Low T is one of the most prevalent issues facing the aging male community, though it’s still widely misunderstood by many doctors and patients. One four men will develop low T during their lifetime, but few ever receive treatment. The providers at Renew Vitality are working hard to erase the stigma associated with testosterone therapy and to redefine what it means to age gracefully.

Hormones Change As We Get Older

Testosterone levels change considerably throughout our lifetime. T production reaches its pinnacle during late adolescence since it’s a time of significant growth and sexual development. Levels of healthy young men reach upwards of 1,000 ng/dl during their late teens and early twenties.

Over time the testes and adrenal glands that produce T become less receptive to the hormones that evoke T production, and our levels start to wane gradually. Most scientists agree that T production slows after our late twenties, but the lifestyle choices we make can either delay or speed up our hormonal decline.

Studies show that high BMI, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and nicotine can affect hormone production and even cause our body tissues to convert bioavailable T to estrogens. By age 50, T levels are on average half of that of a 20-year-old.

Men with a gradual decline may start to tire faster than normal and progressively to accumulate weight around their middle. Those whose levels drop abruptly tend to experience more intense symptoms like mood changes, erectile dysfunction, and even depression.

Another common hormone deficit seen in aging males is low growth hormone. According to the Human Growth Foundation symptoms of late-onset GH deficiency are high concentrations of belly fat, loss of muscle, decreased stamina, high levels of extracellular fluid, temperature sensitivity, and fatigue. Adults with low GH have a higher likelihood of developing osteoporosis, bad cholesterol, dementia, and circulatory problems.

Genetics can predispose men to GH deficiency and andropause, but there’s also evidence that what is considered the “norm” for levels, is falling. A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology reported a “generational decline” in hormone levels with the average T levels falling 17 percent over the last 20 years.

No matter the cause, hormone imbalances can wreak havoc on our energy level and libido. Men may experience fewer spontaneous erections, less interest in sex, and sometimes trouble achieving and maintaining erections.

How Hormone Replacement Therapy Works

When a doctor suspects their patient has a hormone deficiency, they’ll typically order a blood panel to measure their early-morning hormone levels. This procedure may be performed two or more times in the subsequent months to ensure an accurate measurement of levels.

If the doctor determines there is, in fact, a deficit, they may suggest HRT. Testosterone replacement therapy comes in many forms, but the safest and most efficient method is the injectable form. Though effective, patches and gels can lead to cross-contamination and transfer to others in the home.

Testosterone can be used as a short or long-term treatment, but it should be given in cycles so as not to disturb natural hormone production. TRT boosts blood levels of bioavailable testosterone and works in the body the same way as naturally-produced androgens.

An increase in sexual interest and energy level is typically felt within the first month of treatment. As treatment persists, males may find it easier to build muscle and lose pesky pounds that they found difficult to shed before therapy.

Sometimes physicians will recommend that TRT patients take sermorelin acetate in conjunction with testosterone. Sermorelin, a hormone antagonist, indirectly raises growth hormone levels which can improve the effectiveness of TRT and minimize risks. Doctors often recommend this therapy for men who are still in their reproductive prime since it helps maintain sperm production.

Finding Good Hormone Replacement Therapy in Miami

Hormone therapy is a billion-dollar industry, which has led to many under-qualified practices cropping up in the last two decades. There are more than fifteen hormone clinics in Miami-Dade county alone, which can make the search for quality treatment both frustrating and time-consuming.

Renew Vitality is one of the nation’s most trusted male anti-aging clinics with locations all over the country. Our providers have decades of experience in hormone optimization and regenerative medicine which allows us to give our patients the highest level of care possible.

When you step into our Miami clinic, you’ll see that it’s a far cry from your average doctor’s office. Upon your arrival, our concierge team will take your info and escort you to the waiting room where there are comfy couches, a flat-screen TV, and reading material to occupy you until time for you to meet your doctor.

Our head physician, Dr. Thierry Jacquemin, is a Nova Southeastern University College graduate and a board-certified doctor of osteopathic medicine. For years he worked in the ER where he specialized in internal medicine, before developing an interest in hormone optimization and preventative medicine. Dr. Jacquemin is proficient in five languages, which allows him to communicate with men from many different backgrounds.

Our team puts the patient’s comfort and health goals above all else, which is why we spend a lot of time both during and after-hours making calls to check on patient progress and to address any concerns. Our patients know they can also call us any time they have a question, and we’ll walk them through whatever issue they may have.

In addition to helping you find the right medications, our providers will work with you to establish a lifestyle plan to help you better meet your health goals. No matter if it’s increasing physical activity, cutting calories, or smoking cessation, our team will work with you in any way necessary to maximize your success.

Visit Our Miami Offices

Our Miami office is open from 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday and located in suite 501 of the Merrick Pointe Building on Bird Road. If you suspect you have a hormone deficiency and want to see what Renew Vitality can do for you, then please call 800-785-3945 or click here to schedule a consultation.