Low Testosterone Therapy

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a sex hormone found in women and men, but men have higher levels. This hormone contributes to men’s development of greater muscle mass, physical strength, and body hair, and influences adult’s libido, bone density, and energy levels.

Testosterone levels start to decrease at a rate of approximately 1%-2% per year as a natural consequence of aging when men are in their thirties. In some men, this decrease happens too quickly and drastically due to disease or lifestyle, leading to unwanted side effects.

What are the signs of low testosterone levels?

In men, low testosterone levels can dramatically affect how you feel on a daily basis. You might notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Weight gain
• Erectile dysfunction
• Poor libido
• Decreased muscle mass
• Loss of body hair
• An increase of breast tissue

Because many of these symptoms may be due to another underlying cause, Dr. Eldaif may test your full hormonal profile to accurately identify the specific abnormality. He may recommend hormone therapy as part of your treatment plan to bring the levels up.

How can I increase testosterone levels?

The easiest way to increase your testosterone levels might be making changes to your lifestyle. Dr. Eldaif may recommend losing weight, performing resistance exercises, and modifying your diet.

If you’re overweight or obese, adding or increasing the amount of cardio you perform regularly can help you burn fat and lose weight, which often boosts levels of testosterone.

If lifestyle changes don’t boost your testosterone levels, hormone replacement therapy may be an option. To ensure you get the hormones you need, Dr. Eldaif may prescribe one or more of the following:

• Topical creams or gels
• Pellets implanted just below the skin
• Injections
• Skin patch
• Oral tablets

Dr. Eldaif monitors you carefully when you take these prescribed hormones to ensure you attain optimal results.

What are the effects of testosterone therapy?

When testosterone replacement restores your normal levels, you feel more energetic, find weight loss easier, and may have more interest in your sex life. You can expect these improvements to be evident within four to six weeks of starting treatment. Gains in muscle mass may take three months or longer.

For more information about testosterone therapy, call the Center for Advanced Urology & Robotics or book an appointment online today.