Testosterone is an essential hormone for men's health and vitality. When levels are low, it can cause distressing symptoms like low energy, reduced muscle mass, weight gain, irritability, and low libido. This condition is known as hypogonadism or low T. Thankfully, there are safe and effective medical treatments available, collectively called testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
TRT can effectively relieve low T symptoms when properly managed by a knowledgeable TRT doctor. At Elite Hormone Therapy in Redding, our experienced medical team has helped hundreds of clients optimize their health through customized testosterone therapy. We aim to make the process smooth, comfortable, and successful for every patient.
Below we will overview common low T symptoms, who is affected, basics of TRT protocols, and key points about our Redding hormone clinic. We invite you to learn more and take charge of any hormone issues that may be weighing you down!
While low testosterone is most common in older men, hypogonadal symptoms can occur at nearly any age after puberty. Provided blood levels are below normal, TRT can help regardless of age.
Causes vary widely but often involve reduced signals from the brain/pituitary gland, testicular injury or infection, metabolic disorders like obesity or diabetes, alcohol overuse, opiate pain medications, and genetic conditions.
Symptoms rarely improve without medical intervention once testosterone drops below a critical threshold for the body’s needs. Elite Hormone Therapy physicians evaluate each patient’s health history, risk factors, genetics and symptoms to determine if TRT is appropriate.
Diagnosing low T requires having the right bloodwork and analysis. Elite Hormone Therapy orders comprehensive labs to measure total testosterone and free testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, PSA, a CBC panel, and sometimes thyroid hormones or vitamin D.
Results are carefully interpreted along with symptoms since “normal ranges” leave much open to interpretation. For example, a level of 450 ng/dL falls in the reference range but can still cause hypogonadal symptoms in some men. Each patient has unique needs and genetics that impact ideal hormone balance.
Once low testosterone is confirmed alongside relevant symptoms, our doctors discuss pros/cons of TRT candidly with patients before developing customized treatment plans. Ongoing monitoring ensures therapy achieves intended benefits without side effects.
Declining testosterone induces wide-ranging effects that compound over months and years. The most common hypogonadal complaints include:
Without treatment, these frustrations often worsen gradually. Additionally, researchers tie low testosterone to long term health risks like diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, heart disease and shorter lifespan. TRT offers preventative health effects when used properly under a doctor’s care.
Testosterone treatments in men over 65 increase lean muscle mass, lower fat mass, and may improve cognitive function; however, research shows that while normal testosterone levels correlate with longevity in men, raising levels with treatment does not necessarily prolong life any further.
If low T is diagnosed with bloodwork and matching symptoms, Elite Hormone Therapy physicians discuss TRT program options that fit each man’s lifestyle and preferences.
The most common protocols utilize testosterone creams/gels or injectable testosterone cypionate/enanthate. Pellet implants placed under the hip’s skin are another effective long-term option.
Each method has pros and cons. Gels absorb daily through the skin for steady hormone release but require good compliance for consistent effects. Injections administer testosterone direct into muscles, bypassing the liver's metabolism for maximum retention. However they involve using small needles 1-2 times weekly. Pellets avoid daily/weekly administration but involve a small procedure for placement and removal after 4-6 months.
Elite Hormone Therapy doctors guide patients in choosing the optimal TRT solution based on treatment goals, past issues like prostate disorders or blood disorders, any needle phobias, cost considerations and desired convenience/consistency.
Patients also receive advice on managing potential side effects, which may include fluid retention, enlarged prostate, enlarged breasts, worsening sleep apnea, changes in cholesterol levels or red blood cell count. Proper monitoring and dose adjustment prevents these issues in most men.
With clinics across the country, Elite Hormone Therapy stands out through our specialized expertise, cutting-edge therapies and personalized care for hormone balance needs. Reasons patients select us:
Our talented practitioners view healthcare as a collaborative partnership. We listen deeply and think creatively about each body’s distinctive imbalances. No two people share the exact same health history and goals.
Through meticulous adjustment of hormone doses, nutritional support, open conversations and advanced testing like pharmacogenomics, Elite Hormone Therapy unlocks vastly improved vitality and enjoyment of life for those we’re privileged to serve. We look forward to doing the same for you!
The Elite Hormone Therapy conveniently located in Redding offers cutting edge testosterone therapy paired with sensitive, skilled support. Men throughout Shasta County and surrounding towns access our services for expert low T treatment.
We provide comprehensive blood panels assessing hormonal balance, red blood cell production, prostate health and more. Follow up bloodwork every 6 weeks lets physicians fine tune dosages until each patient feels their best with minimal side effects. Adjustments account for lifestyle factors like new medications, changes in weight, stress levels or exercise habits affecting therapy.
Patients can brainstorm creative solutions with our doctors, such as alternating gel and injection protocols to maintain steady testosterone levels. We also track subjective wellness indicators like energy, sexual function, mood and cognitive ability in addition to lab numbers.
Ongoing access to your physician through messages, phone calls and follow up visits ensures prompt responses if any concerns arise. We partner with a friendly local pharmacy delivering prescriptions direct to your home for convenience.
Redding's sunny climate and foothill landscapes make it a relaxing, vibrant community for TRT patientsgetting regular outdoor activity. The Sacramento River Trail, Whiskeytown Lake's beaches, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and other destinations offer fabulous settings for walking, hiking, boating and clearing your head.
Between wilderness adventures, try our local fitness centers for strength training essential on TRT. Their trainers possess specialized knowledge on building/protecting muscle mass aided by testosterone. Visitors also enjoy Redding’s fine culinary scene, with farm-to-table restaurants focused on high nutrient foods that perfectly complement hormone balance efforts.
At Elite Hormone Therapy, your goals and satisfaction steer everything we do. Contact us today to learn more or set up a free consultation!
Testosterone: crucial male sex hormone regulating muscle mass/strength, fat storage, sexual function, energy, mood and cognitive abilities
Hypogonadism: clinical term for testosterone deficiency causing bothersome symptoms disrupting work, relationships and quality of life
Low T: slang term for low testosterone/hypogonadism
TRT doctor: physician specialized in diagnosing and treating low testosterone (low T) through testosterone replacement therapy programs
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): medical treatment for low T/hypogonadism; restores testosterone levels to alleviate deficiency symptoms
Testosterone blood work: checking levels of total testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH and other biomarkers to assess hormone balance
TRT clinics: medical facilities specializing in testosterone replacement therapy programs
