Am I A Candidate for Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

As men age, their testosterone levels tend to steadily decline. Once there’s a testosterone deficiency in the body, a condition known as hypogonadism, it’s not long before a string of undesirable symptoms begins to arise with it. But how can you know when it’s the right time to start looking into treatment?

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy may be the solution:

Muscle Loss

Testosterone gives a dramatic boost in muscle creation and maintenance. This is because muscle growth is stimulated through the body’s androgen receptors which are activated by hormones like testosterone to stimulate muscle growth. Testosterone also helps your body utilize proteins to create lean muscle mass. Without this, the body has a tougher time building and maintaining the muscle. If you find that you’re losing muscles and activities like lifting weights at the gym are feeling more strenuous than before, it’s time to look into testosterone replacement therapy.

Weight Gain

Men with low levels of testosterone have been reported to have higher levels of lipoprotein lipase. This is an enzyme which is responsible for storing fat in the body, so weight gain is a common indicator for doctors to validate that their patients are indeed low in testosterone. After testosterone replacement, many patients report feeling stronger, leaner, and overall happier with their bodies.

Penis Shrinkage

A lack of testosterone can cause the tissues in a man’s penis to deteriorate and shrivel up. For this reason, it’s normal for the penis to lose its length and girth while the scrotum becomes less firm and begins to shrink. Many men who have undergone testosterone replacement therapy have noticed an increase in the size of their penis.

Drop in Libido and Erectile Dysfunction

A lack of testosterone isn’t a direct cause of erectile dysfunction. However, since testosterone is a crucial factor in communicating with the amygdala to stimulate the libido, this drop in sexual desire can create difficulties in getting a solid erection. An increased sexual appetite is known to be one of the biggest benefits of hormone replacement therapy.

Decreased Energy and Motivation

Evidence today points to a strong correlation between testosterone deficiency and low moods. Testosterone plays an important role in brain function which is most likely the reason why a lack of this hormone in the body increases the chances of depression. Opting for testosterone replacement can be dramatically life-altering since recent studies on this hormone known as the T Trials have successfully found a link between happier moods and an increase in testosterone, even on men who were severely depressed.

Fatigue and Brain Fog

A very common symptom for older men is fatigue. These men report feeling tired and weak throughout the day and don’t know why. They also report feeling unable to remember important events and unable to focus on their daily activities. Once they are treated with testosterone replacement therapy, these men report feeling happier and energized with a new sense of mental clarity. This is because testosterone is connected to the amygdala which a part of the brain that’s associated with memory and concentration.

Weak Bones

Quite possibly one of the most crucial roles that testosterone plays is for bone health. Decreased levels of this hormone leave men at higher risks of issues like osteoporosis and frail bone density. Testosterone replacement therapy helps the body build its bone tissue back up and strengthen.

Next Steps

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed you may be a potential candidate for testosterone replacement therapy. At Austin Clinic for Men, our specialists will develop a low-T treatment just for you. Contact us today at 512-645-1540 to schedule your consultation.