Low testosterone, also known as low T or hypogonadism, is a condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone. Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and is responsible for male characteristics and functions such as muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, sex drive, mood, and energy levels.
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but some men experience a more dramatic drop that leads to troubling symptoms. Low T is typically diagnosed when levels fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
Many men with low T struggle with:
If multiple low T symptoms are present, it is important to have testosterone levels checked by a medical professional. Left untreated, low T can negatively impact multiple aspects of a man’s health and quality of life.
The first step is having a doctor perform blood work to determine testosterone levels. This will require fasting for 8-12 hours prior.
There are two different blood tests to evaluate testosterone:
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs but normal total testosterone levels generally fall between 300-1000 ng/dL. Optimal levels are towards the higher end, from 600 ng/dL up.
Free testosterone should optimally be over 20 pg/mL.
Repeat tests may be needed since testosterone has natural fluctuations throughout the day. Evaluation of symptoms is also key.
If blood tests and symptoms indicate hypogonadism, other hormone tests may be ordered to check for underlying causes like pituitary gland issues.
Once low T is diagnosed, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be life-changing for many men. The goal of TRT is restoring testosterone levels to mid-normal range, which offers a variety of benefits including:
Many men in their 40s or 50s notice erectile dysfunction and disappearing libido as testosterone fades. TRT can provide immense relief by:
For couples struggling with intimacy issues due to low T, TRT offers hope.
Testosterone fuels protein synthesis, boosts muscle growth, and enhances strength. TRT enables men to make noticeable gains through exercise. Losing weight and building muscle mass becomes easier.
Fatigue and sleep problems are some of the most common low T complaints. Many men feel like a new person on TRT with improved:
With optimized energy comes better mood, outlook, and quality of life.
Testosterone promotes metabolism of fat while preventing muscle loss. TRT shifts body composition to burn adipose tissue and increase lean mass.
Even without major diet changes, men in treatment often see trimmed waists and more muscle definition.
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are risks with deficient testosterone. TRT strengthens bones to reduce fracture risks.
Low T men often suffer from irritability, anxiety, sadness, brain fog, and lack of motivation. By elevating hormone levels, TRT can stabilize mood and improve mental health.
Testosterone treatment helps to control sleep apnea symptoms in men with low testosterone. A recent sleep study found that men with low testosterone who were treated with testosterone reported significant improvements in sleep apnea severity and daytime sleepiness compared to those who did not receive treatment.
If low testosterone is diagnosed and TRT recommended by a medical provider, New Beginnings HRT Clinic physicians determine the optimal treatment course based on the patient’s unique needs and preferences.
There are several delivery methods to raise testosterone levels effectively:
Testosterone injections are administered intramuscularly into the gluteal muscle, shoulder, or thigh. Injections are considered the “gold standard” for TRT due to reliable absorption and ease of dose adjustment.
Injection frequency depends on the dosage and ester prescribed. Self-administration at home is simple to learn.
Transdermal testosterone gels provide daily maintenance of testosterone through consistent absorption from the skin. Gels require daily application on the arms, shoulders or abdomen. Brand names include Androgel and Testim.
While gels avoid needles, inconsistent dosing due to skin irritation or transfer risks are drawbacks for some patients. Frequent skin application is also less convenient for those with busy schedules.
Testosterone tablets dissolve and absorb between the gums and cheek. As the fastest acting form, buccal tablets offer convenience but wide variances in testosterone levels throughout the day. Brand names are Striant and Actavis.
A tiny testosterone pellet is inserted under the skin to continuously release hormones for 3-6 months. A short office procedure is needed to insert and replace pellets. While convenient long-term, fluctuating testosterone levels can occur.
Adhesive skin patches provide transdermal testosterone delivery similar to gels but with longer duration. Patches such as Androderm must be changed daily while others are effective for up to a week. Skin irritation at the application site is the main downside.
Under a physician’s guidance, New Beginnings HRT Clinic patients can try different methods over several months to find what works optimally based on lab work, symptom monitoring, lifestyle factors, and personal preference.
The process of beginning TRT treatment through New Beginnings HRT Clinic involves:
Initial Consultation
Second Appointment
Follow-Up Care
New Beginnings HRT Clinic physicians provide attentive care throughout treatment to ensure therapy remains effective for each patient’s evolving health status and goals.
With an exceptional care team and state-of-the art Tucson facility, New Beginnings HRT Clinic offers trusted testosterone therapy tailored to your unique needs.
Convenient Location
Our comfortable clinic provides discreet, private consultations and procedures just off Grant Road behind Whole Foods. Easy appointment self-scheduling via the patient portal.
Caring Physicians
Our board-certified doctors and nurses deliver personalized care based on the latest medical research and real patient experiences. We listen compassionately and partner with you on healthcare decisions.
Comprehensive Treatment
From precise diagnosis to labs, prescriptions, coaching, and supplies, New Beginnings HRT Clinic seamlessly handles every aspect of therapy.
Ongoing Support
We continuously monitor your progress and finely tune treatment over months and years to help you actualize your best health and quality of life on TRT.
New Beginnings HRT Clinic also hosts informational seminars, body composition testing events, and new patient socials right here in Tucson.
Holistic Approach
In addition to hormone optimization, we offer resources to enrich mental, physical and emotional wellbeing - from stress and sleep hygiene to nutrition, exercise, and relationship advice tailored to the low T population.
Let us determine if TRT is right for you and walk this journey together!
TRT offers outstanding benefits on its own but can work synergistically with positive lifestyle adjustments.
Nutrition
Lean proteins, complex carbs, omega-3s and micronutrients aid muscle growth, energy levels, sexual health and mood. Try new eateries like The Parish, Penca, or Renee’s Organic Oven.
Sunshine
Don't miss our 310 days of sun! Walks outdoors boost mental health and vitamin D levels critical for TRT effects. Favorite hiking trails include Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park, or Mount Lemmon.
Relaxation
Managing life’s stresses helps new testosterone flourish. Schedule massages at sites like Miraval Resort Spa, Canyon Ranch, Ten Thousand Waves or Hashani Spa.
Community
Shared experiences motivate healthy changes. Meet others at New Beginnings HRT Clinic social mixers or join groups like Southern Arizona Hiking Club.
Routine Checkups
Stay vigilant with bloodwork, cancer screenings, sleep studies or other preventative care through your healthcare team. LabCorp and Sonora Quest offer no wait, no appointment services.
Let your doctor know about any new symptoms, medications, or medical conditions at each visit. Tracking progress helps us adjust your treatment to continually meet goals.
Small positive steps compound over time. We provide resources and encouragement along your lifelong wellness journey.
Reasons for declining testosterone may include aging, obesity, chronic diseases, inflammation, stress, medications or toxins, genetic factors, pituitary or testicular disorders, and certain surgeries or health conditions. An underlying cause may or may not be identified.
Prescription testosterone therapy does carry some risks if not properly monitored, especially for those with certain pre-existing medical conditions. However, hypogonadism left untreated poses its own long-term health consequences. New Beginnings HRT Clinic physicians carefully evaluate potential benefits vs potential risks on a case by case basis.
Testosterone levels should rise within weeks after starting treatment, but maximal benefits may take 3-6 months as levels stabilize in the ideal range. Patience is needed to experience the full impact.
For age-related decline, lifelong therapy is generally required as the body does not relearn testosterone production. Cessation will reverse benefits. However for some medical conditions causing low T, treatment may eventually discontinue under a doctor’s advisement.
Coverage varies widely between insurance plans. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to verify your benefits specifically and discuss affordable self-pay options if needed. ConclusionWe hope this guide covered the basics of low testosterone diagnosis, symptoms, testing, treatments and things every man should understand. New Beginnings HRT Clinic offers cutting edge therapies to help men realize their best possible health.Our Tucson office provides flexible morning and evening appointments Monday-Saturday. You deserve to feel your best again!
