Testosterone Therapy for Men

If you're a man experiencing symptoms like low sex drive, fatigue, and depression, you may be considering testosterone therapy.

Testosterone is a hormone responsible for developing male sexual characteristics and is essential for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and red blood cell production. Treatment can help improve your energy levels, mood, and sexual function.

What is Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone therapy works by increasing the amount of testosterone in your body, which can help alleviate symptoms of low testosterone. You may be a candidate for testosterone therapy if you have low testosterone levels and are experiencing symptoms such as:

Decreased sex drive
Fatigue
Mood changes

What Are the Benefits of Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone therapy can help improve symptoms of low testosterone, including:

Increased sex drive
Increased muscle mass and bone density
Improved mood
Reduced risk of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease

Another benefit is that there are several types of testosterone therapy to choose from:

Testosterone Injections

These are injected into the muscle, usually in the buttocks, every two to four weeks. Testosterone injections are effective and can help increase testosterone levels quickly. However, they can also cause fluctuations in testosterone levels, which can cause mood swings and other side effects.

Testosterone Gels and Patches

Testosterone gels and patches are applied to the skin once a day and can be used to maintain consistent testosterone levels. However, they can be more expensive than injections and may not be as effective for some men.

Testosterone Pellets

Testosterone pellets are small, rice-sized pellets that are inserted under the skin. They release testosterone slowly over three to six months. Testosterone pellets are a good option for men who want a long-term solution to low testosterone levels. However, they can be more expensive than other forms of testosterone therapy.

What Should I Expect During Testosterone Therapy?

Before starting testosterone therapy, getting a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider is essential; testing is necessary for diagnosis. Symptoms of low testosterone can include:

Fatigue
Decreased sex drive
Muscle loss

Your treatment schedule will depend on the testosterone therapy you receive. For example:

If you receive injections, you may need to go to the doctor's office every two to four weeks
If you are using a patch or gel, you will need to apply it every day.

You’ll be monitored for progress throughout the treatment, including regular blood tests to check your testosterone levels. Your doctor will also ask about any symptoms or side effects you may be experiencing, so be honest about how you feel so they can adjust your treatment if necessary.

While testosterone therapy can cause side effects, most are mild and go away alone. Your doctor may adjust your treatment or prescribe medication to manage side effects. Common side effects include:

Acne
Breast enlargement
Increased urination

Lifestyle Changes to Support Testosterone Therapy

You can also make lifestyle changes to support your results and reduce the risk of side effects:

Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact testosterone levels. Therefore, it is essential to practice stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. Additionally, engaging in enjoyable activities and spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress levels.

Sleep Hygiene

Adequate sleep is crucial for optimal testosterone levels. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens before bed, and create a comfortable sleep environment.

Diet and Exercise

Eating a healthy, balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise can help support testosterone therapy. Aim for a diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol consumption. In terms of exercise, resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) have been shown to increase testosterone levels. Aim to engage in these exercises at least three times per week.

Treating Low Testosterone at Clearwater Medical Group

If you’re struggling with the effects of low testosterone, you’re not alone. We address this concern every day and can help you overcome the symptoms you’re experiencing so you can experience your best self and live your life to its fullest. At Clearwater Medical Group, we have treated the root cause of chronic health conditions instead of masking symptoms, resulting in long-term results without side effects since 2007.

Our doctors have over four decades of experience successfully treating patients with chronic conditions, helping thousands of patients benefit from our various treatments such as IV therapy, resulting in symptom reduction, weight loss, and pain relief. Call us today to learn more about testosterone therapy and how it can help you!