Adult men should have testosterone (T) levels between 300 – 1000 ng/dL. Anything under 300 ng/dL is considered low testosterone (low T), hypogonadism, or male menopause.
When T levels drop, men can experience a variety of unpleasant physical, mental, and emotional changes. Low T can cause low libido, decreased muscle mass, hair loss, depression, mood swings, weight gain, low sperm count, and hot flashes.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, low T can develop after experiencing direct trauma to the testes, chemotherapy, alcohol abuse, obesity, and other medical complications. Another contributing factor to hormone deficiency that often goes unnoticed is dysfunctional hormone receptors. Fortunately, for men over 30, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can dramatically improve receptor performance.
How do Testosterone Receptors Work?
Hormones and receptors have a relationship that is quite similar to a lock and key. Hormones bind to a specific receptor to activate. When testosterone binds to androgen receptors, a complex chain reaction occurs, causing genes to perform. Testosterone is linked to the genes that control processes like hair growth, muscle building, and mood regulation.
Androgen receptors are a pivotal component of the skeletal system. Androgen receptors regulate the release of osteoblasts, the cells created in the bone marrow to develop new bones, and osteoclasts, cells in the bone marrow that dissolve bone.
As men age, their receptors can become less responsive. Some of the symptoms associated with androgen receptor dysfunction include increased belly fat, loss of muscle mass, and bone density loss. Proper functioning androgen receptors create a delicate balance between the breakdown and regeneration of new bones to ensure calcium levels remain normal.
If men have abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood, receptors release more osteoclasts to dissolve microscopic amounts of bone and increase calcium levels. When malfunctioning receptors combine with low calcium levels, too much bone is broken down, putting men at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis.
In some males, the body can convert testosterone to estrogen. Normally, this happens when there is a high level of body fat. Lipids, or fat cells, especially in the abdomen, produce an enzyme called aromatase, which transforms testosterone into a hormone, estradiol, a type of estrogen. An increase in estradiol impacts the shape of T receptors, so they prioritize binding with estrogen over testosterone, which causes a detrimental hormonal imbalance.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Improves Receptor Function
TRT can remarkably improve receptor performance by enhancing body fat composition. Studies show TRT engages fat loss and muscle building, resulting in a lower body fat percentage and leaner muscles.
Androgen receptors are located in the brain. Low T can cause clients to experience a decrease in overall cognitive function. It becomes difficult to focus, remember facts, and the brain feels foggy and sluggish. TRT can improve your mood, memory, and cognition, so you feel like yourself again, by causing changes to the androgen receptors in the brain.
TRT works by optimizing current T levels and supplying the blood with bioidentical hormones. There are several options for delivering medication: gels, patches, and injections are all viable solutions. At Renew Vitality, our certified medical professionals prefer injections because they are safer and more effective than topical solutions like gels or patches.
Clients first need to meet with one of our wellness professionals for a consultation and take a blood panel. During the first appointment, we like to get to know the client. We ask you questions about your medical history, symptoms, and goals, as well as review the results from the blood panel to get a clear picture of hormonal levels.
Sometimes clients can experience symptoms of low T but technically produce normal results after a blood panel. It’s important to work with a clinic that specializes in a wide range of hormonal imbalances and medical issues that directly affect men, so clients receive a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
Get Solid Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth has added over 100,000 new residents over the last decade, and their current population is approximately 890,000 residents. Fort Worth is projected to continue to experience rapid growth at around 12% a year, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
With over 110 testosterone replacement therapy clinics in the area, choose a clinic that offers personalized care, and is the nation’s leader in TRT; choose Renew Vitality.
Maintain Your Vigor with Renew Vitality
Renew Vitality has been the first choice for Lone Star residents since opening its doors in 2011. Our concierge team of wellness professionals take a holistic approach to men’s health and wellness. Medication is only one facet of our TRT; we emphasize building a proper diet and exercise regimen that fits each client’s individual needs, short term goals, and long term goals. If you’d like to feel like your old self again, give us a call to schedule a consultation today.