Low Testosterone Q&A

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What does testosterone do?

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Testosterone plays a key role in men’s sexual health and overall wellness. Testosterone, a hormone made in the testicles, is needed to develop and maintain male characteristics like a deeper voice, facial and body hair and lean muscle mass.

Testosterone regulates other bodily functions, such as:

• Sense of well being

• Energy

• Sex drive

• Erectile dysfunction

• Bone mass

• Fat distribution

• Lean body mass

• Muscle development

• Strength

• Red blood cell production

 

Testosterone declines with age. Low testosterone levels are linked to a higher body mass index (BMI) and a thicker waistline. Low testosterone is also tied to poor heart health and insulin resistance.

 

What are the signs of low testosterone?

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The medical name for low testosterone is testosterone deficiency syndrome (TD) or low testosterone (Low-T). Symptoms of Low-T include:

• Low sex drive

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Irritability

• Reduced muscle mass

• Fatigue

• Depression

 

These symptoms also may signal another health issue. The team at Optimal Health Miami can assess your testosterone levels to determine whether you need treatment for low testosterone or another health condition.

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What are the treatments for low testosterone?

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At Optimal Health Miami, they use the latest diagnostic tests to assess your testosterone levels and other markers of health. Then Dr. Gittelman and the team craft a personalized treatment plan that’s customized to your goals, body composition, and metabolism.

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Bioidentical hormone replacement (BHRT) is one of the leading treatments to address low testosterone levels. The therapy uses bioidentical hormones, which are hormones that mimic the hormones your body makes. 

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What happens during low testosterone therapy?

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Optimal Health Miami recommends a customized approach to treat with individualized dosings and methods to rebalance your hormones whether it be injections, gels, patches, or via popular pellet-based hormone replacement therapy. At Optimal Health, we teach self injections, or how to use gels. Some patients also benefit from testosterone pellets. With this method, Dr. Gittelman inserts a grain-sized pellet of testosterone underneath the skin of your buttock during a quick, in-office procedure. This therapeutic option balances testosterone for as long as 3-4 months.

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The pellet gradually releases a measured dose of testosterone over time. Pellets typically last 3-4 months before you need a replacement.

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If you're experiencing weight problems, a loss of muscle mass, a lower sexual drive than normal, or trouble maintaining erections, you may have low testosterone. 

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Explore the benefits of testosterone therapy today by calling Optimal Health Miami or booking a consultation online. They can provide the most comprehensive testosterone report possible.