Testosterone is a hormone that plays a large part in the body’s overall function. It is the hormone behind the driving forces in men’s motivations, desires, goals, muscle and bone strength, libido, personality, mental focus, and so much more. The common belief that testosterone is behind aggressive behavior is false. In fact, a balanced testosterone level helps men deal with stressful situations easily and improves mood.
Balanced levels also enhance male personalities. Testosterone levels can dip for several reasons. Low testosterone levels, or Low T, can be the result of many causes. Obesity, stress, chronic illness, and even normal aging can all be contributing factors to low testosterone.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy, or TRT, addresses low levels by supplementing testosterone by administering an injection. While it is important to address and solve the underlying causes of low testosterone levels with your healthcare provider, Testosterone Replacement Therapy will help maintain balanced testosterone levels to ensure a balanced life. At OMC in Bend OR and Springfield OR, we have years of experience in advanced endocrinology focusing on testosterone replacement therapy. This understanding of the treatment process will help create the right plan for every patient of ours.
What Are The Causes Of Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone is most often a natural consequence of aging. Studies indicate that nearly half of all middle-aged men experience the symptoms of low testosterone. While aging is the most common factor contributing to low testosterone, the condition may also result from lifestyle habits, hereditary factors, and underlying medical conditions. For example, a man may have a higher risk of low testosterone as a result of:
- Heavy alcohol use
- Certain medications, such as steroids
- Obesity and extreme weight loss
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- A metabolic disorder
- Estrogen dominance is caused by an environmental source such as bisphenol A (BPA)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Inadequate sleep
- Excessive stress
What Are The Symptoms Of Low Testosterone?
The most recognizable signs of low testosterone are a decrease in sex drive and erectile dysfunction. While these may be common indicators, they aren’t the only changes that occur as your hormonal balance shifts. Additional signs that you could benefit from testosterone testing and optimization include:
- Low semen volume.
- Decreased energy levels.
- Anxiety, depression, and other mood changes.
- Decreased muscle mass.
- Decreased bone mass.
- Increased body fat, particularly in the midsection and chest areas.
- A decline in cognitive function, including memory.
- Hair loss.
- Difficulty sleeping, rapid heart rate, leg cramps, and difficulty concentrating – all signs of anemia secondary to low testosterone.
What Treatment Options Are Available For Low Testosterone?
A healthy lifestyle can help you naturally maintain your hormonal balance. However, factors outside of your control may still cause frustrating symptoms. To get low-T symptoms under control and ease the secondary effects of hormone imbalance, you might benefit from hormone testing and testosterone replacement. This form of therapy has been around for many years and is one of our most popular services. With an abundance of knowledge and practical experience, our team develops testosterone replacement treatments based on lab results, symptoms, and desired improvements. Your treatment program is unique to you and may include injection therapy, oral medications, lifestyle recommendations, and more. When you visit our facility in Bend, OR, you can expect a thorough consultation during which we discuss your concerns and the ways in which they can be managed.
How To Manage Healthy Testosterone Levels
In addition to getting the support that you need to normalize your current testosterone levels, you can help your body regulate its production and use of this vital hormone with the following habits:
- Prioritize sleep. Studies show that, after just one week of poor sleep, testosterone levels drop up to 15 percent.
- Maintain a consistent, healthy diet. Develop a way of eating that works for you and that includes healthy, whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid yo-yo dieting.
- Get and stay active. According to research, an active lifestyle may help balance hormones even more so than weight loss.
- Manage stress. Chronic stress leads to dysregulated cortisol production. More cortisol means less testosterone.
- Supplement properly. Low testosterone doesn’t necessarily require proprietary supplements. Some contain potentially dangerous ingredients. Instead, consider supplementing your vitamin D, DHEA, and magnesium.
What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Testosterone replacement therapy is a personalized treatment program that is designed around your unique situation. Our team understands low testosterone as a neuroendocrine condition. Low testosterone does not occur in a vacuum and cannot be treated as such. This is why it is necessary to see a specialist when you want to reduce the effects of low testosterone on your health and livelihood. Here at Oregan Man Clinics, we take a holistic approach to testosterone replacement that looks at symptoms, lab results, and whole-body health.