Low Testosterone Therapy for Men
Testosterone Therapy for Men
Testosterone is essential for preserving brain health, supporting mood stability, and helping men lose stubborn fat when diet and exercise alone are not enough.
Research shows that low testosterone in men is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In fact, studies have found a nearly 50% increase in mortality risk over a seven year period for men with low levels.
Bringing testosterone back into a healthy range can improve insulin sensitivity, lower total cholesterol, reduce body fat and waist size, and decrease inflammatory markers tied to heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Testosterone therapy also delivers noticeable improvements in sexual drive and overall physical performance.
What is Testosterone
Testosterone is a vital hormone that travels through your bloodstream, reaching organs and tissues throughout your body, including your brain, muscles, fat cells, bones, and reproductive organs.
Testosterone and Cognitive Health
Testosterone influences mental clarity, emotional balance, energy levels, overall vitality, and sexual desire.
Testosterone and Muscle Mass
Testosterone stimulates the creation of new muscle cells while increasing both the size and strength of existing muscle tissue.
Testosterone and Body Fat
Research shows testosterone helps reduce excess fat, especially around the midsection and chest area, leading to a higher ratio of lean muscle mass.
Testosterone and Bone Strength
Testosterone slows age related bone loss and actively improves bone density, lowering the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Testosterone and Heart Health
Testosterone can improve cardiovascular health by reducing body fat, which indirectly lowers heart disease risk. Emerging evidence also suggests testosterone may support heart function directly by promoting healthier coronary arteries and improving cardiac performance in men with heart conditions.
Testosterone and Sexual Health
Low testosterone often leads to diminished sexual satisfaction, reduced libido, and erectile dysfunction. When low testosterone is the underlying cause, restoring healthy levels can effectively address these concerns.
Do I have Low Testosterone?
Testosterone influences nearly every system in your body, so low levels can trigger a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.
Symptoms That May Signal Low Testosterone
While these signs cannot be measured directly through lab work, they are important indicators:
- Irritability or sudden shifts in mood
- Loss of drive or motivation
- Anxiety or a more pessimistic outlook
- Ongoing fatigue, low energy, or reduced overall well-being
- Trouble concentrating, brain fog, forgetfulness, or memory lapses
- A sense that you are no longer at your best
- Sleep disturbances or poor quality rest
- Joint stiffness or discomfort
- Reduced interest in sex or decreased satisfaction
- Declining sexual performance or weaker erections
Keep in mind that none of these symptoms are exclusive to low testosterone, and many overlap with typical aging. Our role is to carefully evaluate your symptoms alongside your hormone test results to determine if low testosterone is the root cause and to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Potential Benefits of Therapy
Physical Benefits
- Higher energy levels
- Stronger, denser bones
- Lower risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Decreased risk of osteoporosis
- Lower body fat percentage
- Lower risk of anemia
- Greater lean muscle mass and improved strength
Sexual Benefits
- Enhanced sex drive
- Greater sexual pleasure
- Firmer, more reliable erections
- More frequent sexual activity
Psychological Benefits
- Better mood and overall sense of wellness
- Sharper thinking and improved memory
Factors That Influence Testosterone Levels
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone derived from cholesterol that follows enzymatic pathways to produce either estrogen or testosterone. While DHEA levels can influence both estrogen and testosterone production, relying on DHEA alone is rarely sufficient to restore healthy testosterone levels in aging men.
Aromatase Enzyme
Aromatase plays a critical role in testosterone balance. This enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen, which lowers free testosterone levels while raising estrogen. Managing aromatase activity is essential for maintaining a healthy testosterone to estrogen ratio.
Body Weight and Obesity
Excess body weight and high insulin levels can suppress luteinizing hormone, which signals the testicles to produce testosterone. This effect can significantly drop circulating testosterone, even in men under 40. Abdominal fat is also linked to higher aromatase activity.
This creates a challenging cycle: low testosterone promotes fat storage, particularly around the midsection. That extra belly fat then increases aromatase activity, which converts more testosterone to estrogen, further lowering testosterone and encouraging additional fat gain.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Most testosterone in the bloodstream binds to either SHBG (about 60%) or albumin (roughly 38%). Only a small portion (around 2%) remains unbound, known as free testosterone.
Testosterone binds more tightly to SHBG than to albumin. This means only free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone are bioavailable, meaning they can reach and act on target tissues. When SHBG levels rise, less testosterone is available for your body to use.
As men age, aromatase activity increases while SHBG production also rises. The combined effect is a higher estrogen to testosterone ratio and declining total and free testosterone levels. Restoring balance to this ratio is a key goal of therapy.
Liver Health
The liver plays a vital role in hormone regulation by clearing excess estrogen and SHBG from the body. When liver function declines, these compounds can build up, worsening hormonal imbalances and suppressing healthy testosterone production. Supporting optimal liver health is therefore an important part of maintaining balanced hormones as you age.
Treatment Options
When clinically appropriate, testosterone therapy can be delivered through two methods, chosen based on your individual needs.
Intramuscular Injections
Testosterone Cypionate is administered via injection every 7 to 14 days, with timing customized to your age, lab results, and symptoms. Our formulations are produced exclusively by FDA-approved manufacturers. Injections can be given at our clinic or you may self-administer them at home.
Topical Gels and Creams
Testosterone gel or cream is applied to the skin daily. Blood levels of testosterone typically rise within the first few applications.
Pricing and Payment Information
Your initial Total Testosterone blood test and consultation with our provider are provided at no cost. If these results indicate that low testosterone therapy is right for you, you will undergo a comprehensive testing panel and a detailed treatment consultation. The cost of this visit is covered as part of your monthly treatment fee.
Payment is required at the time of service. We accept major credit cards, debit cards, cash, Flex cards, and HSA cards. We also partner with Care Credit, which offers interest-free payment plans for qualified patients.
We do not currently accept insurance directly. However, we can provide you with the necessary documentation and billing codes to submit claims to your insurer. Any approved reimbursement will be sent directly to you.