Many of the symptoms we associate with the natural aging process are simply the effects of diminishing hormones gradually taking their toll on our bodies. This is a reality that affects both men and women alike. At ProMD Health in Baltimore, MD, we treat many men with low testosterone using simple, safe, and proven therapies that can help to turn back the clock and eliminate many of the debilitating symptoms associated with diminished testosterone.
How Can You Fix Low Testosterone? Finding a Cure for Hormonal Deficiency
Hormone replacement used to be thought of as a treatment solely for women going through menopause. We now know that men can greatly benefit from similar treatments, as they can be equally impacted by the effects of plummeting hormones. While a man’s symptoms will not look exactly like a woman’s symptoms when it comes to hormonal fluctuation, the path to a cure can be similar — just with a different mix of hormones.
For men suffering from low testosterone, starting hormone optimization therapy at the earliest signs of imbalance can prevent a sharp decline from taking place. If you are already experiencing significant symptoms, it isn’t too late to get help — it might just take a bit longer to get your testosterone level perfectly balanced. The first step is to schedule a consultation with a reputable clinic that specializes in hormone rebalancing.
Hormone Optimization Therapy For Men
Men will of course have a very different hormone profile than women. At a man’s initial consultation, we look at not only their testosterone level but also their DHEA and thyroid hormones. The first step is determining what hormones are lacking, and how much will be needed to attain balance. This can be determined through a simple blood test.
Once the patient’s hormone levels have been charted, a customized bio-identical hormone delivery plan can be established. How this is administered is up to the patient – hormones can be delivered either topically, orally, or by injection. We also have a pellet delivery system that is very popular with patients, because it allows hormones to be released steadily over several months.
When To Expect Results
Some patients notice an improvement in their symptoms within days of starting hormone optimization therapy, while others need some time for the effects to fully kick in. In some cases, tweaking of your dose may be required to achieve optimal results. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel better immediately — this can be a process that requires some patience, but we always get results in time.
Most patients can expect to see an improvement in their libido, energy levels, mood, and sleep patterns within the first month. The effects improve over time as your body gets used to having a steady dose of testosterone in its system. If two months have gone by with no results (which is very unusual), we may need to re-evaluate your therapy plan to get you on the right track.
Making Good Lifestyle Choices
The best way to get the most out of your hormone optimization therapy is to couple it with healthy lifestyle habits. While diet and exercise alone cannot fix the effects of low testosterone, they can certainly improve your body’s ability to successfully use the testosterone that the body receives through therapy.
Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet rich in protein will all contribute to your overall health and wellbeing, and make it possible for your body to fully synthesise the supplemental hormones it receives. Getting enough rest is also critical to your overall wellbeing and hormonal balance.
Natural Ways To Boost Testosterone
While no natural remedy alone will get your testosterone up to the level it needs to be at, there are some simple things you can do to supplement your hormone optimization therapy and make sure you are getting the most out of it possible. We are aware of several natural supplements on the market that claim to boost testosterone, but be sure to discuss these with your hormone specialist before using them in combination with therapy.
Weight training, consuming enough protein, getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, and minimizing stress to reduce cortisol levels are all great life-long habits that will help to keep your hormones in balance. Moderate sun exposure is also recommended to help increase vitamin D levels, which can indirectly have a positive influence on hormone balance and overall health. Just 15 minutes per day of direct sunlight is all you need!
A Closer Look at Treatments for Low Testosterone
There are several ways to make sure your body gets the right amount of bio-identical hormones that it needs to thrive. Pellets, injectables, capsules, and topicals can all produce excellent results when therapy is supervised by a trained practitioner. No matter which delivery method you choose, making sure you are working with a reputable provider who sources high-quality bio-identical hormones is key.
Pellets
This treatment involves the insertion of a tiny pellet, about the size of a grain of rice, under the skin in the upper thigh or buttocks. These pellets will slowly release a steady dose of hormones into the body, with no risk of highs or lows. Pellets only need to be re-inserted once every three to four months to maintain ideal hormone levels.
Injectables
Injectables require more frequent appointments, usually once per week or once every two weeks, but they are able to deliver testosterone quickly and effectively with absolutely no downtime needed. Injection appointments are very quick and can easily take place during a lunch break.
Capsules
We can also prescribe capsules that are taken orally at home, once per day. This is a very convenient way to get your hormones but it is important to remember to take your capsule at approximately the same time every day for best results. Skipping capsules or taking them at irregular intervals can result in unwanted hormone highs and lows.
Topicals
Gels, creams, and sprays can also be administered at home on a daily basis. This type of treatment is absorbed through the skin and directly into the bloodstream. Since topicals can contain a significant amount of testosterone, it’s important to wait until they are fully absorbed into the skin before getting close to women or children, who may be particularly sensitive to its effects. Applying it in an area where it’s not likely to rub off on another person is a good idea.
Is One Delivery Method More Effective Than Another?
How you choose to get your testosterone is a personal choice that really depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Some men don’t like the idea of getting an injection, while others prefer to have their dose administered professionally. Pellets are a great choice for men who don’t want to have to think about their hormones for months at a time. Oral and topical doses are ideal for men who want to administer their own dose at home.
The pros and cons of each method can be discussed at your consultation to help you decide the best approach for you. Patients can rest assured that whatever system they choose, it has been tested for safety and efficacy.
Knowing When You Need More Testosterone
We’ve established that there are many safe and convenient ways to boost one’s testosterone level, but how do you know if you need more of this vital hormone? Low testosterone can present in a variety of ways, but you will likely notice at least two or three of the following symptoms:
- Reduced sex drive
- Difficulty maintaining an erection
- Low mood and irritability
- Fatigue
- Reduced muscle mass
- Trouble losing weight
- Loss of body hair
- Difficulty sleeping
How Testing Is Performed
A simple blood test is normally all that is required to determine if low testosterone is causing your troubles. It is best to have this test done in the morning when testosterone levels are at their highest. A man’s total testosterone is typically 300 ng/dL at the low end of a normal range, and 1,000 to 1,200 ng/dL at the high end of the normal range.
Ready To Make a Change?
If you are bothered by symptoms of low testosterone and want to get your life back on track, there is help available. Contact us today at ProMD Health in Baltimore, MD so that we can schedule a consultation and run a test to confirm if testosterone deficiency is causing your symptoms. If it is, we can get you started on a hormone optimization plan that works for you.
