Low testosterone affects men in all life stages and can lead to certain medical conditions and symptoms that interfere with daily life. At Slym Wellness Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, we offer testosterone replacement therapy plans to increase testosterone levels in men suffering from this deficiency. This form of hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT, can promote optimal health and wellness, alleviate symptoms, and help men experience improved quality of life.
What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Testosterone replacement therapy is a type of hormone replacement therapy that can help men achieve balanced testosterone levels. Treatment plans are designed to increase testosterone levels, resolve negative symptoms, and improve certain medical conditions.
Low testosterone is also known as hypogonadism, or low T. It is caused by multiple factors, including aging, the side effects of some medications, lifestyle and environmental factors, medical conditions, and genetics.
While it can affect men in all life stages, those who most commonly experience low T are men in andropause, which is often referred to as male menopause. We offer several different solutions that can treat low testosterone. By supplementing the hormones the body lacks, we can help men experience the benefits of balance with a customized HRT treatment plan.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male hormone, an anabolic hormone that works in the body to perform different functions. It regulates protein synthesis, muscle growth, sex drive, mood, body fat, and cognitive function. When testosterone levels are inadequate, men experience negative symptoms that impact every area of life, including physical, mental, emotional, and sexual health.
What Are the Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Many men suffering from low testosterone resign themselves to living with the symptoms, accepting them as normal. However, low testosterone is anything but normal, and there are many benefits to seeking and beginning HRT to increase testosterone levels. The potential benefits of undergoing testosterone replacement therapy include the following:
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Improved bone density
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures
- Increased sex drive
- Improved libido
- Better sexual function
- Improved mood
- Reduced symptoms of depression and irritability
- Reduced body fat percentage
- Improved body composition
- Better cognitive function
What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?
A deficiency in testosterone leads to specific symptoms and conditions. Some men may experience several symptoms, while others may experience just a few. The most common symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Low sex drive
- Trouble achieving and maintaining an erection
- Fatigue
- Slow metabolism
- Reduced energy levels, even with enough sleep
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Poor physical performance
- Increase in body fat
- Weight gain, specifically in the abdomen
- Mood fluctuations
- Increase in symptoms of depression, irritability, and anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor bone mass
- Decreased sperm production
- Increased blood cell count
- Reduction in testicle size
Treating Low Testosterone With a Customized HRT Treatment Plan
If you are suffering from low testosterone and can identify with one or more of the most common symptoms of this condition, the first step is to schedule an initial consultation.
At this consultation, we will meet with you to discuss your symptoms, learn more about your concerns and health history, and then order a blood test. The blood test is an integral part of the treatment process as it allows us to measure your testosterone levels and determine if low testosterone is what’s causing your symptoms.
The Different Treatment Methods
We design customized treatment plans for each patient to balance testosterone levels to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Some of our treatment recommendations include lifestyle changes, testosterone replacement therapy, and medications.
We also provide patients with ways to complement their hormone replacement therapy treatment plans to ensure the best results. Regardless of what option we help you choose, we will regularly monitor your testosterone levels to ensure your chosen treatment method is effective and safe.
Hormone Replacement Therapy With Testosterone Supplementation
Testosterone replacement therapy is the most common method used to treat deficiencies in men. Once we determine your hormone levels, we can determine the best replacement method. The most common include injections, topical gels, patches applied to the skin, and implanted pellets. If testosterone replacement therapy is right for you, we will help determine the right treatment method based on your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can also make a significant impact on testosterone levels. Eating a healthier diet, regular exercise, improving the quality and quantity of your sleep, and reducing stress can all help improve testosterone production.
Adding quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, specifically zinc and vitamin D, can promote optimal health and improve testosterone production. Combining strength training and high-intensity interval training can also improve testosterone levels.
Stress-reducing activities like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can promote balanced testosterone.
For some, lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, and medications or HRT treatment plans are necessary to adequately increase testosterone levels. However, these lifestyle changes paired with HRT or medications can enhance treatment results and improve quality of life and overall health and wellness.
Medications
Some medications can promote increased testosterone levels, including clomiphene citrate and human gonadotropin, also known as HCG. Patients who qualify for these medications typically cannot undergo testosterone replacement therapy, or, for them, it has proven ineffective.
Treatment of Underlying Conditions
Several factors and conditions can decrease testosterone levels and, when appropriately treated, can resolve low testosterone in men. Obesity, sleep apnea, and diabetes are common conditions that can decrease testosterone levels. Taking the proper steps to treat these conditions can increase testosterone levels.
Experience the Benefits of a Customized HRT Treatment Plan
You don’t have to live with the symptoms of low testosterone. We offer solutions to balance your hormone levels and improve your quality of life and overall health.
We can schedule an initial consultation to help you learn more about the available treatment options, so you can take the first step toward achieving a state of balance, alleviating symptoms, and improving your overall health.