Testosterone Therapy For Men
Testosterone replacement therapy is a safe and effective treatment to combat symptoms of testosterone deficiency and restore a man’s hormonal health.
Our clinic has pioneered the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) at our clinics in the USA. During this time our specialist doctors have helped thousands regain their health, and vitality, and return to a fulfilling sex life with hormone replacement therapy for men, relieving their low T symptoms.
Andropause, Male Menopause or Low T?
Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome goes by many other names. These terms are used to describe a medical condition where a low or insufficiently active level of testosterone has led to symptoms or signs. Common terms for this include male menopause, andropause, hypogonadism, low testosterone/low T, and Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome. All of these refer to the same underlying medical issue.
Our clinic generally uses the term Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TDS)/Testosterone Deficiency, as we believe this most accurately describes the condition and its cause. Some clinics refer to the condition as “male hormone imbalance”, but this is not a term we use at our clinic.
Why are healthy testosterone levels important?
Testosterone is a key hormone in men. It is vital to the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics and function. Normal active testosterone levels help to maintain sex drive and fertility in healthy men. Research shows it even helps maintain psychological health.
Testosterone key to wider health
The testosterone hormone is increasingly being recognized as important in a wide range of health-related areas. This includes contributing to maintaining healthy and active energy levels and preventing bone breakdown.
Research at our testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) clinics indicates that 20% of men (2 million) across the US over the age of 50 suffer from testosterone deficiency syndrome. However, only 1% have been diagnosed and are being treated.
Low Testosterone Levels
Many structures in your body require the male hormone testosterone to function. When testosterone is not available to them, either of low levels or lack of free molecules, then the effects of testosterone deficiency syndrome may be felt.
Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (also known as TDS, andropause, low T, or male menopause) results in symptoms including decreased sex drive (libido), erection problems, fatigue, depression, weight gain, poor concentration, night sweats, short-term memory loss, and irritability.
Symptoms of Low T/Male Menopause
- Decreased libido (sex drive)
- Erection problems
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Night sweats
- Short-term memory loss
- Irritability
Before and after TRT
Alongside having a revived sex drive, renewed energy, and stamina, after receiving testosterone replacement therapy our patients often report benefits including feeling younger, stronger, happier, and less irritable. Treatment with TRT has helped muscle aches disappear, memory improve, and many reports increased energy and assertiveness.
Testosterone deficiency/low T diagnosis
Our team of doctors makes use of the full range of information available to them from a review of symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and blood test results. They then reach a conclusion on whether the patient is likely to be suffering from testosterone deficiency syndrome or whether some or all of the symptoms may be due to other causes.
Some of the key symptoms reported by patients suffering from testosterone deficiency syndrome/low T, such as fatigue, can also be the result of diseases such as diabetes. It is important to exclude these before any diagnosis of testosterone deficiency syndrome is made and patients can proceed with testosterone replacement therapy or other forms of treatment.
Detailed blood test and check-up
Patients attending our clinic have a very thorough blood test before their first visit. This enables the medical specialist seeing them review not only the level and status of the patient’s sex hormones, such as testosterone, but also the complex range of factors regulating their activities, together with tests of blood fat, liver, kidney, and prostate function, and red and white blood cell counts.
At the appointment, a full assessment or “work-up” of each patient is carried out. During the hour-long appointment, as well as discussing in detail the blood test results, the doctor also reviews the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and current health status and concerns. He also carries out a physical examination, including a check on the prostate.
A key part of this information-gathering process is a review of the results of a detailed questionnaire completed by the patient. The Ageing Males’ Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire covers three areas – physical and somatic, psychological, and sexual function.
The information from this internationally validated questionnaire is used by the doctor in establishing a measure of the severity of symptoms.
This is an important part of the assessment of whether the patient has testosterone deficiency syndrome/low T and to see whether he might benefit from male hormone treatment including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
The questionnaire is available here if you would like to assess your symptoms. Do remember, however, that the questionnaire results require careful medical assessment alongside other key information before any diagnosis can be made.
Going ahead with testosterone treatment (TRT)
If, following a blood test and other investigations and information gathering the doctor considers that the patient may be suffering from testosterone deficiency syndrome he will discuss the benefits and potential risks of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or other testosterone treatment with him. If treatment is indicated and the patient wishes to proceed, then he will start a trial period of TRT or testosterone stimulation therapy.
Testosterone gel, cream, or injections
TRT is usually given by testosterone gel, cream, or long-acting injections for the first two to six months. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been shown to be highly effective in relieving the symptoms of testosterone deficiency – in particular in restoring energy, health, and sex drive.
TRT therapy is often needed long-term and can safely be continued in these forms if good symptom relief is maintained or changed to other types if needed.
How safe is hormone replacement therapy for men?
Testosterone treatment including TRT has been in use in the US and other countries for over half a century over which time the safety of testosterone replacement therapy has confirmed been confirmed by research, including detailed studies at our clinic.
Despite concerns, first raised in the 1940s, about TRT and prostate cancer, a review of one research has found no compelling evidence of any link between the two. However, every effort is made to exclude pre-existing prostatic cancer, by clinical examination, and a sensitive blood test to measure the levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in advance of any course of testosterone replacement therapy.
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatment, including giving the right dosage, it is essential that the results of treatment are carefully monitored, both to establish the diagnosis and to monitor the treatment carefully, blood tests and laboratory measurements are required at regular intervals. After the initial consultation and diagnosis, detailed clinical examinations need to be carried out at 3-6 month intervals.
Make sure you have the best low T treatment
Diagnoses are based on a comprehensive blood test including a full hormone panel, review of symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. For those patients who go on to treatment, either with testosterone replacement therapy or other options, careful and regular monitoring is carried out. These tests enable us to make sure you have the best low T treatment as well as monitor the safety of testosterone replacement therapy for you and the relief of your low T symptoms.
The clinic’s founder has been a leader in developing hormone treatment for men and TRT in the US and remains one of the world’s foremost experts in testosterone replacement therapy. Our specialist medical team has many years of expertise in helping patients overcome the effects of low testosterone with hormone replacement therapy for men.
Get in touch with us here to ask additional questions or apply for a free consultation.