Would you like to increase your energy, your sex drive and recover from activities or workouts quicker? Feel revived, look and feel younger than you have in years?
Testosterone replenishment may be for you!
Q: What is testosterone?
A: Testosterone is a hormone. It is responsible for the normal growth and development of the male sex organs and for maintenance of other sexual characteristics. Some effects of testosterone include:
- Sex drive and sexual function
- Energy level
- Changes in body muscle mass and strength and fat distribution
- Maturation of the prostate and other male sex organs
- Development of secondary male characteristics
- Bone strength
Q: What are the benefits of testosterone replenishment?
A: Benefits may include:
- Increased energy
- Increased sex drive
- Improved recovery from exercise/activities
- Increased stamina
- Improved erections
- Improved memory and concentration
- Improved skin health and appearance
- Better sleep
- Increased motivation
- Increased frequency of erections
- Increased lean muscle
- Improved mood
- Decreased body fat
- Increased strength
- Decreased cholesterol
- Increased bone mineral density
- Decreased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Increased bone density
Q: What is andropause?
A: Andropause is the decline in testosterone levels that occurs over time. Sometimes this is called “male menopause” or “Manopause”. Testosterone levels decrease by 5% per decade, with 50% of men 55 years or old experiencing low testosterone.
Q: What is low testosterone?
A: Testosterone is the main male hormone. It is responsible for the development of male sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics such as deep voice, body hair, and increased muscle mass. Testosterone is produced mainly by the testicles in men. Testosterone levels are highest in adolescents and early adulthood. Most men will experience a decline testosterone levels over time.
Q: What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
A: Symptoms include:
- Decreased energy
- Decreased motivation/initiative
- Decreased sex drive
- Difficulty achieving an erection
- Diminished physical or work performance
- Depression, anxiety, irritability
- Increased body fat
- Poor concentration
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Less intense orgasms
- Erectile dysfunction
- Poor memory
- Sleep disturbance or increased sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Loss of muscle and strength
- Weight gain
- Loss of height
- Anemia
- Excessive sweating and night sweats
- Increased breast tissue (Gynecomastia)
- Insulin resistance
- Loss of bone (osteoporosis)
Q: How do I know if I have low testosterone?
A: A simple blood test combined with the results of the ADAM (Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male) self-assessment determines where your levels are and how they are affecting your life.
Q: Are there certain problems or conditions that would eliminate a man as a candidate for testosterone replenishment?
A: Yes, if you have any of the problems listed below you would not be eligible for testosterone replacement therapy at our office:
- History of prostate cancer
- History of breast cancer
- Untreated prolactinoma
- PSA above age adjusted reference range
- Untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea
- Uncontrolled heart failure
- Hematocrit >50%
Q: What does 1513 do?
A: 1513 Anti-Aging and Weight Loss® is a medical clinic where men and women with hormone imbalances are diagnosed, treated, and educated by a medical professional. 1513 also specializes in weight loss programs.
Q: What will happen on my first appointment?
A: It will begin with a medical history. The doctor or physician’s assistant will ask about your symptoms and take a full medical history. A physical examination follows looking for physical features of testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) such as decreased body hair, dry skin, body fat and posture. Blood tests will then be ordered to find out the degree of low testosterone. Hypogonadism is the medical term for testosterone deficiency.
Q: Is there a normal level of testosterone?
A: In men, testosterone levels ranging between 348 – 1200 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) are considered within the laboratory reference range. In a normal male when levels of testosterone decrease a signal is sent to an area located at the base of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus then signals the testes to make more. When enough testosterone is detected, the brain signals the testes to make less.
Q: What can be done about low testosterone?
A: There are several different avenues to raise your testosterone levels, creams or gels, pellets, injections, patches.
Q: Are there advantages of one form of testosterone replacement over another?
A: Some clients like the creams/gels but they must be applied daily. Care must also be taken not to inadvertently rub against women or children as some of the testosterone could be transferred. Injections are usually done every week to two weeks thus are much more convenient.
Q: How long does an injection take?
A: Injection appointments usually take 15 minutes or less and will repeat every one to three weeks depending upon your blood work and the improvements of your symptoms from the ADAM (Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male) questionnaire.
Q: What could I expect from testosterone replacement?
A: The benefits of testosterone replacement vary depending upon the pre-treatment symptoms and other factors, but may include:
- Improved muscle and strength
- Increased bone density
- Thicker hair
- Improved sexual desire
- Increased energy
- Decreased irritability and depression
- Improved cognitive function and memory
- Increased motivation
- Decreased body fat
- Improved erectile function
Q: Are there any risks using testosterone?
A: There are some rare risks using testosterone. A few clients may experience the following:
- Increase in red blood cells
- Skin reactions: Most common with using a patch but much lower with the use of cream/gel and are rare with injections.
- Fluid retention: Very uncommon, but if you have a history of heart failure or kidney disease precautions should be taken.
- Other: Acne, oily skin, increased body hair and flushing have also been reported.