You probably remember from sex ed that testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testes. But what is testosterone, really? At Opt Health, we like to think of testosterone as the fuel that keeps our engines revving.
Men and women both produce testosterone, but testosterone is considered a “male” hormone because it contributes to male secondary sex characteristics like facial and body hair, a deep voice, and muscular strength. Testosterone is also associated with sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, and sperm production.
Sometimes testosterone levels drop below the ideal level, with unwanted results.
Testosterone levels decline approximately 1% annually after the age of 30. So for some men, low testosterone is a natural part of aging.
But for many men, low testosterone is the result of a condition called hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is often underdiagnosed and untreated. It’s estimated that 4 to 5 million men in the United States have hypogonadism, but only 5% of those men receive treatment for this condition.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) restores testosterone levels to the optimal range of young adults. The goal is to alleviate symptoms of low testosterone and regain the positive effects of restored testosterone levels.
Unfortunately, most doctors are not trained to provide TRT. That’s why it’s so important to seek the help of a specialist when undergoing hormone therapy.
At Opt Health, all of our doctors are experts in the field of hormone therapy. Each TRT plan is completely customized to you. There is no cookie-cutter approach here.
Our doctors will work one-on-one with you to dial in on your symptoms and help you to choose a form of TRT that will work best for you (including topical creams or injections). Periodic check-ins allow our doctors to alter your doses to maximize results and minimize side effects.
During TRT, patients self-administer bioidentical hormones (which is why you sometimes see TRT referred to as BHRT). Bioidentical hormones are compounds that perfectly mimic naturally-produced testosterone in the body. That means better results with fewer side effects.
TRT is not the same thing as taking steroids. While illegal anabolic steroids do contain male hormones, they also contain other chemicals to increase muscle mass and athletic performance. Since the illegal use of anabolic steroids is not a prescribed treatment, anabolic steroid abusers often take the wrong dose, which can lead to unwanted side effects.
TRT with Opt Health, is a safe, prescribed treatment performed under the supervision of a medical expert that restores testosterone levels to optimized levels.
While there are some side effects of BHRT, our doctors generally consider it safe and beneficial for men.
Some potential side effects include acne, alopecia, reduced fertility, and erythrocytosis.
Your Opt Health doctor will help you to weigh your risks and decide if TRT is right for you. The risks of TRT depend on age, life circumstances, and other medical conditions. Men with certain conditions like active prostate cancer may not be candidates for TRT.
Ready to find out if TRT is right for you?
When you work with Opt Health, you can be assured that you’re focusing on personal healthcare solutions with a world-class medical team. Using a technology-forward platform, we Measure, Monitor, & Mentor you along your unique Optimization journey.
