Low testosterone levels are surprisingly common and can occur at a younger age than you may realize. Nearly 40% of men age 45 and older have “low T,” according to large population studies.
When a decline in testosterone occurs, it can throw your hormonal balance out of balance and take your libido (sex drive) with it. Suddenly, you must contend with uncomfortable symptoms, including low sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Read on to learn why you may want to consider testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to restore your virility.
A low sex drive can significantly impact your ability to have a satisfying sex life. A change of interest in the desire for intimacy can signal an underlying problem like a hormonal imbalance -- and unfortunately, a low libido is a common side effect of low testosterone.
A satisfying sex life is an important component of overall health and well-being. Engaging in regular, satisfying sexual activity lowers blood pressure, improves heart health, and benefits emotional and psychological well-being. Growing older doesn’t have to mean missing out on this important aspect of health.
As the primary male sex hormone, testosterone plays a key role in building and maintaining muscle mass, distributing fat, keeping bones strong, regulating fertility, and stimulating sex drive, to name a few. Men who visit the Men’s T Clinic® commonly complain of a loss of interest in sex and express how it negatively impacts their lives.
Healthy testosterone levels depend on age and range from 300-1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). While testosterone naturally declines with age, your testosterone levels are typically considered low if they fall below 300 ng/dl.
When your body no longer produces enough testosterone, and you begin to develop symptoms of “low T”, TRT may be an option for you. Testosterone replacement may involve injections, patches, pellets, or gels that deliver the missing testosterone to your body to bring your hormone levels back into balance.
Your provider should perform a comprehensive evaluation, which should include a battery of blood tests, to determine the right amount of hormone for you. Medical follow up with your provider depends on factors such as the dose and formulation of the replacement you choose. Your health care team will adjust the frequency and quantity of testosterone according to your subjective and physiologic response to treatment. The goal is to strike a balance and find the optimal dose, so that you have neither too much nor too little testosterone.
Men with low testosterone find they experience a measurable improvement in sex drive, sexual activity, and erectile function, with the addition of TRT to their life. In addition to improving sexual health, TRT may improve mood, sleep, energy levels and overall quality of life.
It can take several weeks to feel the effects of testosterone replacement therapy. However, some men report feeling better in as little as 2-3 weeks. Your provider performs follow-up tests to measure your levels and checks for an improvement in your symptoms.
Growing older is an unavoidable part of life, but losing out on a healthy sex life doesn’t have to be a part of it. To get started with testosterone replacement, call the Men’s T-Clinic® nearest you, or book your appointment online today at www.menstclinic.com .
