Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
Men need testosterone for optimal health and wellness. Testosterone plays a significant role in male sexual health, energy, brain health, and weight management.
Hormone imbalance in men, or Low T, is often an unfortunate side effect of aging that can diminish quality of life and impact relationships. As testosterone levels decline with age, many men experience a lack of focus, fatigue, low libido or sex drive, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, or unexplained weight gain.
There is no need to suffer with the symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency. Low T does not need to be an inevitable part of aging. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) treatment has been proven to restore vitality and strength, helping to improve mood, libido, energy, motivation, muscle mass, and cognitive focus.
Recent research suggests that Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) may be effective in supporting a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart attack in men.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is available in several delivery methods: injections, creams, and pellets. Testosterone pellet therapy is considered the most effective form of testosterone therapy.
Men who choose to pursue Testosterone Replacement Therapy may experience several benefits, including improved strength and muscle mass, healthier sex drive and performance, more energy, better sleep, and improved weight management.
What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men?
Hormone therapy is the use of hormones to treat and restore hormone balance within the human body. In men, hormone imbalance can occur for a variety of reasons but is most commonly associated with aging.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is the use of testosterone to treat and restore testosterone balance in men, restoring vigor, vitality, and sexual wellness. Every treatment plan should be designed to suit the unique needs of each patient’s personal medical history, health status, lab testing, symptoms, hormone levels, and lifestyle preferences.
What is the Difference Between Bioidentical and Synthetic Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical Testosterone is engineered from plants to mimic human testosterone which makes it immediately available in the bloodstream. This is believed to improve efficacy and minimize side effects for patients. In addition, Bioidentical Testosterone can be custom compounded to offer highly specific and customized dosing for patients. Dr. Steinberg believes Bioidentical Testosterone offers patients the most effective treatment for Low T symptoms.
Synthetic Testosterone is made of chemicals and does not exactly duplicate the body’s natural testosterone. Synthetic Testosterone is available only in a few set dosages and cannot be customized for patients.
What are the Delivery Methods of Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men?
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is available in a variety of delivery methods and is prescribed to meet the specific unique needs of each individual patient. Delivery methods include creams, injections, or pellets.
As with any form of testosterone replacement therapy, a consultation and evaluation by a board-certified urologist specializing in TRT should be the first step prior to beginning treatment.
Bioidentical Testosterone Pellet Therapy
The best method of consistent testosterone delivery is Bioidentical Testosterone Pellet Therapy, the insertion of tiny Testosterone pellets under the skin. This delivery method is the most optimal for a natural, flexible dosing structure. Bioidentical Testosterone Pellet Therapy mimics the slow, steady release of Testosterone that occurs naturally, most like the natural function of a man’s testicles. Pellet therapy meets the unique needs of every patient so patients receive exactly what their body needs, when it needs it–much like nature intended.
Dr. Steinberg exclusively uses Evexipel Bioidentical Testosterone Pellets. During a 15-minute office procedure, the testosterone pellets are implanted under the skin in the “love handle” of the patient’s flank under local anesthesia. The pellets cannot be seen or felt and gradually dissolve over five to six months. Dr. Steinberg calculates a customized dose for each patient using individualized health measures, symptom assessment, lifestyle, and testosterone blood levels to ensure that a desired testosterone level is reached and maintained, while also monitoring any other medical conditions the patient may have. Dr. Steinberg continues to monitor the patient’s symptoms and bloodwork after the insertion to ensure that the targeted result have been achieved. Pellet insertions typically need to be repeated every five to six months.
Testosterone Injection
Testosterone Replacement Therapy injections are commonly used to restore Hormone balance in men. Testosterone injection given weekly is a dependable way to increase levels; however, the patient may experience “peaks and valleys” of symptom improvement as the medication is absorbed and then wears off later in the week.
Dr. Steinberg instructs the patient or his partner on the technique of drawing up the medication and injecting it into the thigh or buttock. Patients may experience inconsistent testosterone levels with this delivery method of TRT.
Injections are often considered less preferable than Bioidentical Testosterone Pellets because of the pain associated with the injection, as well as the intensity and subsequent decline of the hormone delivery following the injection. Pellets offer a more stable, steady dose reducing the side effects throughout the dosing cycle.
Testosterone Cream
Creams are a topical form of hormone replacement therapy. Custom-compounded creams are applied as directed by a physician to a specific area of the body.
Testosterone cream is a very common method of TRT in men.
Dr Steinberg prescribes compounded testosterone cream which is formulated to deliver a precise daily dose of testosterone through a simple dispenser. Testosterone cream is a less invasive method than pellets or injections; however, the cream needs to be thoroughly rubbed into the skin daily, usually in the shoulders and upper arms, and allowed to dry completely before clothing is worn.
While there are some advantages to creams for TRT, there are also some disadvantages, such as the need for daily application of the cream, which must be rubbed into the skin thoroughly to ensure maximum absorption. Another disadvantage is the possible unintended skin-to-skin transference to women or children after the application.
There is no need to suffer with symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency. Dr. Steinberg is a Male Sexual Health urologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating Testosterone Deficiency (Low T), and we want to help. To make an appointment for an evaluation with Dr. Steinberg in his Milford, MA office, please call Urology Specialists of Milford at (508) 473-6333.
