Testosterone Replacement Therapy—Should You Do It?

1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy—Should You Do It? If you're a man, you may have been asked about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) by your doctor. Perhaps you've wondered if it's right for you. We're going to explore this topic in a little more detail below. What is Low T? Low Tis used to describe low testosterone levels in the blood. It’s also known as hypogonadism, which means your body doesn’t produce enough testosterone to have male characteristics and sex drive. Some signs and symptoms include: ● Physical changes include baldness, decreased muscle mass, reduced energy levels, and improved memory function (but not necessarily better cognitive function). ● Decreased sex drive; less frequent erections; difficulty maintaining an erection during intercourse; premature ejaculation; weak erections (before the climax) Low Testosterone Symptoms You may notice that you feel lethargic and lack energy, which can signify low testosterone. If a man’s testosterone levels are low, he may also lose muscle mass and have poor memory. This can make it harder for him to concentrate on tasks at work or school. Men with lower testosterone levels often struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED), too—and the more severe the ED problem is, the more likely your doctor will recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Other common symptom of low testosterone is depression and irritability; these symptoms are often linked with other conditions like stress or anxiety and low T levels alone. What Causes Low Testosterone? Low testosterone is not a disease, but several health conditions can cause it. Some of these conditions are reversible, while others require treatment to restore hormone levels to normal. If you have low testosterone, it’s essential to talk with your doctor about what might be causing this problem and how to treat it so that you can get your hormones where they should be.

2. The Physiology of Testosterone Replacement Therapy Testosterone is a hormone that's responsible for male sexual characteristics and functions. It's produced in the testes but also the adrenal glands and ovaries. Testosterone replacement therapy in Seattle can treat low testosterone levels (also known as hypogonadism), which may result from aging or conditions such as anorexia nervosa, chronic fatigue syndrome, and spinal cord injury. How Testosterone Is Administered There are several ways to administer testosterone. You can have it injected into your skin, or you can apply a patch that releases testosterone into your body’s bloodstream. Testosterone can be administered with gel or cream, and in some cases, it is implanted under the skin of the buttocks. Side Effects of TRT Sideeffects of testosterone replacement therapy include: ● Increasedrisk of heart disease. TRT can increase your heart disease and stroke risk,especially if you have high blood pressure or diabetes. Before starting it,talk to your doctor about whether TRT is right for you. ● Increasedrisk of prostate cancer. If you're at an increased risk for prostate cancerbecause of your family history or other factors (such as a low-risk man whotakes this drug), then talk to your doctor about how much testosteronereplacement therapy will affect those risks in addition to any other benefitsit provides (for example, feeling more energized). ● Sleep apnea and sexual dysfunction may also occur as side effects but are uncommon with proper use. Talk to Us There are some critical things to consider if you try testosterone replacement therapy in Seattle. So, if you are looking for a naturopathic in Seattle WA, ensure that your doctor is a board-certified endocrinologist trained in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). If they aren't, find someone who is. Also, ensure you have access to a new supply of testosterone before starting any form of TRT. Talk to Dr. Lesley Morical Kuramoto expert or book an appointment with us to begin your testosterone therapy in Seattle.