Understanding Testosterone: Functions, Benefits, and Levels
Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions. Men who have low levels of the hormone may experience symptoms like fatigue and reduced libido.
TRT helps restore testosterone levels to a healthy level and reverses these symptoms. People can take the drug orally or apply it to their skin through creams or gels. Click Website to learn more.
Testosterone Levels
Testosterone is a hormone that a man produces in his testicles. It builds a man’s muscles, deepens his voice, puts hair on his chest, makes his penis grow, and keeps up his sex drive. It also stimulates red blood cell production and contributes to sperm formation, and plays an important role in male behavior. Women also make testosterone, but in much smaller amounts.
Men with low levels of testosterone, called hypogonadism, are more likely to have depression or anxiety. They are at higher risk of heart disease and stroke. They can also experience a loss of muscle mass, bone density decline, decreased libido, lower energy and reduced cognitive function. Low testosterone can also be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as thyroid problems, genetic or chronic illness, androgen receptor tumors, or benign tumors in the testicles.
A blood test can check the total amount of testosterone in a person’s body. The result is compared with a reference range to see whether the levels are within normal limits. However, the reference range can vary from laboratory to laboratory. In addition, individual’s optimal level varies depending on many factors, including their protein status and thyroid function.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study in which researchers from the US, Italy, and Germany concluded that total testosterone levels had limited value as a diagnostic tool. Instead, the experts emphasized that it was a patient’s symptoms, in conjunction with other signs and tests, that should determine when to initiate TRT.
Testosterone levels decrease with age, but abnormally low levels can indicate a problem and lead to TRT. A low level can be the result of a number of conditions, including changes in the thyroid gland, genetic or chronic illness, benign tumors in the testicles, obesity, and disturbed sleep.
Defy Medical offers a variety of trt options, including the use of injected short-acting testosterone and long-acting pellets. Injections can be administered under the skin or into a muscle. Defy Medical can also offer a nasal gel that delivers a small dose of testosterone through gradual absorption.
Testosterone Injections
Testosterone injections are a common way to treat low testosterone levels. The medication is injected into a muscle and typically given every one to four weeks. Depending on your diagnosis, you may be prescribed a specific dosage. You’ll need to discuss this with your doctor, but the typical dose is between 150 and 300 mg per week.
You can get the medication in different forms, including gels and pellets. You apply the gels daily to the area where you plan to inject them. It’s important that no one comes into contact with the site of application for several hours afterward to avoid anyone getting the hormone in their system by accident. Injections are the most popular method of administration because they’re easy to use and deliver steady doses. However, they don’t work as quickly or as well as some other types of treatment.
The most popular type of injection is testosterone cypionate. It is a modified version of the hormone, and it lasts in your body for days or even weeks without being broken down. There are other versions of the drug that are long-acting as well, such as enanthate and undecanoate.
Before starting this medication, it’s important that you inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have or medications you take. Certain health conditions, such as heart disease and sleep apnea, can increase your risk of side effects. You should also avoid this medication if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The hormone can pass into breast milk and harm a baby.
After starting the medication, most men notice small improvements within a few days. They’ll have more energy and might have better sex drive. They’ll sleep better at night, and they should see improvements in their muscle strength and endurance. Those with erection problems should find their problem diminishing, as will those who have trouble with their memory or concentration.
You’ll need to have regular blood tests while you’re receiving this medication. The doctor will look for signs of a reaction or to make sure the medication is working properly. It’s also important that you don’t stop taking it suddenly. This could cause serious problems with your heart, brain, liver, and endocrine system.
Testosterone Creams
Testosterone creams provide a convenient alternative to testosterone injections. They can be applied to the skin daily and allow for a flexible dosage that mimics endogenous testosterone production. With a regular application, the creams can help to boost energy levels and diminish symptoms associated with low testosterone. They can also increase libido, improve mood and reduce the effects of aging on the body. These advantages make this form of trt popular among women who prefer the flexibility and convenience offered by this type of treatment.
Using testosterone cream is relatively simple, but it does come with some precautions. The medication can be transferred to other people through skin-to-skin contact, so it’s important to wear clothing over the site of the application and keep it away from children. This type of transfer can result in early symptoms of puberty for males, including enlarged penis and clitoris and pubic hair, and the development of male features in females, such as deepening of the voice or more body and facial hair.
Another concern is the potential side effects of the topical gel, which can raise red blood cell count and lead to stroke or heart attack. It can also cause your body to hold onto salt and water, which may cause swelling in the legs or arms. You should keep a written list of all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, so you can report any serious side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Some women may experience more significant side effects with this form of trt, but these are rare and usually limited to the injection site or the body areas where the cream is applied. Some of the most common side effects include erectile dysfunction, weight gain and fatigue. In addition, some women may experience an increase in body or facial hair, acne, and changes to the voice.
Injections require a more in-depth invasive procedure and tend to produce a higher dose of hormone with each administration. This can lead to discomfort at the injection site and may increase the risk of side effects. They may also lead to inflammation and infection, so this option isn’t ideal for everyone.
Testosterone Pellets
Testosterone pellets are bio-identical forms of estrogen and testosterone that are compounded under sterile conditions and inserted into the skin in a clinic setting. They are a much more reliable and convenient form of hormone therapy than injections and can also provide a higher and more consistent dose.
Typically, the patient will be placed under local anesthesia and a tube the size of a coffee stirrer will be inserted into the layer of fat beneath the skin. A pellet containing 75 mg of testosterone will then be pushed through the tube into the fat tissue. A small piece of tape or skin glue is used to close the incision and patients generally experience minimal discomfort.
Pellet therapy has been shown to be effective in men and women and has been reported to increase libido, strength, energy and overall well-being. In addition, pellets have been shown to increase bone density and decrease body fat percentage. They also have been shown to improve sleep quality, mental clarity and focus.
It is important to note that the use of testosterone pellets in women has not been approved by the FDA and it is an “off-label” use of the drug. However, women that are post-menopausal and suffering from low testosterone levels have had very positive results with this type of therapy. These include increased orgasm frequency and satisfaction.
Testosterone therapy can result in acne, which is caused by an increase in oil production in the skin (sebum). Using anti-acne medications and regularly washing the face may help to minimize this side effect. In some patients, testosterone can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, which may lead to lightheadedness. It is a good idea to tell your doctor if you have any problems with this.
It is also important to understand that all types of hormone therapy have the potential to cause side effects, including nausea and vomiting. It is recommended that you try to eat meals before the procedure and take an anti-nausea medication to prevent this from occurring. If you do experience these symptoms, contact your physician or go to the emergency department for evaluation.