Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism or "low T," can significantly impact a man's quality of life. Common signs and symptoms include:
Men with low testosterone often experience a decreased libido or sex drive. They may have fewer spontaneous erections and struggle with erectile dysfunction. Restoring testosterone levels can dramatically improve libido and sexual function.
Testosterone plays a key role in building and maintaining muscle mass. Low testosterone causes muscle wasting and weakness. Men may feel tired, lack energy and have difficulty with strength-related tasks.
Hypogonadism is associated with weight gain, especially increased body fat. The loss of muscle mass coupled with an increase in fat leads to a higher body mass index (BMI). Losing that extra weight can be extremely difficult.
Low testosterone can negatively impact mood and cognitive function. Men may struggle with depression, irritability, lack of focus and poor memory. Simply balancing hormones can provide huge emotional benefits.
Many men with low testosterone experience insomnia and frequent awakenings during the night. They don't feel rested even after a full night's sleep. Supplementing with testosterone enhances sleep quality.
Additional symptoms can include hair loss, gynecomastia (breast tissue growth), hot flashes, and loss of bone density (osteoporosis). Prompt low testosterone treatment can help reverse many of these changes.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) offers life-changing benefits for men with low testosterone. Benefits include:
Balancing hormones often leads to a dramatic improvement in libido and sexual function. Spontaneous erections return and erectile dysfunction improves. Many men feel like they are in their 20’s again.
Testosterone helps burn fat while building lean muscle mass. Patients usually notice significant changes in their body composition within the first 3-6 months on therapy. TRT enables easier muscle growth.
TRT alleviates depression, irritability and mood disturbances. Patients report feeling more positive and upbeat. Testosterone enhances motivation, drive and cognitive abilities.
Hormone optimization reduces insomnia and sleep apnea. Patients awaken feeling well-rested and refreshed. Their partners also benefit from less snoring and restless sleep.
Balanced testosterone levels fight fatigue and boost energy. Men are able to push harder in their workouts and remain active throughout the day. TRT restores youth, drive and vitality.
Testosterone strengthens bones protecting against osteoporosis. It also reduces dangerous arterial plaque lowering the risk for heart disease and stroke. Patients report improved lipid panels and blood pressure on TRT.
TRT alleviates irritability while enhancing self-confidence. Men taking testosterone report feeling calmer and less moody. Their positive outlook improves relationships - both personal and professional.
Testosterone replacement comes in several forms allowing patients to choose the method that best fits their lifestyle.
Testosterone injections (shots) involve injecting testosterone directly into the muscle. This form of TRT provides stable testosterone levels but requires weekly or bi-weekly injections.
Gels supply testosterone through the skin - usually the upper arms and shoulders. Gels require daily application and can occasionally transfer through skin-to-skin contact.
Pellets are small testosterone implants placed under the skin. They continually release hormones providing stable levels for 3-6 months before needing replacement.
Oral testosterone capsules (Andriol) are absorbed through the intestines. They are easy to take but can stress the liver. Close monitoring of liver function is required.
Our practitioners help determine which option best fits each patient’s needs and lifestyle. We develop customized treatment plans designed to balance hormones long-term.
Leaving low testosterone untreated poses significant health risks. Complications of hypogonadism include:
Low testosterone accelerates atherosclerosis increasing the rate of heart attacks and stroke. TRT helps stabilize arterial plaques reducing cardiovascular risk.
Hypogonadism is associated with insulin resistance, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Normalizing testosterone levels enhances insulin sensitivity and helps manage weight.
Without testosterone bone density rapidly declines leading to fractures and stooped posture. TRT strengthens bones helping prevent osteoporosis.
Men with untreated low testosterone are at increased risk for clinical depression and even suicide. TRT provides remarkable mood benefits and improves mental clarity.
Identifying and treating low testosterone early on can help avoid long-term complications. We emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Testosterone therapy may improve verbal memory and spatial abilities in older men with low testosterone levels. A study found men over 65 who used testosterone gel for 6 months performed better on verbal memory tests and had improved spatial memory compared to men who used a placebo gel.
Vitality Hormone Center TRT clinic provides comprehensive hormone replacement for men and women. We offer:
Our clinic focuses on guiding patients toward lifelong health and wellbeing. We address all contributing factors - not just balancing hormones. Patients receive compassionate care from our highly-trained practitioners.
We understand the challenges low testosterone presents in your daily life. We are here to listen and develop customized treatment plans aimed at helping you feel your best.
Now is the time to take control and reclaim your health. Contact Vitality Hormone Center today to schedule your consultation!
Key Reasons for Low Testosterone
Testosterone levels begin decreasing after age 30 dropping about 1-2% per year. But other factors can also contribute to declining testosterone including:
Physical trauma from injuries or surgery can impair testicular function. Infections also directly damage Leydig cells in the testes reducing testosterone synthesis.
Many common medications impact testosterone levels. These include opiates for pain, steroids, some blood pressure drugs and antacids. We review all medications to check for interactions.
Carrying excess weight, especially abdominal fat, raises the enzyme aromatase. This converts testosterone into estrogen causing low T. Losing weight helps normalize hormones.
Inadequate sleep disturbs hormonal balance. Getting less than 5-6 hours per night significantly reduces testosterone production.
Ongoing emotional stress triggers release of the hormone cortisol. In high amounts cortisol suppresses testosterone synthesis. Managing stress is essential.
Low vitamin D, zinc and other nutrients impair testicular function. We test key levels and provide nutritional advice tailored to your needs.
Additional causes include chemotherapy, radiation treatment, alcohol/drug abuse, chronic diseases like diabetes or end-stage liver/kidney failure, and genetic conditions like Klinefelter’s syndrome.
Accurately diagnosing the underlying reason for low testosterone allows proper treatment. Our clinicians dig deep to find root causes. We don’t just treat numbers on a lab report.
Evaluating testosterone requires checking total testosterone along with free testosterone levels.
Total testosterone measures overall circulating levels 80-100% of which binds to proteins leaving only 1-3% free.
Free testosterone represents the active hormones available to tissues. Checking free T provides a more accurate hormonal picture.
Other key lab tests include: - Complete blood count - Comprehensive metabolic panel - Lipid panel - PSA - TSH - Estradiol - LH and FSH - Vitamin D - HbA1c
Initial testing establishes a baseline to monitor treatment effectiveness and safety. We recheck labs at regular intervals and adjust dosing to meet optimal targets tailored to your age and risk factors.
Brunswick Area Highlights
Brunswick offers beautiful scenery perfect for recharging while undergoing treatment. The area features:
Miles of scenic walking trails wind through Brunswick showcasing the diverse landscape and wildlife. Breathing fresh air and enjoying nature provides stress relief.
Recommended spots include Wharton State Forest, Belleplain State Forest Trails, and Cape May Wetlands State Natural Area.
Relaxation awaits at New Jersey's renowned beaches and shore towns just a short drive away. The location provides easy access for swimming, boating, surfing and seaside dining.
Top beach destinations include Ocean City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Cape May and Wildwoods.
History buffs will love visiting Victorian Cape May with over 600 preserved 19th-century buildings. Other historical attractions feature lighthouses and military fortifications dating back to the Revolutionary War.
The area offers award-winning farm-to-table restaurants and wineries amid beautiful rural settings. Excellent local cuisine provides healthy menu choices focused on locally-sourced ingredients.
Can’t miss dining spots include Good Spoon Soupery, Semolina, and Tisha’s Fine Dining.
The Brunswick area offers several excellent fitness centers and gyms to accommodate exercise routines. State-of-the-art equipment and classes cater to allfitness levels.
Top-rated facilities include Retro Fitness, Ultimate Fitness & Training Center, Planet Fitness and Brunswick Area YMCA.
We hope you’ll take advantage of the natural beauty and attractions in the Brunswick area during your treatment. Let us know how we can help guide you toward better health. We look forward to seeing you in the office soon!
