Men’s Hormone Therapy | Low Testosterone Treatment Near Me

Low testosterone treatment centers near me | Hormone Therapy health center TX

The human body is run by hormones that help toward its healthy function. In fact, everything about the way we feel and how healthy we are depends, to some large extent, on the level of specific hormones in our blood. For example, when our endorphins (aka “happy hormones”) are at high levels, we feel happy and content.  

Testosterone is yet another hormone made by our bodies that plays a pivotal role in fertility and puberty while also affecting sexual desire. Problems occur when the testosterone levels drop, causing unwanted health effects.

Testosterone replacement therapy at the Woodlands clinic in TX can help. Below we'll describe causes, treatments, and costs for low testosterone, and how to get optimal results when searching for the best “low testosterone treatment centers near me”. 

Why are healthy testosterone levels such a big deal?

Both men and women make testosterone, only in different organs (men in the testes and women in the ovaries). In men, however, the testosterone levels are higher than in women, which makes sense if we consider that testosterone is associated with the development of so-called male traits such as a deeper voice, facial hair, muscle bulk, and physical strength. It also contributes to a deep voice while fostering:

• The production of red blood cells 
• The enhancement of the mood
• Stronger bones
• A boost of our thinking ability

Changes in testosterone levels 

Our testosterone levels never remain within the same range, and they are constantly changing per the needs of the body and throughout our lifetime. In a nutshell, they peak by early adulthood and then gradually decrease by around 1%-2% annually from our 30s or 40s and onward.

For some men, however, testosterone levels can become too low early on, which can lead to unwanted health symptoms. According to a recent study, testosterone levels become abnormally low in almost 40% of men older than 45 years of age. 

Symptoms of low testosterone in men (low-t)

Lack of testosterone or low t can have men (or women) looking for ways to increase their testosterone levels to combat the symptoms related to low t, some of which can affect one’s quality of life and health. These include:

• Impotence /erectile dysfunction 
• Hot flashes
• Anemia
• Weight gain
• Less energy
• Reduced muscle mass 
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Changes in sexual desire 
• Growth of breast tissue

Symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels in women 

Although testosterone levels are lower in women than in their male counterparts, the hormone itself plays an equally important role. However, low testosterone levels do not cause the same health and medical problems as men. Issues arise in the opposite case – when testosterone levels are too high. Some of the unwanted symptoms women with high testosterone experience are:

• Deepened voice
• Development of body and facial hair 
• Infertility
• Absent or irregular menstrual periods

In most cases, high testosterone levels in women are caused by:

• Adrenal tumor
• Ovarian tumor or cancer
• Congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Causes of low testosterone 

Some of the health risk factors related to low t are as follows:

• Delayed puberty 
• Infection 
• Testicular damage (due to injury, mumps, alcoholism, or trauma)
• Radiation treatment for cancer 
• Chemotherapy 
• Pituitary or hypothalamic disease 
• Obesity 
• Alcoholism 
• Stress 
• Chronic illness 
• noncancerous pituitary tumor 
• Medications, especially corticosteroid drugs and hormones used for prostate cancer treatment
• Genetic diseases (i.e., myotonic dystrophy, Kallmann syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, hypogonadism, etc.). 

Restoring low testosterone levels

There are several different low testosterone treatments and services available, with testosterone replacement therapy being among the most preferred low testosterone treatment options. However, choosing the best low testosterone therapy is not such a simple task for any patient, so you can feel more sexually active, mentally sharp, energetic, and alert. This is because a man’s overall health directly affects his testosterone levels. For example, having medical conditions such as thyroids or diabetes, being overweight, or taking steroids can have an health impact on testosterone levels. That's why taking extra testosterone might not always be the best course of action for having low t levels.

Low testosterone treatments 

Whether you experience low testosterone symptoms or not, your doctor will need to determine the source for the declining testosterone levels before starting any treatment. They can then suggest a suitable low testosterone therapy to treat you with, which in most cases is testosterone replacement therapy.

Testosterone replacement therapy options

If your doctor or physician believes testosterone replacement treatment is right for you and your health, it can be delivered via a variety of methods, including:

Oral therapy – You take testosterone in the form of tablets or capsules. You will swallow the capsules, whereas the tablet is attached to your inner cheek or gum so testosterone can be absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Gels – You spread topical gels once a day onto the skin over your thighs, shoulders, or arms. Remember to wash your hands after this procedure and prevent exposing other individuals to testosterone by covering the treated area with clothing. 

Skin patch – You apply one skin patch every 24 hours. Doctors suggest using it in the evening. The patch will gradually release the hormone into the skin. 

Injections – This is the least preferred testosterone replacement therapy option as it can cause a roller-coaster effect, which involves your energy and mood levels spiking before trailing off. This is attributed to the fact that you make an injection every 14 days, which means that you load your body with a great amount of testosterone in one go that slowly comes down a few days after the injection. 

Note: You may experience an improvement in symptoms shortly after taking testosterone replacement therapy (normally, within 4-6 weeks). However, it may take 3-6 months before you see significant health changes in muscle mass and other symptoms. 

Diagnosing low testosterone 

During your appointment, your doctor or physician can easily diagnose whether you have low testosterone after performing a physical exam, assessing the results of various blood tests and reviewing your symptoms. If results show you have low testosterone levels, your physician may recommend other medical tests before suggesting a low testosterone treatment. For instance, your physician may request a bone density test (low t can speed bone loss) to determine whether you need additional medical treatment for osteoporosis.

When low testosterone therapy is not recommended 

According to the Endocrine Society, men with certain health conditions and concerns should not consider testosterone supplementation or replacement treatment. These include men who have:

• Increased blood level of a blood test used for prostate cancer screening (prostate-specific antigen)
• Breast cancer 
• Prostate cancer 
• Prostate nodule that is traceable during a rectal exam
• Severe sleep apnea left untreated 
• Heart failure poorly controlled 
• Stroke or heart attack within the past six months
• Severe lower urinary tract symptoms
• Increased red blood cell count
• Thrombophilia (tendency to form blood clots)
• Problems with their kidneys and/or liver

You should also speak to a hormone practitioner if you are planning on becoming a father soon.

Side effects of TRT 

Testosterone replacement treatment, like any medication, can have some side effects and health risks, though it is generally regarded as a safe medical treatment. Some common side effects related to testosterone replacement therapy include:

• Increased red blood count
• Fluid retention 
• Decreased testicle size
• Lower sperm count 
• Acne and/or oily skin 

Your hormone practitioner will help you decide whether undergoing testosterone replacement therapy is the right course of action for your case, based on your health and medical information..

How low does your testosterone have to be for treatment?

The American Urology Association identifies 300 ng/dL or 3ng/ml as being the lower cap for normal testosterone levels. Anything less is considered low t. According to Healthline, the normal testosterone levels for adults men over 20 are as follows:

Note: If your testosterone levels are slightly below the average for your age, your physician may decide that you do not need testosterone replacement therapy. Your healthcare provider will probably request some additional testing before making the recommendation, especially if your testosterone levels are significantly low. What age to start testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy clinics and services near me

A simple Google search will help you find a center offering low testosterone treatment options , information, and services. You can initiate a search using terms such as “testosterone therapy near me”, “low testosterone clinic near me”, “low testosterone treatment centers near me”, “low t clinic near me”, and so on. Doing so will give you all the info you need to set up an appointment when it's the right time for you.

Low testosterone treatment at The Woodlands clinic

Finding a clinic and physician in TX who deliver supreme care for low t is a prerequisite to ensure guaranteed results. At the Woodlands center, our doctors have the best medical training and experience with hormone therapies and imbalances, so you receive the highest quality care possible. We offer all-around, integrative, and top-quality low testosterone treatment, services, and care that you deserve.

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