadism is a medical condition that can affect men of any age and is characterized by the body’s inability to produce enough testosterone. There are two types of male hypogonadism (primary and central/secondary), both of which can be effectively treated with testosterone therapy.
What is Replacement Therapy?
If low testosterone is the problem, then testosterone replacement therapy is the solution. In simplest terms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a safe, effective method of replacing a deficit of testosterone.
Your TRT plan should be customized according to your specific needs and goals because it is not a “one size fits all” treatment option. Each individual will have an optimal testosterone level/dosage, as well as an administration method that suits them best.
Types of TRT
There are different methods for administering testosterone therapy, and your low-T doctor can help you determine which one is right for you:
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- Topical gels/creams are widely popular and are simply rubbed onto the chest/shoulders on a daily basis (or just inside your nostrils) so that your skin can absorb the testosterone.
- Skin patches, or transdermal patches, are typically applied once daily on the upper body.
- Mouth patches look very similar to a standard tablet but are placed on your upper gum two times per day to deliver a constant release of testosterone.
- Injections are another very common option because they are usually very effective, accessible, and convenient. Your dosage/injection schedule depends on your treatment plan.
- Oral medications are less popular because they can sometimes interact with other medications or medical conditions.
How quickly does TRT work?
For the majority of men, the effects of TRT set in fairly quickly. You can expect to notice a difference in your sex drive, energy levels, and even your mood. There will also be other benefits that you don’t necessarily see, but will be able to feel in the form of improved wellness overall.
Is testosterone replacement therapy safe?
Like any other medical treatment, TRT should be administered by an experienced health professional. When your TRT plan is suited to your needs and includes regular monitoring, you can feel confident that you are making a safe choice.
Leverage the Benefits of TRT to Boost Your Quality of Life
At Ehormones MD, we have the privilege of seeing countless men experience the life-changing effects of testosterone therapy. At our low-T clinics nationwide, our experts work closely with patients to create comprehensive treatment plans that deliver fast, sustainable results.
If you’re ready to achieve your wellness goals and be the best version of yourself, contact Ehormones MD to find the clinic nearest you!
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