FAQ

Testosterone, a hormone naturally synthesized within the body, plays a crucial role in male sexual organ development and the maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics. In males, the testes produce testosterone alongside sperm, under the regulatory control of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Testosterone’s influence extends to various bodily functions, impacting:

• Prostate and other male reproductive organs’ growth and maturation
• Male hair distribution development including facial hair growth
• Body muscle mass, strength, and fat distribution alterations
• Sexual drive and performance enhancement
• Mood and energy level
• Bone strength

Healthy men’s testosterone levels ranging from 350 ng/dL to 1000 ng/dL are considered within the normal range. Healthy physiology involves the collaboration between the brain and testes to regulate testosterone within this spectrum. The brain releases signaling hormones to prompt testosterone production, which occurs periodically. As testosterone levels stabilize within the desired range, the production of signaling hormones slows down accordingly.

In males, hypogonadism signifies a reduction in testosterone or sperm production or both. At Triple Play Men’s Health, our medical experts focus on managing the testosterone aspect of this condition. Reduced sperm production necessitates a meticulous assessment by a specialist with fellowship training.

At Triple Play Men’s Health, our medical team will initially validate your symptoms to assess for hypogonadism, followed by a rapid blood test providing results within approximately 20 minutes. Should your total or free testosterone fall below the expected range, a diagnosis of hypogonadism may be considered.

At Triple Play Men’s Health, we diagnose hypogonadism (low testosterone) by assessing symptoms and blood testosterone levels below the normal range, then treat it with various methods such as injections, gels, patches, pellets, or oral applications. We utilize injection therapy as our preferred method to address low testosterone levels in hypogonadal men.

The advantages of testosterone replacement therapy differ depending on the initial symptoms and individual factors but may encompass the subsequent benefits:

• Enhanced vitality
• Reduced irritability, sadness
• Enhanced muscle strength, mass
• Enhanced sexual drive
• Enhanced cognitive abilities
• Heightened motivation
• Reduced body fat
• Potential erectile function improvement
• Thicker skin

Some individuals may encounter one or more of the ensuing side effects due to testosterone replacement therapy:

• Red blood cell count increases can aid anemia but pose clotting risks like stroke or heart attack.
• Testosterone may worsen enlarged prostate symptoms, especially if over 50 or with a cancer history.
• Skin reactions like acne or hair increase are rare but temporary if experienced.
• Testosterone therapy may reduce sperm production, affecting fertility, discuss with the partner and provider.
• Fluid retention risks, especially with heart or kidney history, warrant caution with testosterone therapy.

Only your doctor can provide a complete response. In general, avoid testosterone replacement therapy if you have these conditions:

• Breast or prostate cancer risk
• Palpable prostate bump
• High red blood cell count
• Thickened blood
• Severe prostate enlargement symptoms
• Uncontrolled severe heart issues
• Unexplained elevated PSA levels
• Severe urinary symptoms from prostate enlargement
• Unstable severe heart failure levels

The ideal testosterone delivery method is determined by your physician; however, some may find gels inconvenient due to messiness and potential transmission risks.

Testosterone patches may cause skin rashes and adhere poorly, especially in warmer weather.

Gels and patches often require dosage adjustments for optimal blood levels and may not effectively alleviate symptoms for some patients.

Triple Play Men’s Health physicians favor intramuscular testosterone injections for their clinical efficacy and ease of use.