What is Low Testosterone?

Typically, a man's testosterone level is considered low if it's below 300 ng/dL. Low T can be caused by a signaling problem that occurs between the brain and the testicles that causes the production of testosterone to drop below normal. The brain may also signal the testicles to cut testosterone production if it feels the body has too much testosterone. Low T also can occur when your testicles can't make normal levels of testosterone. Low T is a medical condition that can lead to fatigue or low energy, decreased sexual function, and depressed mood.

Low T affects more than 13 million men in the U.S. over the age of 45. Even though it's natural for men to lose testosterone as they age, the medical condition hypogonadism (hî-põ-gõ-na-dizm), also known as Low T, is not a natural part of aging. Typically, there is no cure for Low T. It is a medical condition that may require ongoing treatment.

The good news is, Low T can be easily diagnosed by our doctor with a simple blood test and treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to bring your T levels back to normal.


What are the risk?

Although rare some patients could experience the following side effects:

• Increase in red blood cells
  
  • This can be beneficial if you have anemia (low blood counts). However, it can be potentially dangerous since too much blood can block your blood vessels and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
• Prostate effects
  
  • Testosterone therapy increases the volume of your prostate gland. To date, there have not been any studies showing that testosterone therapy increases the risk of prostate cancer. However, there is some theoretical concern because prostate cancer is treated by blocking testosterone. We should assume that the long term risk at this point is uncertain. If you have an enlarged prostate, referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), testosterone may worsen your symptoms, particularly if you are more than 50 years of age. If you have a history of prostate cancer, you cannot receive testosterone therapy.
• Skin reactions
  
  • These are most common with use of a patch; however, they lower with the use of a gel and are rare with injections.
• Infertility
  
  • This is common particularly in young men, but usually reversible after stopping testosterone therapy.
• Sleep apnea
  
  • This is a condition that disrupts breathing during sleep. Although uncommon, it is a reported side effect.
• Fluid retention
  
  • Although uncommon, you must use caution if you have a history of heart failure or kidney disease.
• Other
  
  • Acne, oily skin, increased body hair and flushing have also been reported.

All patients should be aware that there may be other potential long-term risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy which have not yet been detected. This has been noted in the case of estrogen therapy in women.

What are the benefits?

With proper treatment our doctors can bring your Testosterone levels to back to normal and you will notice:

Improve muscle mass and strength

Increase bone mineral density

Thicken body hair and skin

Improve sexual desire

Boost energy

Decrease irritability and depression

Improve cognitive function

What does it Cost?

If you have insurance your cost is your co payment.  If you do not your cost is $295 a month which includes your office visit, exam, lab test and 3 injections per month.
 

What is the process and how long does it take?

Your initial visit you will be given a simple blood test to determine if you are a candidate for TRT.  Results usually take 30 minutes.  Once diagnosed you will be given a Testosterone Injection to be followed up by an office visit 10 days later.