Symptoms
A diagnosis of testosterone deficiency may be more likely in men who present with lower than normal testosterone levels and all three of following symptoms: [Khera, Journal of Sexual Medicine 2016 /p1790 A]
+ Erectile dysfunction
+ Decreased libido
+ Decreased frequency of morning erections
Hormone Imbalance Test
Testosterone is the main sex hormone (androgen) in men. It is responsible for male physical characteristics.
Although it is considered to be a “male” sex hormone, it is present in the blood of both men and women. Testosterone levels in the blood can be conducted to detect an abnormal testosterone level in males and females. In males, these levels can be used to help diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction or the inability of the partner to become pregnant.
The test requires a blood sample drawn from a vein; a morning sample is preferred.
[Testosterone Lab Tests Online AACC 2018 /p1 A, B /p2 A]
Optimizing Hormones

BHRT in Men
A formulation that has been used for many years is injectable testosterone esters, such as enanthate and cypionate. These are inexpensive but require frequent administration (every 1–3 weeks) because of their relatively short lifespan in the body. In addition, injectable formulations may result in transient levels above the physiologic range and can cause fluctuations in libido, mood, and energy, as serum testosterone concentrations vary over the injection intervals.
Transdermal testosterone formulations (such as gels, creams, and solutions) are preferred by some patients and physicians as an alternative to injections. Stable physiological testosterone levels are
achievable using these preparations but require daily application and may cause skin irritation. Men who use these topical (or transdermal) formulations must be careful not to transfer the drug to women or children by direct contact.
Currently, all topical preparations contain a warning for risk of transference. [Khera, Urologic Clinics of North America 2016 /p187 A; Aversa, Nature Reviews Urology 2015 /p644 C; Thirumalai F1000 Research 2017 /p3 B, /p6 A] Other testosterone formulations that are used less frequently include testosterone patches, buccal tablets, and intranasal gel.
[Aversa, Nature Reviews Urology 2015 /p644 C]
Hormone Pellet Therapy Restore Regenerate Renew
Pellet Therapy
Testosterone pellets can provide sustained normal testosterone levels for 3 to 4 months, but they are not available in all countries. Subcutaneous implantation is a minor surgical procedure; risks associated with pellets include POME (which stands for pulmonary oil microembolism), infection and extrusion of the pellet. [Khera, Urologic Clinics of North America 2016 /p189 B; Aversa, Nature Reviews Urology 2015 /p644 C; Thirumalai F1000 Research 2017 /p6 B]


Benefits
The desired effects of testosterone therapy in men include the following: [Little, Current Diagnosis and Treatment 2014 Table 56-1]
+ Increased lean body mass
+ Decreased fat mass
+ Increased bone mineral density
+ Increased sexual functioning
Several studies have reported on the use of testosterone replacement therapy in men with low testosterone levels. The treatments were administered either by injections or using a scrotal patch. Most studies have shown increases in lean body mass and bone mineral density and decreases in fat mass. Accompanying the increase in muscle mass has been an increase in either upper- or lower-extremity strength. [Little, Current Diagnosis and Treatment 2014 /p8 A]
Schedule a Hormone Pellet Therapy Consultation
To schedule a Hormone Pellet Therapy treatment or to make an appointment with a provider, please call us at 888.773.9969 or fill out an online contact form and one of our providers will be in touch with you.