Testosterone Replacement Therapy
For Men

Though a gradual decrease in testosterone levels is a sign of aging, there are other contributing factors to low-T. The lifestyle choices we make have an impact on our overall health. Though there is no exact way to prevent low testosterone, your best strategy is to maintain a healthy & active lifestyle. Consider prioritizing:

• Exercise
  The American Heart Association recommends “at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both preferably spread throughout the week.” Add a moderate- to high-intensity resistance training workout 2–3 times a week to reap the full benefits.
• A Healthy Diet
  Obesity can cause low testosterone. Eat a well-rounded diet complete with proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to help support optimal hormone levels.
• Decrease Stress
  The American Psychological Association attributes a decrease in testosterone production to “chronic, ongoing stress.” To help keep your levels where they should be, try to find ways to reduce or remove stressors in your life.
• Sleep Quality & Sleep Apnea
  Much of a man’s daily testosterone is released while he sleeps. If you aren’t getting enough sleep or if you have sleep apnea, chances are you aren’t getting enough testosterone either.

The brain and pituitary gland control the production of testosterone by the testes. From there, testosterone moves through the body via the blood. Testosterone levels change from hour to hour, tending to be highest in the morning and lowest at night. Generally highest during adolescence and early adulthood, as you age, your testosterone level will gradually decline by roughly 1% a year after age 30 or 40.

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, and it has a variety of vital jobs throughout a man’s life. We might associate testosterone most with the development of reproductive tissues (testes, prostate) during puberty. However, testosterone helps maintain many other functions starting in pre-birth and continuing through adulthood. Testosterone plays an essential role in:

• Bone growth & density
• Fat distribution
• Maintenance of muscle mass
• Facial & body hair
• Sex drive
• Sperm production
• Mental health & well-being
• Red blood cell production
• Voice deepening during puberty

The brain and pituitary gland control the production of testosterone by the testes. From there, testosterone moves through the body via the blood. Testosterone levels change from hour to hour, tending to be highest in the morning and lowest at night. Generally highest during adolescence and early adulthood, as you age, your testosterone level will gradually decline by roughly 1% a year after age 30 or 40.

There are a couple ways to determine whether a man has low testosterone:

• A blood test
• Symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, increased body fat, low energy, difficulty concentrating, decreased muscle mass, depressed mood

Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) may have several possible causes. There are two main types of hypogonadism: primary and central (secondary). Though both types result in the same effect (low testosterone), their root causes are different.

Primary hypogonadism occurs when your testicles aren’t producing enough testosterone even though they are still receiving the signal to do so from the brain. Some causes of this type of hypogonadism could be:

• Autoimmune diseases such as Addison’s disease
• Genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome & Klinefelter syndrome
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Liver & kidney diseases
• Severe infections of your testes
• Hemochromatosis
• Testicular trauma
• Surgery on your penis
• Radiation exposure
• Chemotherapy
• Anabolic steroid abuse

Central hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem with your hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Some causes of this type of hypogonadism could be:

• A tumor in or near your pituitary gland or hypothalamus
• Brain or head injury
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Alcohol use
• Rapid weight loss
• Obesity
• Genetic or autoimmune disorders
• Use of steroids or opioids
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Injury to your pituitary gland or hypothalamus
• Normal aging
• Medications

If you suspect you have low testosterone, it is vital to see a medical provider. With a simple blood test, they can assess your levels and begin the process of identifying the cause.

Though many different forms of testosterone are available, PharmAssist Providers are dedicated to providing the best, individualized treatment available. In addition, you will receive supplemental medications to ensure that your other hormones stay at optimal levels and your body continues to make its own testosterone.

When conducted under the supervision of a qualified medical provider with regular lab monitoring, TRT is a safe and effective treatment for men with clinically low testosterone.

Testosterone can be administered in several ways, most commonly through self-administered injections or topical creams. Your provider will discuss the best method for your lifestyle and needs.

You are not a candidate if you:

1. Have a red blood cell disorder
2. Prostate cancer or breast cancer
3. Compromised kidney or liver function
4. Congestive heart failure
5. High PSA or a hematocrit greater than 50%

Yes, these include:

1. Use of certain medication/drug classes such as opiates.
2. Sleep Apnea
3. Obesity

While every patient is different, many begin to notice improvements in energy, mood, and libido within the first few weeks of treatment.