Written by Dr. Adam Patel - Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Expert - February 06, 2023
Qualifying for Testosterone Replacement: What You Need to Know
Testosterone replacement therapy can be an effective way to treat symptoms related to hypogonadism, a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. To qualify for testosterone replacement, you must first undergo testing to determine if you have a deficiency of the hormone and if there is any potential for harm from initiating treatment. Here's what you need to know about testing and treatments for testosterone deficiency.
The most common symptoms of low testosterone levels include:
These symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions, so it is important to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing one or more of them. Your doctor may order tests such as a blood test, physical exam, or urine sample to help diagnose your condition.
In order to diagnose testosterone deficiency, your doctor will usually recommend one or more diagnostic tests including a physical examination and blood test. The goal of these tests is to measure your testosterone levels and confirm that they are below normal range. They may also look at other hormones such as prolactin and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) that could be contributing factors to your low testosterone level. Your doctor may also consider lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise habits, stress levels, and alcohol consumption when diagnosing you.
After being diagnosed with low testosterone levels , patients who meet certain criteria may qualify for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Typically, this includes those over 18 years old whose symptoms significantly disrupt daily life due to their lowered hormone levels . Other conditions like infertility , erectile dysfunction (ED), anxiety disorders , depression , osteoporosis , cognitive decline , or anemia can also be considered when evaluating eligibility for TRT .
Once you have been diagnosed with having abnormally low levels of testosterone in your bloodstream, you and your health care provider can discuss various treatment options available to you including: topical creams; injections; gels; transdermal patches; transdermal sprays ; implantable pellets ; or oral tablets. While each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, injectables offer fewer side effects while providing the fastest increase in free flowing serum testerone levels making it an ideal choice for many patients seeking symptomatic relief quickly .
As with any treatment program there are potential risks associated with TRT that must be carefully considered before beginning therapy . Possible side effects include acne ; hair loss ; high cholesterol ; water retention ; mood swings ; enlarged prostate gland; premature closure of growth plates (responsible for long bone growth ); risk of developing breast cancer ; increased risk of stroke/heart attack/blood clots; depression , insomnia , liver damage; shrinking testicles; decreased sperm count/low sperm production . The potential benefits however may include improved moods , increased libido/sexual performance; muscle development ; increased bone density ; improved overall wellbeing & quality of life.
Finding Qualified Care When Seeking TRT
When seeking treatment for low T it’s important to make sure that a qualified healthcare professional performs the initial evaluation as well as implement protocols designed specifically tailored around addressing individual needs & goals while monitoring therapeutic responses & taking appropriate action(s) accordingly . BHRT Pro Center specializes in helping men reclaim their youthful vigor through hormonal optimization therapies utilizing advanced diagnostic labs , specialized treatments plans & superior patient service coupled together in creating personalized wellness regimens that work! Get started today by downloading our free guide on evaluating male hormones !