Male hypogonadism, often known as “Low T,” is a disorder in which the body produces insufficient amounts of hormones due to problems with the brain, pituitary gland, or testicles. Testosterone replacement treatment (also known as androgen replacement therapy) is licenced to treat this condition. To aid with weariness, erectile dysfunction, and lack of sex drive, men utilize patches, gels, tablets, injections, or creams with testosterone.
Testosterone therapy is used to treat male hypogonadism, also called “low testosterone” or “Low T.” This is a condition in which the body doesn’t make enough hormones because of an issue involving the brain, pituitary gland, or testicles. Hypogonadism can be treated with a variety of prescription testosterone products. Different testosterone products include gels, injectable solutions, patches, pills, and pellets that are put under the skin.
Once a person starts testosterone therapy, they usually have to take it for the rest of their lives. The patient’s hormone levels will be checked every six months. Depending on the patient, the checkups may be more often.
A lot of people have used testosterone therapy for a long time.
- Each year, U.S. men spend $2 billion on testosterone.
- In 2014, four times as many men as in 2000 were using testosterone products.
- In 2013, 2.3 million people in the U.S. were treated with testosterone therapy
- In 2011, almost one out of every 25 men in their 60s took testosterone.
- From 1988 to 2011, the amount of testosterone sold with a prescription went from $18 million to $1.6 billion.
Causes of testosterone Deficiency and decline that starts around the 30s
Testosterone levels vary widely from one man to another and even from day to day. The decrease in testosterone levels is often gradual. However, it may be sharp in some men. A drop in testosterone can be caused by:
– Aging: After age 30, men’s testosterone levels gradually decline. This decline accelerates after age 40 when men lose about 1% of their testosterone yearly.
– Illness: Certain chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and kidney disease, are associated with decreased testosterone production.
– Injury: Injury to the testicles can cause a sudden drop in testosterone levels.
– Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and opiates, can decrease testosterone production.
– Obesity: Men who are obese have lower levels of testosterone than men of healthy weight.
– Stress: Severe stress, such as that experienced during a major illness or injury, can decrease testosterone production.
How to increase testosterone?
There are a few best testosterone booster foods that have been shown to testosterone boosters:
-Oysters: Oysters are a great source of zinc essential for testosterone production.
-Beef: Beef is rich in zinc, iron, and magnesium. It’s also an excellent protein source, essential for muscle growth.
Which foods increase testosterone the most?
Testosterone supplements help testosterone Some of the nutrients that help to produce and maintain increase testosterone include:
-Vitamin D: Research has shown that vitamin D is crucial for testosterone production. In one study, men who were deficient in vitamin D had lower testosterone levels than those who weren’t.
-Zinc: Zinc is another nutrient that’s essential for testosterone production. Oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds are high in zinc.
-Magnesium: Magnesium plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body and has been shown to boost testosterone levels.
-Fenugreek: Fenugreek is an herb used for centuries in traditional medicine. It’s thought to increase testosterone levels by stimulating the production of luteinizing hormone, which regulates testosterone production.
Treatment
Testosterone Products Come in Many Forms
Testosterone can be given as an injection, a patch, a gel for the skin, testosterone pills, or a cream. It can also be given as a solution on the armpit, patch, or buccal system on the upper gum or inner cheek.
Even though you need a doctor’s prescription for many testosterone products, some drug stores, and health food stores sell them without a prescription. Some of these products also say they are made from natural ingredients.
Gels (Androgel)
Testosterone gel is a prescription drug on a man’s shoulders, upper arms, and stomach, depending on the brand. Testosterone gel can get out of your body and into other people’s, which can cause serious health problems. To avoid this:
- Put testosterone gel on skin that will be covered by clothing and is clean, dry, and whole.
- When you’re done, wash your hands with soap and water.
- Once the gel has dried, cover the area with clothing and keep it protected until you have passed the area well or showered.
Getting shots:
Sustanon and Nebido injections are available in the market for testosterone replacement therapy.
Sustanon:
It is a pale yellow colour injection containing testosterone propionate as an active ingredient. Usually, people should be given one shot every 2 weekly of Sustanon. It is used in people suffering from low testosterone for testosterone replacement therapy. It treats various conditions caused by low levels of testosterone in adult males. Sustanon is available in the market in 250 mg packing and injected into muscles by only registered doctors or nurses.
Nebido:
Nebido is a clear yellowish oily solution for long-term testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone undecanoate is the active ingredient of Nebido. It is available on the market in 1000 mg injection, injected into your muscles once in 3 months. It is stored in the body and released gradually, effectively maintaining testosterone levels in the body.
Changes (Androderm)
Testosterone transdermal patches, like Androderm, are skin patches that deliver testosterone. Patches work best when they are put on every night around the same time and left on for 24 hours. Testosterone patches should always be worn until they need to be changed. Every 24 hours, you should change your Androderm patch. Before putting on the new patch, the old one should be taken off. You should put a patch on a different spot each night and wait at least seven days before using the same spot again.
Natural testosterone Boosters (NOT AVAILABLE)
Manufacturers of testosterone boosters like Testofen have said that their products can help men gain muscle, get stronger, and have more sex drive. Products with Tribulus Terrestris, DHEA, zinc, and d-aspartic acid are some of the most popular ways to boost testosterone. These ingredients have been linked to a number of side effects, such as increased aggression, bigger breasts, changes in cholesterol, problems with the prostate, and a higher risk of heart disease.
Two kinds of hormones are used to make testosterone products:
- Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are in AndroGel and several other products. In a lab, scientists make hormones that are chemically the same as the hormones that the body produces on its own. In theory, this will have less of an effect on other things.
- Synthetic Hormones
Synthetic hormones are made from chemicals that have been changed from their original forms. They do not match the hormones the body makes. Most of the time, these kinds of drugs have more side effects.
Alternatives to maintain fertility
Sperm production decreased in people undergoing TRT. Because the external source of testosterone suppresses the body’s production of testosterone and ultimately sperm production. Some alternatives like HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injection and clomiphene are used for men who still would like to maintain fertility while undergoing TRT. This therapy maintains sperm production.
Contact us
To find out more about how to check for a testosterone deficiency and which type of testosterone replacement therapy is suitable for yourself, enquire with the clinic at reception@restoreintegrativemedical.com or give us a call at 23318816 to book a consult with our doctors to find out more.
Disclaimer:
The information given in this article should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice; always consult a medical practitioner. Any use of information in this article is at the reader’s discretion and risk. Neither the authors nor the clinic can be held responsible for any loss, claim or damage arising out of the use, or misuse, of the suggestions made, the failure to take medical advice or for any material on third-party websites.