Have you not been feeling like yourself lately? If so, you’re not alone. Low testosterone (low T) is incredibly common. According to the American Urological Association, over 2% of adult American men over the age of 30 are diagnosed with low T. Dealing with the symptoms can be a frustrating and confusing experience.
Low T creates a series of unwelcome changes to the mind and body. Men can feel fatigued, experience sporadic mood swings, lose muscle and bone mass, and gain extra weight. However, men don’t have to deal with the psychological and physical challenges alone.
According to the NY Times, testosterone replacement therapy is becoming increasingly more popular, especially for middle-aged men. Low T centers and medical physicians have tripled their services since 2001.
What Causes Low T?
The normal range for T levels is between 300 ng/dL to 1000 ng/dL.
Many men don’t realize that T levels fluctuate throughout the day. It’s common to start the morning with higher levels, and then they can gradually decline. They’ll also vary over a male’s lifetime. T levels peak in adolescence to ensure rapid growth and sexual development.
T levels become an issue if they consistently dip below 300 ng/dL. At this level, men are diagnosed with low T.
Unfortunately, aging is a common cause of hypogonadism. T levels decline by 1% every year, starting at 30 years old.
Age is not the only factor that negatively impacts testosterone.
The testes, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus all work together to manage a healthy male’s T levels. Testicular trauma is a form of primary hypogonadism that can deplete T levels decades later. Whether clients are professional athletes or just playing a quick game of pick up, don’t forget to wear protective gear to avoid the risk of temporary or permanent injury and future medical complications.
Secondary hypogonadism is caused by issues in either the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland. Disease like HIV/AIDS can hamper the function of the pituitary gland. Direct trauma to the hypothalamus, tumors, or masses are also precursors of low T.
Opioids and other prescription medications can affect the body’s ability to produce testosterone. Opioid-Induced Androgen Deficiency (OPIAD) can occur in male patients receiving opioids for pain management. One of the common symptoms of OPIAD is abnormally low T levels. Almost 86% of adult males with OPIAD also develop hypogonadism, low libido, mood swings, and weight gain.
According to one study, male cancer patients receiving chemotherapy can develop low T and infertility. It’s rare to develop permanent infertility, yet as a precaution, medical professionals often suggest men freeze sperm before chemotherapy.
How to Treat Low T?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is one of the most common and effective ways to treat low T. The science behind the treatment is to optimize current testosterone levels by supplying more testosterone.
T levels should be between 300ng/dL and 1000ng/dL. A physician who is certified in hormonal replacement therapy will usually use a blood test to get a clear picture of your baseline.
Occasionally, men may experience the symptoms of low T but have normal levels. Physicians gather essential facts about the client’s medical history, detailed descriptions of their symptoms, and a blood panel before proceeding with a diagnosis.
Clients can use gels, patches, or injectables to balance T levels and treat the root cause of their symptoms. At Renew Vitality NYC, our clients prefer injectables. Convenience is an important factor for men with busy schedules. With injectable TRT, clients don’t have to book an appointment and come into the office. They can administer the treatment themselves at home.
We have a concierge team to help you on your journey to wellness. It’s our mission to make sure that each client has the best-personalized care The Big Apple has to offer. We follow men throughout their treatment to track T levels and monitor their success.
Like most medical procedures, TRT can come with occasional side effects. For instance, some clients experience sudden weight gain; however, this is typically just water-retention. Keep an eye out for any adverse reactions, and don’t hesitate to notify our physicians if you notice complications or have questions along the way.
Finding Low T Centers in NYC
NYC has over 8.5 million residents making it the most densely populated city in the nation. Currently, The Big Apple has 25 centers offering treatment for low T, including Renew Vitality NYC. We are the nation’s leader in hormonal replacement for men over the age of 30.
Feel free to stop by our office for a tour of our state-of-the-art facilities. We’re located at 30 Central Park South, Suite 10A, New York, NY 10019, right next to The Plaza.
Try Renew Vitality
Our approach is different. Some clinics only offer medications, but our board-certified physicians realize the key to properly treating low T requires a holistic approach. Our customized wellness programs are designed to provide a personalized plan that incorporates the latest research on exercise, science, and nutrition. Give us a call to get started!