Testosterone Services: The Complete Guide By OHH

The Complete Guide To Testosterone Services in Asheville

One of the most important aspects of a man's health is maintaining optimal testosterone levels. Testosterone services are becoming more popular as men become more aware. A lot of factors need to be considered in order to achieve a healthy level of testosterone. For instance a healthy lifestyle, appropriate supplements and medications can play an important role in improving testosterone level as well help in reducing ED symptoms. In this guide, we will discuss what testosterone optimization is, the benefits of treatment, and how to find the best provider for your needs.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a sex harmone that is responsible for the maintenance and development of male attributes. It is produced primarily in the testicles. Testosterone helps maintain men's: sex drive, sperm production, muscle strength and mass, bone density, fat distribution and more.

How to optimize your testosterone levels, with and without replacement therapy.mp4 from Optimal Human Health on Vimeo.

Understanding How Testosterone Affects Men

Testosterone production begins in a male fetus as early as seven weeks after conception. Testosterone levels rise during puberty, which lasts until about the age of 18, and then fall off. It's normal for a man's testosterone levels to drop by around 10% every year after they hit 30.

Working of testosterones can be explained as a signal sent from the brain to the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland then transmits instructions to the testes to create testosterone. The amount of hormone in circulation is tightly controlled via a "feedback loop." When testosterone levels become too high, the brain sends commands to the pituitary gland instructing it to reduce output.

Now, lets discuss how it affects men on their different organs and in characteristics.

 Peripheral-Nervous-System 

To regulate testosterone, the body has a mechanism in place. The hypothalamus in the brain instructs the pituitary gland on how much testosterone is required, and the pituitary transmits that information to the testes.

Testosterone is also associated with aggression and dominance. It also aids in the development of competitiveness and self-esteem. Taking part in competitive activities can cause a male's testosterone levels to rise or fall, similarly as sexual activity can. Low testosterone may lead to a loss of confidence and a lack of motivation. It might also cause problems sleeping and fatigue.

It's worth noting, though, that testosterone isn't the only thing that affects personality characteristics. Other biological and social factors are also involved.

Endocrine System

Adolescent boys with insufficient testosterone may not go through normal male puberty. The genitals, for example, might not grow, facial and body hair may be limited, and the voice may not deepen as it should.

This leads to a condition called hypogonadism. Besides hypogonadism, low testosterone may be associated with several mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem among men with low testosterone levels. This can further lead to a reduction in sperm production. Wrong treatment may also induce an enlarged prostate and shrunken testicles. Testosterone replacement therapy should not be considered for men who have prostate or breast cancer.

Proper hormonal therapy requires a doctor's prescription and close monitoring.

Sexuality

The testicles, penis, and pubic hair grow during puberty as a result of rising testosterone levels. The voice becomes deeper, and body muscles and fur develop. Along with these changes comes an increase in sexual desire. There's some truth to the "use it or lose it" adage. A guy who has low testosterone may lose interest in sex. Testosterone levels rise when you get sexually aroused. Low testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction (ED).

Hair and Skin

In boys, testosterone causes hair to flourish on the face, armpits, and genitals as they advance through adolescence. Hair may also develop in the arms, legs, and chest.

A testosterone-deficient guy may actually shed body hair as a result of decreased hormone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy has a few potential adverse effects, including acne and breast enlargement. Testosterone patches might irritate the skin. Topical gels are more straightforward to apply, but avoiding contact between skin is very important when using topical gels.

Bone, Muscle, and Fat

Muscle bulk and strength are influenced by many elements, including testosterone. Testosterone increases neurotransmitters that promote tissue growth. It also interacts with nuclear receptors in DNA, which encourages protein synthesis. Growth hormone levels are increased as a result of testosterone. This makes working out more likely to stimulate muscle development.

Testosterone tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells, which contributes to improved bone density. Men with severely low testosterone levels are more likely to suffer from fractures and breaks.

Testosterone also aids fat burning in men, making it easier for them to lose weight. Low testosterone levels can lead to an increase in body fat.

Circulatory System

The bloodstream is where testosterone travels. The only way to know for sure your testosterone level is to have it checked. A blood test is the usual method of acquiring this information.

Testosterone encourages the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. And, according to several studies, testosterone might have a beneficial impact on the heart. However, some research has yielded conflicting findings regarding testosterone's influence on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and clot-busting capacity.

Recent studies on testosterone therapy and the heart have conflicting findings, and more research is needed. Testosterone supplementation by intramuscular injection has been shown to cause blood counts to go up. Fluid retention, an increase in red cell count, and cholesterol abnormalities are all possible adverse effects of testosterone replacement therapy.

What Happens to Testosterone Levels with Age?

Testosterone levels are typically at their highest during adolescence and early adulthood. After age 30 or 40, your testosterone level gradually falls — usually by about 1% each year thereafter.

For years, doctors and researchers have been concerned with the negative effects of gradually lowering testosterone levels as men age. It's known as late-onset hypogonadism. Hypogonadism causes a decline in testosterone production, which is due to an issue with the testicles or the pituitary gland that controls them. Replacement therapy for low testosterone, which may be delivered via injections, pellets, patches, or gels, can help treat the signs and symptoms of this condition.

For most men, this condition develops between the ages of 40 and 60. Hypogonadism occurs when testosterone levels are too low in younger males.

By the age of 45, four out of every ten men have hypogonadism. Since 2012, the number of instances in which older males were identified as having low testosterone has risen by 170 percent.

Low testosterone is linked to an increased risk of death in male veterans. Late-onset hypogonadism has been recognized as a medical condition, although many of the symptoms are typical with aging.

The following are signs of late-onset hypogonadism.

• diminished erectile quality, particularly at night
• increase in abdominal fat mass
• reduced cognitive function
• a decrease in muscle mass and strength
• skin changes
• decreased libido
• decreased bone mass and bone mineral density
• fatigue, depression, and anger
• mood changes
• decreased body hair

Late-onset hypogonadism has also been linked to metabolic illness and cardiovascular disease, in addition to sexual dysfunction.

Testosterone levels vary considerably among men, but a growing number of males are feeling the effects of testosterone deficiency. Life expectancy has risen, and many men are living well beyond their 60th birthdays.

As a result, more men are affected by age-related testosterone decline.

Testing Testosterone

A simple blood test can reveal testosterone levels. Testosterone levels in the body vary considerably and are not always desirable.

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, normal male testosterone levels range from 280 to 1,100 ng/dL for adults and from 15 to 70 ng/dL for females.

Ranges can differ among laboratories, so it's crucial to talk with your doctor about your findings.

According to the American Urologic Association, if an adult male's testosterone levels are below 300 ng/dL, a physician may do a workup to determine the source of low testosterone.

Low testosterone levels might be a symptom of a pituitary gland issue. The testicles are stimulated by the pituitary gland to produce more testosterone.

In men, a low T test result might indicate that the pituitary gland isn't functioning properly. However, decreased testosterone levels in a young kid might be evidence of delayed puberty.

In men, moderately high testosterone levels may cause little symptoms. Boys who have higher testosterone levels might begin puberty sooner. Women with a lot of testosterone might develop male characteristics.

High levels of testosterone may be caused by an adrenal gland illness or testicular cancer.

In less critical situations, high testosterone levels might also be present. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which can afflict males and females, is an uncommon yet natural cause of excessive testosterone formation.

Your doctor may order additional tests to identify the source of your high testosterone levels if they are high.

Naturally Declining Testosterone Level That Causes the Signs and Symptoms of Aging.

Men can have many signs and symptoms as they age. Some that might occur as a result of lower testosterone levels can include:

• Changes in sexual function are common with age. Reduced sexual desire, fewer spontaneous erections — such as during sleep — and infertility are examples of this.
• Changes in hormones. Abnormal hormone levels and changes in hormone function can lead to a wide range of physical symptoms, including weight gain, muscular thinning and loss, and bone density reduction. Gynecomastia (swollen or painful breasts) and bodily hair loss are possible. You could have less energy than you used to.
• Emotional reactions. Low testosterone can lead to a loss of interest and self-assurance. You may feel sad, melancholy, or lethargic, or have problems focusing or retaining information.

Low testosterone levels can also be caused by various factors, including medicine side effects, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid issues, diabetes, and depression. It's also possible that these problems lead to low testosterone amounts in the first place, so treatment may cause testosterone levels to rise.

The Perils of Too Much Testosterone

Although having an excessively high amount of naturally occurring testosterone is not a typical problem among males, it does happen. Given what people might perceive to be obvious proof of testosterone excess: road rage, fatherly brawling at Little League games, and sexual promiscuity, this may come as a surprise.

This may be caused by the fact that "normal" testosterone levels and "normal" behaviors are difficult to define. Blood testosterone levels vary significantly over time and even throughout the course of a day. Furthermore, what seems like a symptom of testosterone excess (see below) might actually be unrelated to this hormone.

Athletes who use anabolic steroids, testosterone or similar hormones to improve muscle mass and athletic performance are the source of most of what we know about excessively high testosterone levels in men.

Excessive testosterone levels in men can cause the following issues:

• Low sperm counts, shrinking of the testicles and impotence (seems odd, doesn't it?)
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Uncharacteristically aggressive behavior (although not well studied or clearly proven)
• Heart muscle damage and increased risk of heart attack
• Increased risk of blood clot
• Headaches
• Fluid retention with swelling of the legs and feet
• Insomnia
• Increased muscle mass
• Prostate enlargement with difficulty urinating
• Stunted growth in adolescents
• Liver disease
• Heart muscle damage and increased risk of heart attack
• Acne
• Weight gain, perhaps related in part to increased appetite
• Mood swings, euphoria, irritability, impaired judgment, delusions

The most typical reason of a high testosterone level in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This illness affects around 6% to 10% of premenopausal females.

Women with PCOS have numerous cysts in their ovaries. Irregular periods, decreased fertility, excessive or coarse hair on the face, extremities, trunk and pubic region, male-pattern baldness, darkening and thickened skin are among the signs. Spironolactone is a diuretic (water pill) that blocks male sex hormone activity and is one treatment for many of these issues.

Women with high testosterone levels due to illness or drug use may experience a decrease in breast size and a deepening of the voice, as well as many of the issues that males encounter.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Hypogonadism, a condition in which the body's testosterone production is reduced, does not always require treatment.

If low T is jeopardizing your health and quality of life, you may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy. Oral, subcutaneous, and topical injections are all options for artificial testosterone administration.

Replacement therapy may be beneficial, such as improved muscle mass and a stronger sex drive. However, the treatment has some drawbacks. The following are some of the unwanted effects:

• oily skin
• testicles shrinking
• fluid retention
• decrease in sperm production

Although some studies have shown that testosterone replacement therapy does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, it is an issue of ongoing study.

According to one research, men who use testosterone replacement therapy have a decreased danger of aggressive prostate cancers, but additional study is needed.

Treatment

It differs from treating late-onset hypogonadism in older males, which is the most common type of hypogonadism.

Testosterone supplements

Testosterone supplements are one of the many testosterone treatments on the market.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given methyltestosterone, one form of testosterone supplement, approval. However, because the liver metabolizes testosterone at a rapid rate, doctors are not advised to prescribe this pill.

Because of its high content in the active component, aristolochic acid, it can cause liver toxicity. While doctors are permitted by law to prescribe the drug, they generally try to avoid doing so.

Only older people with severe clinical symptoms of low testosterone should be candidates for these supplements at this time, pending further evidence to support the benefits and safety of testosterone supplementation.

The FDA has stated that testosterone supplements are not advised. To cure late-onset hypogonadism, a doctor must only prescribe them for a specific reason.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help restore some affected functions of low testosterone.

TRT has been found to have limited effects on bone strength and blood hemoglobin levels, but it is ineffective in improving mental sharpness.

The treatment can be administered by:

• injections
• skin gels and patches
• tablets that are absorbed through the gums

These can, however, trigger side effects, including:

• prostate and breast enlargement
• increased red blood cell count
• acne
• increased risk of cardiovascular disease, although this is subject to debate
• in rare cases, breathing difficulties during sleep

Facing the choice of whether or not to pursue TRT may be difficult, since it involves weighing the benefits of therapy for a certain person's symptoms against the dangers of the treatment.

Another study, for example, found that testosterone therapy improves overall mortality and stroke risk in men whose testosterone levels have returned to normal after treatment with TRT.

However, the Endocrine Society advises against TRT therapy for men under the age of 65 even if their testosterone levels are low. Because of this, as well as other factors, doctors should not prescribe TRT to males less than 65 years old.

There is no clear evidence that testosterone replacement therapy affects mortality. Several medical studies are underway to clarify the issue.

Prohormone Supplements and Heart Disease

Prohormones are a type of steroid that has been around for many years. They're commonly utilized to aid weight loss and muscular development.

Low testosterone levels are addressed by a number of prohormone pills, which are marketed to men. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), as well as the plant Tribulus terrestris, are examples of these supplements. Designer anabolic steroids, on the other hand, have been outlawed since 2014.

The hormone-boosting effects of anabolic steroids are so well-known that various kinds of modified versions have been developed. However, there has been little, if any, study indicating that these prohormone supplements impact testosterone levels. In 2016, no evidence was found that Tribulus terrestris boost testosterone levels.

There are several ways to get rid of bed bugs. However, because the law does not demand herbal medicines to be proved safe before selling, you should use caution.

Prohormones can raise testosterone, but they may also boost estrogen, the female sex hormone. They can also result in an imbalance in blood cholesterol, decreasing levels of “good” cholesterol.

The potential side effects of prohormones plus their unproven clinical benefits make them a poor, possibly dangerous choice for boosting testosterone.

How are Testosterone Imbalances Treated?

Treating the condition that is causing high or low testosterone levels might help to restore them. However, finding a source of testosterone imbalances isn't always straightforward. To correct low testosterone levels, your doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy.

There are several treatments for hypogonadism or low testosterone. Examples include:

• implantable testosterone
• patches
• topical gels
• injectable testosterone

Testosterone is available for both men and women. Testosterone is used to treat sexual problems in both males and females. Women can use testosterone to increase their sex drive and cure sexual dysfunction, but they must have an adequate amount of estrogen first. This is because testosterone might alter a woman's estrogen levels.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can cause side effects, such as:

• breast tenderness or enlargement
• acne
• infertility
• increased amount of red blood cells
• small testicles
• swelling of the low extremities

While you're on TRT, you should have regular checkups with your doctor. This is to ensure that your levels are increasing as they should.

To increase strength and energy, some older guys with good testosterone levels take the supplement. However, current research does not suggest that testosterone supplements can help men with healthy T levels achieve these results.

Science-Backed Ways to Increase Testosterone

Although testosterone levels can vary significantly, most individuals have normal levels. According to a study of over 9,000 men, the healthy non-obese man's typical testosterone range is generally between 264 and 916 ng/dL.

When it comes to boosting your testosterone levels, making minor adjustments to your lifestyle and daily routine can frequently make a huge difference. We've compiled a list of eight strategies for increasing testosterone synthesis, ranging from dietary modifications to exercise, nutritional supplements, and more.

Exercise More Often

Exercising has a long list of advantages, including increasing your physical fitness and assisting in the prevention of illnesses.

It's also linked to testosterone, with studies suggesting that exercising regularly might be a factor in the production of healthy testosterone in men.

Men who are physically active had higher testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels than men who were sedentary according to one study from 2012.

Resistance training, whether done with free weights or machines, appears to be the most effective way to increase testosterone, according to a number of studies.

Working out on a regular basis, in addition to other lifestyle factors, can help you increase your testosterone levels.

Take Steps to Minimize Stress

Stress has a wide range of negative effects on your physical and mental health, from changing the quality of your sleep to disrupting your immune system, cardiovascular health, and sexual performance.

Many of these aspects are linked to testosterone synthesis, so if you want your body to make as much testosterone as possible, you'll need to keep your stress levels in check.

According to research, high cortisol levels — the hormone that controls your body's reaction to stress — decrease testosterone synthesis.

Reducing stress isn't something that happens suddenly, but making a few modifications to your routines and lifestyle can have a long-term impact.

Did You Know?

1. Testosterone is produced in the body from cholesterol. However, having a high cholesterol level does not guarantee that your testosterone levels will be high. The pituitary gland in the brain tightly regulates testosterone levels, so this isn't possible.
2. There are times when testosterone deficiency is beneficial. The most frequent example is probably prostate cancer. Testosterone may accelerate the growth of the prostate gland and prostate cancer. That's why, in men with prostate malignancy, treatments that reduce testosterone levels (for example, leuprolide) and castration are frequent therapies. Men receiving hormone replacement therapy must be closely monitored for prostate cancer because testosterone might promote tumor development. It's not clear that testosterone therapy causes cancer, but it's possible that it does.
3. Although low testosterone levels are associated with aging, it's unclear whether testosterone therapy can help older men who are otherwise healthy recover from hypogonadism.

Should You Talk to Your Doctor about Testosterone Optimization?

If you're unsure whether testosterone optimization is appropriate for you, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Before recommending testosterone treatment, your doctor will most likely check your testosterone levels at least twice.

It's not recommended that you use testosterone treatments to treat normal aging. If your doctor determines that your testosterone levels are declining because of a medical condition, he or she may suggest natural ways to boost it, such as weight loss and increased muscle mass through resistance exercise.

For men, testosterone levels are important to maintain, but they naturally decrease over time. If symptoms of severe or chronic low testosterone are showing, the hormone deficiency may be caused by an active disease or condition.

OUTLOOK

It's easy to overlook the fact that testosterone treatments are not risk-free. While some men may gain significant benefits from testosterone therapy, others might suffer negative effects. Because treatment may result in unwanted side effects, it's important to balance the anticipated advantages of testosterone supplementation with the risks of the treatment. Low testosterone levels frequently have no harmful physical consequences and do not need treatment.

For those on the fence, optimizing testosterone levels may help men avoid or reduce the need for hormone and medication use. Optimizing testosterone levels may not only improve erections and desire, but it should also aid in muscle maintenance.

Speak to a medical professional, and confirm if treatment is required.