Are Testosterone Creams Safe
These creams are very strong medications that do work for many men.
That said the very real risk of side effects both to the man himself and those closest to him do raise some serious concerns about their viability and safety.
Great care needs to be taken when using testosterone creams.
The facts are that they do actually lack a lot of clinical testing, especially when using them in the long term.
Personally I would steer well clear until more studies have been carried out to balance the benefits that they could deliver against real risks to your health.
What Are The Best Foods To Eat When You Have Low Testosterone
There are many different foods that can help increase your testosterone levels. Some of the best include:
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mood swings and depression
These are just a few of the potential complications that can occur. That’s why it’s so important to work with a doctor if you think you might have low testosterone. They can help you determine if your levels are low and develop a treatment plan to bring them back up to a healthy range.
Untreated low testosterone can also lead to an increased risk for certain diseases, such as heart disease and type II diabetes. So it’s important to be proactive about your health and get treatment if you think you might have a problem.
Will I Be Able To Fully Replenish My Testosterone
Fully replenishing your testosterone level depends largely on what treatments you explore a your doctor. If you choose to go a more natural route with changes to your diet and exercise routine, you may see an increase in your T levels, but its highly unlikely that youll be able to get back to the levels you were at in your 20s with diet, exercise, and supplements alone.
Testosterone creams and injections can replace a significant amount of lost testosterone, but since each person reacts differently to these treatments, its possible that your T levels wont be fully replenished.
More importantly, its worth discussing the side effects and results of overusing these replacement therapies. You should never increase your dose or the frequency of use without talking with a doctor first. Severe side effects from misusing these treatments can include stroke, heart attack, a higher risk of prostate cancer, liver conditions, and an enlarged prostate.
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The Gradual Decline Of Testosterone Levels Is Normal
The anti-aging movement has been something that has been in our minds since the dawn of time, Shukla said. But: As part of the aging process, we see testosterone levels decline. Our peak testosterone levels are generally at around age 20 to 30, and after age 30 they decline more gradually. And more progressively after age 40. By age 80, almost all men see a marked reduction in serum testosterone levels.
What To Tell Your Doctor
Ideally, your doctor will bring up the topic during an office visit. âThat doesnât mean coming right out and asking, âDo you have low testosterone?â but âHowâs your sexual function?ââ Ramin says. âItâs usually the first question I ask.â
Still, you might need to broach the topic on your own. You can make an appointment with your primary care doctor or seek the help of a urologist, who specializes in male sex organs. If fertility is an issue, you can talk to a reproductive endocrinologist. They treat hormone imbalances in both men and women.
Since you may feel self-conscious, thereâs no need to tell the scheduler at your doctorâs office that you think you have low testosterone. Nor do you have to tell the nurse when she comes into the exam room to take your vital signs. âItâs OK to list a few of your symptoms, then wait for the doctor before you go into more detail, Werthman says. âYou can tell him, âIâve been having these symptoms lately.’ Then after you list them, suggest, âMaybe itâs testosterone.ââ
Itâs normal to feel embarrassed, especially if low sex drive is one of your complaints. But it can help to think of this like any other health problem that needs attention, Werthman says.
âAs medical providers, weâre not here to judge, but to help,â Ramin adds. âAs we age, our bodies tend to change. Itâs a natural process.â
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In Most Cases Testosterone Treatments Are Not The Best Option For These Symptoms
A lot of medical conditions can contribute to low testosterone levels, Shukla said. Its important to make sure that youre not dealing with any underlying health issues. You want to really identify why youre experiencing those symptoms.
As he likes to frame it, maintaining your health is like maintaining your house. If you dont take care of the bones of the house, you can’t expect to add on to the house or put a lot of investment in the house.
Diabetes, kidney disease and a sedentary lifestyle could be contributing factors to these symptoms, as well as other chronic diseases.
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What Kind Of Doctor Treats Testosterone Deficiency: Urologist Or Endocrinologist
Some men think they need to turn to a urologist or endocrinologist to get tested for low testosterone. That is a normal assumption since urologists deal with problems that could include erectile dysfunction and endocrinologists focus on the endocrine system home to many of the bodys hormones.
Do urologists treat low testosterone in men of all ages? Many urologists do treat Low T, as do endocrinologists but an important point to mention is that these physicians also treat many other health conditions in their prospective fields. Doctors who specialize solely in hormone replacement therapy focus all of their efforts on helping men and women keep their hormone levels in balance as they age.
It is not difficult to find out how to get a doctor to prescribe testosterone. The process begins with contacting the proper specialist. If you already have an endocrinologist or urologist that you see because of preexisting conditions, then you will want to speak with that physician about testing for low testosterone and other forms of hormone deficiency. The reason we added in the necessity of other hormones is that Low T often mimics other hormonal imbalances, as well. It is essential to diagnose the correct condition so that the right treatment is prescribed.
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What Can I Expect If I Have Low Testosterone
Theres no one-time fix for low testosterone. However, consistent hormone replacement therapy helps improve sex drive, ease symptoms of depression and increase energy levels for many people assigned male at birth experiencing low testosterone. Treatment may also boost muscle mass and bone density.
The mortality of people AMAB with testosterone deficiency is significantly higher than among people AMAB with normal testosterone levels. But, it is unclear whether replacing testosterone to a normal level reduces that increased mortality. Treatment is largely focused on the treatment of symptoms, not the specific testosterone level.
For congenital hypogonadism in children assigned male at birth, testosterone replacement therapy often helps prevent problems related to delayed puberty.
How To Talk To Your Doctor About Low Testosterone
Think you have symptoms of low testosterone? The first step is to let your doctor know. Here’s how the conversation should go.
Talking about fatigue, loss of energy, and lowered sex drive isnt a conversation anyone wants to have. But if you suspect youre experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, ignoring those problems wont make them go away.
Discussions about testosterone have become much more commonplace. An increasing amount of research into the hormone means that men have more information available about low testosterone. Men who once might not have talked about their symptoms of low testosterone are becoming more open and forthcoming.
And Robert Brannigan, MD, a professor of urology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, says hes found that many men want to see specialists to talk with someone whos experienced in treating the condition.
The days of men with low testosterone simply accepting the symptoms are waning, Dr. Brannigan says, and many men are choosing testosterone replacement therapy because they want to maintain their quality of life, energy level, mood, and sexual health. These are important issues for many men throughout their life.
Warning Signs of Low Testosterone
Consult your doctor if youre noticing any of the following symptoms:
- Less need to shave daily
- Loss of muscle mass
- Feelings of sluggishness or lethargy
- Interrupted sleep
How to Get the Most From Doctor-Visits
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Doctors Wont Always Prescribe Trt
What most people fail to understand is that there are people who legitimately have low testosterone in their bodies. A medical doctor should know that his patient has low testosterone levels by doing a simple blood test. The doctor will usually use the normal range of 300ng/dL to 1000ng/dL and compare it to the blood work results. The issue with this is that the levels of testosterone in a mans body tend to change over the day. Testosterone levels tend to be the highest during the morning hours.
It is good to remember that not all doctors have a clear understanding of what hormone therapy is all about and how it should be administered. If the testosterone replacement therapy is administered wrongly it can be catastrophic. Your therapy will not be similar to the next patient, there will always be a difference in dosage from one person to the next and the length of medication will also differ depending on your medical history. Testosterone replacement therapy is to be done uniquely for each person. It should be re-evaluated regularly to check on whether to increase or decrease the dose in regards to the benefits and risks towards the patients health.
Comparison Chart Of Testosterone Esters
***All information provided below is to be used as a general understanding of the differences between Testosterone esters and is NOT meant to treat, direct treatment, or guarantee results. National HRT requires a consultation, physicians prescription, and monitoring by a physician for all hormone therapies.
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How Do I Find Out If I Have Low Testosterone
Testing is easy to do. You will need to have two early morning bloods tests, as least six weeks apart to check your levels. Testosterone levels fluctuate normally over the course of the day, so have the blood tests done before 9am. To qualify for testosterone injections subsidised by the Federal Government, i.e. on the PBS, the levels need to be below 6 mol/L in men aged over 40 years.
Is It Hard To Find A Doctor To Prescribe Testosterone Therapy
As we have said earlier, real testosterone therapy can only be obtained with a doctors prescription. Therefore, just like any other prescription medication, you must have a diagnosis and legitimate medical need before any doctor can lawfully give you a prescription to be filled for medical testosterone.
Before you can leave any doctors office with a prescription for testosterone therapy, he or she must have the level of testosterone in your blood tested. If your testosterone blood test indicates that your testosterone levels are lower than they should be for your age, your doctor will be able to provide you with a legal prescription for testosterone therapy.
Testosterone therapy can be given in skin patches, topical gels, subdermal pellets, or intramuscular injections. Most testosterone doctors agree that injections are the most effective method for administering prescription testosterone therapy. If it is determined that testosterone injections are the best treatment for your low-T symptoms and particular lifestyle, you will be taught everything you need to know about how to safely give yourself your testosterone replacement injections.
It does not have to be hard to find a doctor to prescribe testosterone therapy for you. In fact in can be summed up in four easy steps:
Step One Evaluate your symptoms of low-T
Step Two Have a physical exam and your blood tested for your testosterone level
Its that easy to get started on the new you.
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Kaged Ferodrox Testosterone Support
Image courtesy Kaged
Ferodrox is a supplement that may assist you in maintaining anabolic hormone equilibrium while gaining muscle and strength. Ferodrox is a dietary complement made up of six high-quality ingredients to help you achieve the anabolic climate necessary for lean muscular growth and strength increases.
Testosterone is the key hormone for muscle growth, increased strength, and a better quality of life. However, testosterone levels are variable and can be impacted by age, stressors, diet, and other elements.
On the other hand, Ferodrox contains six ingredients that are either highly effective or unknown, but in proper doses they help to create an environment that is ideal for increasing muscle and strength.
In contrast to many other testosterone boosters that use “proprietary blends” and hide how much of each ingredient they are using, Ferodrox’s recipe is completely open. This allows you to know exactly how much of each component you’re receiving.
What Tests Will Be Done To Diagnose Low Testosterone
The following tests can help confirm low testosterone and determine the cause:
- Total testosterone level blood test: This test usually requires two sample collections between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., when testosterone levels should be at their highest. If youre sick or have recently been sick, its important to tell your provider. Acute illness may cause a falsely low result.
- Luteinizing hormone blood test: This test can help determine if the cause of low testosterone is an issue with your pituitary gland.
- Prolactin blood test: High prolactin levels may be a sign of pituitary gland issues or tumors.
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Low Testosterone In Women
Testosterone is often thought of as a male hormone. However, those assigned female at birth also have testosterone in their bodies. Research shows that normal testosterone levels in females are vital to maintaining libido, cognitive function, lean muscle repair and growth, and bone strength. It may also play a role in reducing the risk of certain endocrine cancers.
It’s possible that as with males, female testosterone levels naturally decline with age, and may lead to symptoms, such as low energy and impaired muscle growth. But at this time, research into the effect of low testosterone in females is limited and there are no conclusive guidelines for what should be considered low testosterone levels in females.
Can Any Doctor Write A Prescription For Testosterone Therapy
Any medical doctor can give you a prescription for testosterone, if he or she diagnoses you with a legitimate need for testosterone replacement therapy. Is there a kind of doctor that specializes in testosterone replacement? The answer is yes and no.
Testosterone, like all hormones produced by your body is made and secreted by a gland. The medical specialty that treats glandular conditions and the resulting hormone imbalances is known as endocrinology. However, the practices of most endocrinologists usually focus on glandular conditions in children that are causing them not to grow properly, or diseases of the major glands like the pancreas, thyroid, or adrenal glands in people of any age.
If you are looking for a prescription for testosterone therapy because you are having trouble with the normal decline in testosterone that occurs as you age, an endocrinologist may not be your best bet. Rather, for age-related low testosterone, you want to seek treatment from a doctor whose practice is dedicated to age management or age optimization for men.
Again, while any doctor can prescribe testosterone replacement therapy, there are doctors who base their practices on the best way to prescribe hormone replacement for men to achieve their personal best at any age. You want to seek such a practice if you are over 40 and experiencing the symptoms of low-T, because such a testosterone doctor will help you in many other ways to boost and maintain your stamina and energy levels.
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What Kind Of Doctor Should You See For Low Testosterone
Written by Elite HRT on March 16, 2021
Camille Freking, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, MEDICAL ADVISOR
Starting treatment for low testosterone can be an intimidating time, especially if you do not know anyone that has gone through it. Because it is not something that you have likely experienced before it can be difficult to know where to start and who you should see for help with your low T.
One great thing is that there are many options for healthcare providers that can help and you have the opportunity to make the choice that is best for you. The more you know about the whole process the less stressful it becomes.
Keep reading to learn more about the different care providers you can work with for low testosterone, when to see a doctor, and what the process of the first visit and treatment will be like.
What Causes Low Testosterone
Men experience a natural drop in testosterone as they get older, with levels declining by up to 2% every year after the age of 30. Health problems such as hypogonadism also cause low testosterone.
Hypogonadism develops when your testicles dont produce the normal amount of testosterone.
A range of conditions can result in hypogonadism, including:
- High blood levels of iron
- Pituitary gland problems
Being overweight or obese also significantly increases your chance of having low testosterone.
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What Type Of Doctor Treats Low Testosterone
When you are dealing with the symptoms of andropause, which is commonly referred to as Low T, should you expect your family doctor to be able to diagnose and treat you? Many PCPs dont actually have medical expertise in hormone disorders so exactly what type of doctor treats low testosterone symptoms in adults?
When men ask their regular doctors this question, they are often advised to see an urologist or endocrinologist. This is not exactly what most busy adults want to hear, as they envision themselves waiting to get an appointment with a specialist who may be located outside of their local area. Then when they get to have their initial appointment, they see themselves asking the specialist questions about his or her qualifications and experience answering numerous questions themselves about their medical and family health history and then needing to have numerous follow-up appointments that will probably interfere with their work schedule.
At Nexel Medical, we are able to provide adult patients living in every US state with the convenience of receiving locally available treatment for hormone disorders like Low T. Next, well explain exactly how our doctors are able do this.
GET MORE ADVANCED INFORMATION FROM NEXEL MEDICAL
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