Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate functions in the body. Testosterone is a type of androgen hormone and is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. Testosterones also regulate sperm production, sex drive, bone mass, fat distribution, muscle size, and red blood cell production. Testosterone hormones are produced primarily by the testicles while the brain and pituitary gland regulate the amount of testosterone levels being produced. Once produced, the testosterone hormone moves through the blood to carry out its various important functions.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for both men and women whose levels have decreased due to aging. Testosterone replacement therapy restores testosterone, the hormone that helps you maintain muscle mass, strong bones, healthy hair, and a healthy sex drive. Testosterone also impacts many other facets of your whole-body health, including your mood and energy levels. When testosterone hormone is imbalanced, it can cause serious effects on the body.
Bio-identical hormones have the same genetic makeup as the natural hormones produced by the body. For example, testosterone cypionate is one of the common testosterone replacement therapies used and it is a natural and bioidentical form of testosterone.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has a wide range of benefits depending on each individual patient. Many men on testosterone replacement therapy experience the following:
After age 30, men’s testosterone levels typically begin to decline and continue to decrease by 1% yearly for the rest of their lives. However, aging isn’t the only cause of low testosterone. Many other potential medical conditions can also lead to testosterone decline, which include:
Testosterone travels through your blood in two ways:
Usually, you’ll get a total testosterone test as a screening test. This measures both free and attached testosterone. To diagnose certain conditions, healthcare providers sometimes look only at free testosterone levels.The testosterone test can help find the reason for sexual problems, like reduced sex drive or erectile dysfunction. Additional test may be tested to evaluate problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, these glands control how much testosterone your body makes.
There are various types of testosterone therapy available. The method of treatment depends on the cause of low testosterone, the patient’s preferences, cost, tolerance, and concern about fertility.