Testosterone Therapy and Low T
Testosterone is a member of the steroid family of hormones. Interestingly, this family is derived through chemical conversion from the steroid ring-structure of cholesterol. 95% of circulating testosterone is produced in the testicles under the influence of a horm
one released from the pituitary gland called luteinizing hormone (LH). Throughout the day, LH is released in spurts that stimulate the release of testosterone from the testicles. The signals are particularly strong in the early morning (which accounts for the higher testosterone levels and hence spontaneous morning erections and increased libido.) By the late evening the levels of testosterone can fall by 50 percent, which then signals the pituitary to rev up its production of LH to start the cycle all over again. Y
Setting Up an Appointment to Learn More About Low T
Our board-certified physicians can help you learn more about your options when it comes to Testosterone, Low T and Hormone Therapy. To set up an appointment, simply call 208-939-0100.
What are the effects of Low T?
Low T (hypogonadism) affects many organ systems. It causes decreased lean muscle mass, strength, and bone density. When you see an older man who is stooped over and cannot hold his head up, this is most likely caused by osteoporosis directly resulting from low testosterone levels. In addition, a low testosterone level causes increased body fat, especially around the waist, both subcutaneous and visceral (clinging to the internal organs, such as the intestines and liver—the cause of the proverbial pot belly). This increase in abdominal fat starts a vicious cycle for its accumulation further suppresses testosterone production causing further accumulation of abdominal fat.
What's a low level?
The medical definition of hypogonadism generally uses a level below 300 ng/dl because virtually all men below this range exhibit the signs and symptoms discussed above. But what about a level of 350 or 450 ng/dl? The difference between a man with this level and a man who meets the cut off for “hypogonadism” is less than between him and a man with a level of 800 ng/dl. And what about the average level of about 600; is it adequate or does a man with a level of 900 feel better, have denser bones, stronger muscles, and greater sexual potency? A clue to the answer is thinking back to how you felt when you were 18 years old, a time when testosterone levels run between about 800 and 1500. A more scientific clue is the number of studies that have shown improvements in strength, muscle, and libido when middle aged men with “normal” testosterone levels have those levels boosted with TRT to the high end of normal or even above that. Why then should a man be denied treatment if his testosterone level is 500 ng/dl and has only a mild degree of decreased libido and only slightly reduced musculature? This is an individual decision that only you can make, with the guidance of a knowledgeable physician.
What are the risks?
Short term risks, what we call side effects, are few. If a man had a propensity to develop acne as a teenager, this may be reactivated when the testosterone levels get raised back to adolescent levels. This can be treated with topical or oral medications quite effectively. The tendency to lose scalp hair can be exacerbated as well, but this too can be effectively treated with a medication that inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone called finasteride or Propecia.
The main concern that men have with regard to long term TRT is whether it will increase the risk of prostate cancer, BPH, and cardiovascular disease. At physiologic replacement levels—the range we keep our patients within—there is no evidence of any increase risk of prostate cancer or enlargement of the prostate to the point of symptoms.
The concern about a link between testosterone and heart disease comes from the following line of reasoning: men have a higher incidence of heart disease than women; men have higher testosterone levels than women; therefore, higher testosterone levels may cause a greater incidence of heart disease. This is another example of the fallacious reasoning that plagues the field of hormone replacement therapy. Because two conditions are found in the same population, it does not necessarily follow that the one causes the other. For these two conditions—testosterone levels and heart disease—we have, in fact, the results of many studies that show just the opposite. This has been studied extensively and there is a greater incidence of heart disease in men with low testosterone levels than those with high levels.
What does OptiGenics offer?
- We restore Testosterone in two ways:
- Testosterone transdermal cream
- Custom-compounded (mixed) to provide a convenient dosing amount based on how well you absorb testosterone through your skin.
- High potency provides for significant increases in blood levels using a fraction of the amount of commonly-prescribed testosterone gels.
- Loaded into 3mL application syringes (without needles), for accurate measurement and convenient dispensing.
- HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
- A natural hormone that stimulates the testes to produce testosterone on their own.
- Must be self-injected subcutaneously (just beneath the skin) using fine insulin syringe
- Testosterone transdermal cream
- DHEA capsules, pharmaceutical-grade and compounded to order based on your blood levels
- Pregnenolone, which can be compounded together with DHEA into a single capsule
- Melatonin capsules, pharmaceutical-grade and compounded to order
- Antioxidant packs, pharmaceutical-grade and manufactured exclusively for OptiGenics
- OptiGenics Systems diagnostic testing, to establish your baseline physiological age and identify weaknesses in your body systems:
- Arterial Stiffness testing
- Body Composition testing
- Pulmonary Function testing
- Skin Elasticitytesting
- Cognitive Function testing
- Additional testing may be performed if necessary
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Management of your lab follow-up requirements and treatment program
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OptiGenics Systems diagnostic testing listed above, twice per year
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To speak with one of our physicians, call 208-939-0100.
