Low Testosterone Treatment
There are many questions circulating the internet in regards to low testosterone treatment. Although many people naturally assume this issue pertains only to men, it might be surprising to learn that women can also benefit from gaining insight into this subject. California residents are discovering the real truth about hormone replacement on informative pages and websites such as this. Kingsberg Medical is one of the nation’s premier clinics specializing in providing rejuvenating therapies to those who are suffering from decreased hormone production. These conditions (because there are a number of different hormones that can decrease over time) can cause symptoms ranging from mildly annoying to downright debilitating. Those who are lucky enough to receive a diagnosis and begin low testosterone treatment will witness incredible changes taking place in many areas of their lives. Not everyone who contacts us will be diagnosed with some type of hormonal imbalance, but those who do will be prescribed a customized plan of action that will address his or her particular needs. This personalized care is what will provide astounding benefits and results. No diagnosis of chemical insufficiency can be accomplished without blood analysis that provides the doctor with a clear picture of what changes are taking place in the body. This is how a deficiency will be determined. This page will answer many of the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
What is Low Testosterone?
What is low testosterone? The term has been tossed about on television, in magazines and newspapers, in locker rooms, and splashed across the internet. Some are familiar with it by its shortened term “Low T.” At any given time, the human body is host to about 50 different types of hormones. These chemical messengers each has its own unique roles to play. In many cases, specific substances work in unison to provide the same benefits or functions to various parts of the body. Others work to signal other chemical releases. The only way to determine if any particular hormone is not being produced at its proper level is with a blood test. Right here, we are focusing on one particular chemical – testosterone. Much to the surprise of many people throughout California, this necessary substance is produced in the bodies of males and females, although women do naturally have much lower levels. So, what is low testosterone? This is the terminology given to the condition where the production and secretion of this chemical are below what is needed by the adult body for proper functioning to take place. According to findings by the Mayo Clinic, the average male should test between 270 and 1,070 ng/dl. A woman will be considered in the normal range of 15 – 70 ng/dl. After the age of thirty, men will typically see a 1% decline each year. Although 270 ng/dl is considered to be at the bottom range, men who are exhibiting symptoms of deficiency even at a higher rate might be considered as needing treatment for this condition. Women are most likely to notice a decrease during menopause.
What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?
With so many changes happening as one grows older, how to we specify exactly what are the symptoms of low testosterone? There is a natural reduction in production of this hormone that occurs, but it will not typically bring about any severe signs or symptoms associated with aging. For the most part, a man might notice a slight decrease in arousal or desire. There might even be fewer spontaneous erections or shortened stamina. Overall, this will not get in the way of normal sexual functions unless the deficiency becomes severe enough to warrant treatment. At this time, a man’s libido may take a hard hit by way of loss of the morning erection and even total erectile dysfunction. Both genders will often complain about insomnia and other sleep related disorders. Weight gain is commonly noted as the body transforms from physically toned and firm to flabby with loss of lean muscle mass accompanying the excess fat storage. What are the symptoms of low testosterone in addition to the ones mentioned here? One area of grave concern is decreasing bone density. Testosterone plays a large role in ensuring that new bone formation can continue to occur throughout one’s life. It also limits the reabsorption of old bone accordingly. Low levels of this chemical messenger have been linked to increased risk of developing osteoporosis which can lead to fractures later on in life. It doesn’t matter if a person resides in a major city such as Los Angeles, where life proceeds at a fast pace, or in Carmel, where a more tranquil approach to life is evident, the same risk of developing Low T is present.
How Do I Know if I Have Low Testosterone?
We often get calls asking, How do I know if I have low testosterone in the first place? This is a condition that requires blood testing before an accurate diagnosis can be made. It is impossible for a person to look in the mirror and say, without any doubt that this deficiency is present in his or her life. Yes, certain signs will naturally appear; however, they can also point to any of a number of other medical conditions, including other chemical shortages such as growth hormone deficiency. On the whole, there are a number of warning signs that can be identified as being possible triggers for this situation. When looking at the reflection in the mirror, the appearance of excess belly fat can be an early indicator that a problem is present. Now, if the cause of that weight increase is due to poor food choices, overeating, lack of exercise, and even excessive alcohol consumption, chances are hormone deficiency may not be the biggest concern. Those asking how do I know if I have low testosterone who have not done anything to cause the weight gain will then want to look at other factors. Is there a steady decline in lean muscle mass that has no explanation? If physical workouts are no longer providing the usual muscular response then chemical imbalance such as this might be to blame. Using decreased libido as an additional barometer will also increase the chance of this shortage in production being the cause. If all signs point in this direction, then it is probably wise to ask to be tested at this time. Since the majority of people tested with this suspicion will require treatment to raise their hormone levels safely, the sooner action is taken, the better the results will be.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
There must be a reason … what causes low testosterone to occur? In men, underactive testes can be the primary cause of this deficiency. Inherited traits, illness, accident, lifestyle choices, or other unknown reasons can be the basis for this occurrence. The inherited conditions can include hemochromatosis (too much iron in the blood), undescended testicles (failure to descend from the abdomen before birth), and Klinefelter’s syndrome (being born with three sex chromosomes – X, X, and Y). Exposure to mumps, chemotherapy, or radiation can also cause a significant drop in testosterone production. Women are more likely to see a change in production during or after menopause than at other times in their lives. What causes low testosterone on the secondary level? Secondary hypogonadism can be brought about by pituitary disorders (small tumors, drugs, kidney failure), inflammatory diseases (sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, histiocytosis), Kallmann syndrome (associated with abnormal hypothalamus function), and HIV/AIDS (can affect the testes, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus). In addition, normal aging naturally affects hormonal production, and in some people, this can become quite severe. Obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol abuse, certain medications, and poor dietary choices can also be linked to this condition. Those with diabetes should also be tested for decreased levels of this vital chemical, as well.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone Levels?
What are the signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels besides those which have already been mentioned? Emotional and psychological changes also accompany a decline in the production of many different types of hormones, including testosterone. Mental health is a serious issue to explore in this area. It is understandable to think that dealing with erectile dysfunction could have an emotional impact on how a man views his virility. This can easily cause anger, frustration, or even depression. Women dealing with hot flashes and the other signs associated with menopause often find that they are irritable, moody, tired, and unhappy with the changes they are noticing in their bodies. This is traditionally a period of weight gain and muscle loss for females. Other signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels include nervousness and social withdrawal. Many people will describe themselves as loners if their levels have decreased significantly below what is needed for proper functioning. Whether this is due to dissatisfaction with physical changes or is involved on a deeper emotional and psychological level is not always clear. An overall decreased sense of well-being and a poor outlook on life can usually be seen. Lack of energy also begins to take a toll, especially when coupled with poor sleep. Severe depression can also begin to take quite a toll on work performance and interpersonal relationships.
What are Symptoms of Low T in Men?
What are symptoms of Low T in men? Most people naturally assume that a decreased libido goes hand in hand with reduced testosterone production. This is often correct. Even though there are a number of other problems that will often be seen, changes in sexual performance tend to top the list and is one of the first red flags that can appear. At first, slight changes in desire may be the only concern. In many cases, work responsibilities or other issues to contend with may be blamed as the reason for the lack of interest in sexual relations. When the situation continues to worsen over a period of time, leading to difficulties with arousal, loss of the morning erection, and poor endurance, testosterone deficiency may be to blame. Other symptoms of Low T in men besides changes in the area of sexual intimacy include poor sleep, fatigue, loss of lean muscle mass, increased fat retention (especially in the mid-section of the body), weak bones, mood swings, depression, and even loss of focus. Testosterone is definitely one of the chemicals that affects mental performance. Simple tasks or recalling stored memories may become increasingly difficult as the condition worsens. Part of the reason this condition is accompanied by reduced energy is due to the fact that testosterone plays a key role in the production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis). If the body is not producing enough of these cells, a significant drop in energy can occur.
What are Women’s Low Testosterone Symptoms?
What are women’s low testosterone symptoms? Although this condition is widely associated with menopause, it can actually occur at any point in a woman’s life. A female can expect to produce 300 micrograms of this hormone each day at her peak. Testosterone stimulates desire and arousal. It also plays a role in maintaining vaginal lubrication. That certainly explains the vaginal dryness that often accompanies menopause. This dryness contributes to uncomfortable and painful intercourse. Many women report that, not only do they not feel any desire at this time, but also the actual act of intercourse in unenjoyable. Pleasure and satisfaction are no longer a part of this area of their life. Other women’s low testosterone symptoms include an increase in belly fat accompanied by a decrease in lean muscle. An increased risk of osteoporosis is seen due to a significant decrease in bone density that can accompany this condition. Persistent fatigue, sleeplessness, depression, mood swings, mental fogginess, and reduced sense of well-being are also possible signs of decreased testosterone production in the female body. In addition, the symptoms of menopause such as night sweats, hot flashes, and dissatisfaction with the current changes are also likely to be present. The biggest benefit to report is that the risks associated with estrogen therapy are not present when being treated for this deficiency. Since some of the testosterone produced in the body is naturally converted to estrogen, this therapy takes care of both problems safely and effectively.
Who are the Doctors that Treat Low Testosterone Levels?
Who are the doctors that treat low testosterone levels? Hormone replacement specialist is the name associated with physicians that have chosen to specialize in this area of medicine. Do not confuse this with anti-aging doctors. The difference here is that those who claim to focus on anti-aging are often only concerned with helping a person look and feel younger. This may or may not have a basis in the actual physical changes that have occurred in their bodies. A number of different methods may be employed to accomplish those goals. Hormone replacement specialists take great care in diagnosing the precise cause or causes of any currently known symptoms. The goal of therapy in this case is to bring about restorative changes that will enable a person to look and feel younger as a result of providing the body with precisely what it needs to perform optimally. Experienced doctors that treat low testosterone levels understand that providing only the right kind of treatment is what will get the job done. Under no circumstances should a person ever embark upon any type of hormone replacement without first undergoing blood testing and physical examination to determine if a chemical imbalance is the true reason for these changes. Increasing these levels to a point higher than what is required by the body can bring about unwanted side effects. There is also a risk of the body shutting down its own production if it senses levels that are too high. That is why expert hormone replacement specialists should be contacted for this treatment.
What do Doctors Prescribe for Low Testosterone Levels?
What do doctors prescribe for low testosterone levels? Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the name given to the actual form of treatment which will be personalized for each man or woman dependent upon his or her individual needs. It is clear that men naturally have a much higher level of testosterone in their bodies, so raising their decreased levels up to their ideal state will require a higher dosage of medication. That is why injections are typically used in males who require testosterone supplementation. The exact dosage, duration of treatment, and frequency of the injections will be determined based upon an examination of blood test results, physical exam findings, and current level of symptoms that have been reported. What do doctors prescribe for low testosterone levels in women who are diagnosed with this deficiency? Since the overall amount of this hormone produced by a woman is much lower than in the male, doctors will generally prescribe a cream to be used on one small part of the body. Unlike estrogen, which is required to be rubbed into an entire arm, increasing the possibility of contamination in other people, testosterone cream is applied to a very small area, reducing that risk. Again, the dosage of the compound, frequency, and ultimate duration of treatment will be determined by the doctor who specializes in HRT.
How Much is the Cost of Treatment for Low Testosterone?
How much is the cost of treatment for low testosterone? As shown in the previous question, this therapy is a highly personalized course of action that is individualized based on specific needs for each person. That makes it impossible to provide an accurate figure on a page such as this. Until blood testing has been completed, and the results of physical examination have been provided, along with a detailed medical history report, no legitimate doctor would provide a blanket statement listing an exact price to any person. Making this determination without all the facts is irresponsible medical practice. What can be shared here in regards to the subject of the cost of treatment for low testosterone is that this therapy is extremely affordable for most people. One of the goals here at Kingsberg Medical is to ensure that those who require hormone replacement therapy have the opportunity to receive it. Our prices are no different for those living in Southern California than they are for those residing in the northern part of the state. Our nationally based clinic offers the same high-quality affordable care to residents in all fifty states, whether they live in large metropolitan cities or in rural areas. The convenience of saving time and money with our professional staff means that both time and money can be put to better use in one’s own life.
What is the Best Low Testosterone Treatment?
What is the best low testosterone treatment for those diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance in this area? The best option is always the one that is specifically prescribed by the doctor following a complete and careful review of all the pertinent medical facts found in the blood test and physical examination reports, and compared to the detailed health history questionnaire that has been completed by the individual. Correcting chemical deficiencies is not a one size fits all type of treatment. The required dosages are determined based upon the body’s needs to ensure that the proper results are being achieved without any risk of adverse reactions. To that end, what is the best low testosterone treatment is also gender related. Women will usually receive their therapy in the form of a compounded cream and men will be prescribed injections in the dosage and frequency that is best for their needs. Ensuring that the right dosage is prescribed enables a person to begin their therapy with confidence that their symptoms will begin to subside, and health and vitality will return to their daily life. Increased libido, energy, stamina, and well-being will all be on the horizon. Deeper, more restful sleep, improved mood and outlook, stronger bones, and clearer mental abilities will be achieved.
Where to Get Tested for Low Testosterone
Now that we have answered many of the frequently asked questions, and have shown where to get tested for low testosterone, what is the next step? The next step entails picking up the telephone and calling to speak with one of the clinical advisors here at Kingsberg Medical. For those who may be dealing with some form of hormone imbalance, blood sampling will be arranged at a local laboratory. This testing is normally done early in the morning while the individual is fasting from the previous evening at midnight. For most people, the blood test is scheduled before work in order to allow a person to make it to their job on time. Most laboratories open early enough for this to be accomplished. Knowing where to get tested for low testosterone is just the start of the answer. Taking the next step is what is required to restore vitality, sexual desire, passion, cognitive abilities, skeletal and muscular integrity, and improved mood to one’s life. Professional hormone replacement experts are here to help.
