Testosterone is a necessary hormone that both males and females produce. Testosterone is responsible for the development and maintenance of muscle mass, bone density, sexual characteristics, adequate red blood cell counts, and sexual and reproductive function in males.
Testosterone levels fluctuate constantly in response to the demands of your body. However, over the course of your lifetime, the overall level changes. Typically, aging is associated with decreased testosterone levels, with at least 40% of men (aged 45+) suffering from hypothyroidism (also known as Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome or low-T). The American Urological Association defines low T as T levels that are less than 300 nanograms per decilitre (ng/dL). However, for some individuals, this level may become critical, resulting in undesirable consequences. If you’re looking for testosterone treatment in Jupiter, Florida, this article will discuss the different types of testosterone treatments available.
What is Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone responsible for men’s manliness. It’s made in the testicles, and males need it to produce sperm. Testosterone also modifies a male’s secondary sexual characteristics and external genitalia. The hormone helps young boys develop male features at puberty, including a deep voice, muscle strength, body hair, and facial hair.
Treatment Options for Men with Low-T
Your doctor can diagnose low T by measuring T-levels using blood tests. Because testosterone levels constantly change throughout the day (with higher levels usually in the morning), the diagnosis may require multiple tests. Treatment includes testosterone replacement therapy administered via injections, patches, and gels. Alternative treatments are lifestyle changes like incorporating resistance exercises and losing weight.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) (also called androgen replacement therapy) is a medical treatment administered to males with low T. When you take the prescribed testosterone, you boost the hormone’s level in your blood, which reverses deficiency symptoms. People undergoing TRT may notice improvements in sexual function, mood, energy, alertness, and overall well-being. More advantages of TRT are as follows:
- Overcoming issues associated with delayed puberty
- A boost in bone density
- Loss of fat
- Protection against osteoporosis
- A boost in physical performance
TRT In-take Methods
Transdermal(topical)
You will find topical patches, liquids, creams, and gels. Generally, topical medicine lasts for 4 days. For maximum absorption, cover in the air- or water-tight dressing. Like a band-aid holding medicine, apply your topical patch and leave the surface unwashed until the next application is due. In addition, only apply patches, creams, and gels on dry skin with zero cuts and scratches. Finally, clean your hands after application.
Injectables
Injectable prescriptions are typical forms of testosterone intake routines. They can be administered as short-acting or long-acting. The former may require a short period of 1 to 2 weeks before the next shot. While the long-acting takes longer, at least four weeks. Overall, frequency and dosage vary depending on the person.
Short-acting testosterone is injected under muscles or while skiing, and long-acting testosterone into gluteal muscles.
Buccal or Cheek Patches
The buccal patch is reserved for the upper teeth. It disseminates testosterone for about 12 hours. However, patches have little toxicity to the liver compared to oral medication. Likely side effects are mouth irritation and headaches.
Implants/Pellets
Your doctor may decide to implant small plastic pellets under your skin. Common implantation areas include your buttock and upper hip. Afterward, the pellets dissociate slowly in your system (about 3 months), delivering TRT.
Oral Testosterone
Oral testosterone is a less practical, infrequently used, and relatively expensive form of TRT. Overall, long-term users may suffer liver damage. As indicated in most tablets, the drug may also contribute to stroke or hypertension.
Natural Options
Weight Loss
Statistically, 30% of men suffering from obesity are diagnosed with low T. That’s because fat tissues contain enzymes responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. Estrogen is a female hormone that will, in turn, inhibit testosterone production. Therefore, weight loss is an effective home treatment procedure for low T. Muscles burn more calories than fat. Therefore, your body is less likely to store excess calories if it packs more muscles. The best approach is to eliminate belly fat as you progress.
Eat a balanced diet Food or deity supplements that can boost T levels hardly exist. Dietary supplements like zinc and vitamin D may increase testosterone but are less likely to reach clinical standards. However, malnutrition often lowers body testosterone. The best diet for low T is moderate and balanced, rich in nutrients (usually ones with healthy fats, plant-based supplements, and lean proteins). This helps with full-body health and hormone balance.
Proper Sleep Routines
Sleeping moments are the peak hours for testosterone production in your body. The rate falls during active hours. That means a lack of enough sleep will negatively affect your T levels, especially for adolescents. You can combat this by practicing healthy sleep hygiene, i.e., setting a specific bedtime, eliminating any distractions, and sleeping with the lights off.