Testosterone is a vital hormone that plays a crucial role in men's health and well-being. When levels are low, it can cause distressing symptoms and increased risks for various diseases. Thankfully, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is available to safely and effectively treat low T. This informative guide by the Restore Health Clinic covers all the basics about TRT in Durham, NH - who needs it, benefits, where to get treatment, and more. We aim to empower you to take control of your health.
Declining testosterone has risks:
In the long run, low T is linked to chronic illnesses like diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia.
The key is recognizing and treating testosterone deficiency early on for optimal vitality and health. Our experienced physicians at Restore Health Clinic specialize in testosterone replacement therapy to help men thrive.
Low testosterone manifests differently in each man. Symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly.
Here are common signs of low T:
Physical symptoms
Mental symptoms
Sexual symptoms
If you experience a few or more of these symptoms, get your testosterone levels tested. Our Durham clinic offers complete lab panels and comprehensive treatment plans.
Testosterone replacement therapy delivers testosterone to normalize levels. It can benefit men who have hypogonadism - testosterone deficiency due to the testes not functioning properly. There are two types:
Low T therapy may be appropriate if blood tests confirm:
TRT should only be prescribed by licensed healthcare providers like our physicians at Restore Health Clinic.
"We take time to accurately diagnose the root cause of patients' symptoms and hormone status before creating customized treatment plans for their unique needs."
When properly implemented, testosterone therapy can provide life-changing benefits:
Physical Effects
Mental Effects
Sexual Effects
Plus a lower risk of metabolic disorders like diabetes and heart disease! TRT can quite literally help men feel like themselves again.
"My energy is through the roof, I've been hitting PRs at the gym, my love life is better than ever, and overall I just feel amazing since starting treatment." - Restore Health Clinic Patient
Our Durham clinic has helped hundreds reclaim their vitality. Let us help you thrive with comprehensive low testosterone care.
If you think you may be a candidate for TRT, here is what you need to know about starting treatment:
Step 1: Get Tested
Meet with one of our providers about your symptoms, medical history, etc. We will order lab tests to accurately assess your hormone levels, including:
Step 2: Create a Treatment Plan
If you have low T, we will discuss treatment options and create a customized plan just for you. Considerations include:
Available options:
Step 3: Follow Up & Adjust
You will come back around 6 weeks after starting therapy for follow-up blood work and to evaluate progress. We will make dosage adjustments if necessary to optimize your treatment.
Intramuscular injections, where testosterone is injected into a large muscle like the glutes or thigh, are a common TRT protocol.
Benefits
Downsides
We teach men to self-inject at home for convenience. If you dislike needles, there are excellent alternatives like gels or pellets.
Starting injections typically involves coming to our clinic weekly or every two weeks. Once levels stabilize after about 6 weeks, patients move to maintenance phase of injecting at home.
"The injections were intimidating initially but got very easy with practice. Now it's just part of my self-care routine that takes five minutes per week."
Topical gels, creams and solutions allow testosterone to absorb directly through the skin. Brand names Androgel, Testim, Axiron, Fortesta etc.
Pros
Cons
Topicals best suit those who dislike or don't tolerate injections well. We offer all formulations.
"I travel a lot for work and the convenience of the daily gel is perfect - I don't have to stress about packing and storing needles."
With proper precautions like washing hands after application, topicals are an excellent option.
Testosterone pellets are bio-identical hormone pellets implanted under the skin surgically. They dissolve slowly to release hormones steadily.
Benefits
Downsides
Pellets are convenient for those who want infrequent dosing. Office visits are only needed twice yearly unlike the other options. We provide implant procedures comfortably in-office.
The purpose of testosterone therapy is to restore levels to a healthy, youthful normal range:
| Lab Test | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Total Testosterone | 500-800 ng/dL |
| Free Testosterone | 5-15 pg/mL |
Everyone metabolizes hormones slightly differently so we aim for an optimal zone personalized for you based on lab testing and symptom improvement.
It's critical to routinely monitor levels - if they get too high, side effects can occur. If they are too low, many benefits of treatment will not be experienced. We handle all required testing and adjustments.
Table data compares different testosterone therapies:
| Treatment | Frequency | Level Stability | Convenience | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injections | Weekly or 2 weeks | Peaks/Valleys | Moderate | Low |
| Gels/Creams | Daily | Moderate | High | High |
| Pellets | 2x Yearly | Very Stable | Very High | High |
| Oral capsules | 2-3x Daily | Low | Moderate | High |
This allows you to weigh the pros and cons of each option. We guide you to the best choice for your needs and preferences.
While testosterone therapy provides immense benefits, certain lifestyle measures can enhance results:
Exercise - Strength training boosts T and builds muscle. Cardio improves energy and fights fat.
Nutrition - Low carb diets and healthy fats help stabilize metabolism. Antioxidants reduce inflammation.
Sleep - Most T is produced during sleep. Aim for 7 hours nightly.
Stress Management - Chronic stress raises cortisol which lowers T. Practice relaxation daily.
Our providers offer comprehensive lifestyle guidance tailored to your needs for optimal vitality on TRT.
Restore Health Clinic provides all-in-one TRT services from diagnosis to ongoing treatment & labs. Our Center of Excellence offers:
We are leaders in testosterone therapy, applying in-depth expertise to restore health, energy and vitality. Let us help write your success story!
Our physicians have transformed thousands of men's lives with custom testosterone therapy. We accept most major insurance and provide flexible financing options. Contact us today for a life-changing consultation or attend our Monthly seminar.
Testosterone replacement therapy can be a game-changer for men suffering from low testosterone levels. By restoring optimal hormone balance, TRT can alleviate a wide range of physical, mental, and sexual symptoms, improving overall quality of life. At Restore Health Clinic, our experienced physicians provide comprehensive care tailored to each individual's unique needs, ensuring safe and effective treatment. If you're experiencing signs of low T, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Regain your vitality and embrace the transformative power of testosterone therapy.
