Testosterone is an essential hormone that plays a critical role in men's health. When levels are low, men may experience symptoms like low energy, reduced muscle mass, weight gain, mood issues, and sexual dysfunction. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help restore levels and dramatically improve quality of life.
Low testosterone, also called hypotestosteronemia or low T, is generally diagnosed when levels fall below 300 ng/dL. Symptoms often develop gradually, so many men do not realize they have a deficiency right away. Getting tested is important, especially for men over 40, those with certain medical conditions, or anyone noticing potential symptoms.
The first step is having bloodwork done to measure current testosterone levels. This will determine if treatment is needed. Testosterone supplements can only be prescribed if blood tests confirm clinically low levels.
It is best to get tested in the morning when levels are highest. A diagnosis requires at least two separate blood tests showing results under 300 ng/dL. Testing can easily be completed at local laboratories throughout Daly City.
Some key blood tests used to assess testosterone:
Thyroid function, cortisol, estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may also be tested to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis regulation of testosterone production.
If low T is detected, TRT aimed at restoring normal levels can significantly enhance wellbeing. The wide-ranging benefits of adequate testosterone include:
With treatment, most men report substantial improvements across many aspects of health. Consistent testosterone therapy enables patients to feel healthy, energetic, mentally sharp, and fully engaged with life again.
The goal of testosterone replacement is restoring levels within a normal range, which is generally considered 450-1100 ng/dL depending on the lab reference range. This is accomplished through administering bioidentical testosterone in one of several forms.
At our Vitality Hormone Center low T clinic and others in the Daly City area, common TRT protocols include:
Testosterone injections are a very effective form of treatment. Options include cypionate, enanthate, or propionate types of testosterone directly injected into muscle tissue every 7-14 days. This allows for stable absorption into the bloodstream.
Testosterone gels supply a daily dose through skin application. Popular topical gels prescribed for TRT include Androgel and Testim.
Patches infuse testosterone through the skin from an adhesive patch changed daily. Brands like Androderm are commonly used.
Testosterone pellets implanted under the skin supply steady testosterone release over 4-6 months. A simple office procedure implants pellets under the skin supplying continuous low T therapy.
While less common, oral testosterone capsules like methyltestosterone are also an option providing ease of daily administration.
Under a doctor's supervision, TRT regimens can incorporate single or combined methods depending on patient factors. Frequent bloodwork and follow-up adjustments help optimize treatment.
A little-known benefit of testosterone therapy is that it has been shown to promote fat loss and increase muscle mass even without exercise. Multiple studies found testosterone treatment helped sedentary men lose fat and gain several pounds of lean muscle over a few months just from the testosterone alone.
Our experienced clinicians offer cutting edge diagnosis and treatment for andropause and clinically low testosterone. We recognize the profound impact that low T can have across all aspects of health. Using advanced testing and proven TRT programs, our goal is restoring vibrancy and drastically improving patient outcomes.
We offer a welcoming atmosphere focused on open communication and shared decision making regarding treatment options. All programs are tailored to address unique needs, goals, and preferences. Ongoing support ensures progress is carefully tracked with protocols adjusted to maximize benefits while minimizing adverse effects.
Treatment plans incorporate the latest scientific advancements along with a functional, integrated focus on nutrition, fitness, stress management and underlying causes. We empower patients with in-depth education guiding personalized choices.
Our exceptional Daly City low testosterone clinic staff have specialty training in age management medicine with extensive expertise in testosterone deficiency. We accept most major insurance plans and work diligently to make care affordable.
Please contact us today at to learn more or schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you restore vibrancy!
Age is the most well established risk factor, as testosterone production gradually drops about 1% per year after age 30. But many lifestyle, health, and environmental variables also influence risk. Common reasons for declining testosterone include:
As men grow older, testicular function weakens and the testes produce less testosterone in a condition called primary hypogonadism. Lower production means reduced circulating levels.
Testicular trauma, infection, or other damage can disable hormone production. Treatment for testicular cancer also frequently impairs function.
The pituitary gland in the brain controls testosterone creation through its release of luteinizing hormone (LH). Tumors or head trauma affecting this gland alter regulation.
Long term use of corticosteroids, opioids, or hormonal medications can drastically lower testosterone production from the testes.
Body fat contains high levels of the enzyme aromatase that converts testosterone into estrogen. The declining ratio of testosterone to estrogen in obese men contributes to deficiency. Losing weight can increase T levels.
Serious conditions like kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, sickle cell anemia, COPD, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis or HIV often impair normal testosterone metabolism and usage.
About 35% of diabetic men have clinically low testosterone. Severity of the disease also correlates with significant reductions in T levels.
Research confirms that acute and chronic stress exposure activates mechanisms lowering testosterone. Disrupted sleep has an even greater influence. Prioritizing stress management and restorative sleep provides a buffer.
Lack of key supporters like zinc, vitamin D3 and magnesium negatively impact natural production. Diet and supplementation should provide adequate essential cofactors.
Toxins may interfere through endocrine disruption. Efforts to minimize pesticide, heavy metal and plasticizer exposure support healthy T conversion and signaling.
Bold lifestyle interventions like losing excess weight, healthy eating, exercising sufficiently but not excessively, proactively managing stress, avoiding toxins, limiting medications and drugs, getting good sleep, and supplementing vital micronutrients can help slow age-related decrease and counter other risk factors suppressing testosterone.
However when clinically low, restoring healthy testosterone through TRT is often necessary regardless of age or cause. Consistent treatment relieves symptoms and enables peak functioning.
Because symptoms of low testosterone are variable and nonspecific, accurate blood testing is critical before considering treatment. Standard testing includes total testosterone, free testosterone calculation, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and complete blood count (CBC).
These key biomarkers establish a baseline to determine if deficiency exists and guide customized therapeutic regimens if warranted. Testing also screens for underlying issues potentially causing symptoms like anemia, low thyroid, pituitary tumor, etc. so proper diagnosis directs the right interventions.
At a minimum, two early morning blood samples on different days should demonstrate total testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL and supporting labs indicative of true pathology before moving forward with replacement therapy.
Follow up bloodwork during the first 3-6 months after initiating treatment allows for dose adjustments toward ideal range between 500-1100 ng/dL depending on individual variation and response. Ongoing optimization through testing ensures maximum benefits are achieved from TRT with minimal side effects.
While modern hormone testing technology provides objective data, tracking subjective symptom improvements provides equally vital guidance. The goal is helping patients feel more energized, mentally acute, emotionally balanced, and sexually vibrant.
Restoring healthy testosterone levels through replacement therapy alleviates deficiency symptoms by:
Direct testosterone activity - Binding androgen receptors directly activates gene transcription and cellular changes influencing most physiological processes - muscle, bone, brain, blood, sexual function, fat metabolism, etc.
Metabolic regulation - Testosterone boosts insulin sensitivity, helps build muscle mass and motivation needed for physical activity, promotes weight/fat loss, and lowers inflammation.
Brain function and mood - Testosterone modulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, influences neuronal health, and stimulates growth of grey matter enhancing cognition while stabilizing mood.
Secondary sexual characteristics - Testosterone drives libido, penile function, sperm production, body hair growth, sebaceous gland oil production and other masculine traits.
Vasodilation - Testosterone therapy improves arterial flexibility and blood flow regulating vascular dynamics including penile engorgement capacity.
Hormone interactions - Testosterone gets aromatized into estrogen but also helps regulate its effects. Estrogen balance and inhibiting overexposure is key to avoiding side effects.
These widespread mechanisms of testosterone explain improvements across the board - reduced fatigue, depression and anxiety, sharper mental processing speed and memory, greater endurance and strength, enhanced sexual desire and performance, healthier blood lipid profiles and circulation, easier weight management, and increased self-confidence.
Through comprehensive testing and properly supervised protocols, TRT can successfully restore healthy testosterone levels and dramatically improve wellbeing especially when combined with lifestyle adjustments to control relevant risk factors.
When testing clearly indicates a testosterone deficiency requiring treatment, TRT can proceed once potential underlying health conditions are evaluated and risks vs benefits discussed.
To begin hormone therapy, patients should understand treatment objectives, commit to strict adherence, and agree to regular follow-ups. Continued blood testing allows for protocol adjustments toward ideal results.
Starting dose depends partly on the severity of deficiency along with sensitivity differences between individuals that lead to variable responses from similar doses. Age, BMI, activity levels and medical history help determine initial prescribed dosage.
Forms of delivery include injections, gels, patches and pellets with different release dynamics. Short acting options allow for easier modulation while sustained methods provide fewer peaks and troughs. Combinations tailor to unique needs and preferences.
Most men notice significant improvement by 6 weeks with maximal benefits achieved in 4-5 months. Convenient administration and minimal side effects with proper dosing leads to excellent compliance.
If opting for self administered testosterone, ensure training on proper handling, storage, record keeping and injection technique to avoid complications. Follow safety practices and immediately report concerns.
With an authorized prescription, testosterone therapy can now be conveniently shipped after online consultations and bloodwork. However, in-clinic guidance maximizes desirable results so clinical oversight is still recommended.
Through TRT regimens properly implementing current best practices, most men struggling with clinically low testosterone can finally regain their vitality!
Supporting healthy lifestyle changes enhances the benefits of TRT:
Nutrition - Emphasize high quality fats and proteins over carbs/sugars. Get plenty omega-3s. Supplement zinc, vitamin D, magnesium, boron. Stay hydrated. Time carb intake strategically around workouts. Avoid trans fats, excess omega-6 oils, xenoestrogens.
Exercise - Incorporate strength training to boost muscle synthesis. Sprint intervals raise T more than endurance work. Allow proper rest and recovery. Reduce cortisol spikes. Lift weights in the 8-12 rep range.
Body Composition - Added muscle mass boosts free testosterone and metabolism. Reduce excess body fat through caloric deficit - testosterone gets suppressed and aromatized from adipose tissue.
Sleep - Stick to consistent bedtime/wake schedules. Allow for 7-9 hours nightly aiming for optimal circadian alignment and deep REM cycles. Block blue light before bed.
Stress Management - Chronic overactivation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis burns out hormones. Practice relaxation skills - deep breathing, meditation, gratitude journaling, forest bathing, etc.
Reduce Toxins - Avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals found in some plastics, fragrances, pesticides, conventionally raised animal products. Filter water and minimize damaging exposures.
Targeted Supplements - Certain adaptogens like ashwaghanda, tongkat ali and shilajit boost testosterone or reduce conversion to estrogen. Some show promise but require further study. Use cautiously.
Following basic healthy lifestyle strategies potentiates improvements from TRT allowing men to function closer to their natural potential despite advancing age or modern environmental stressors suppressing testosterone. Our clinicians provide in-depth counseling supporting patient motivation and adherence.
The mild coastal climate, scenic vistas and abundance of active recreation options provide an ideal setting for restoring vibrancy through TRT programs. Patients are encouraged to take full advantage of area offerings like:
Lab testing - Many nearby labs offer early morning testosterone blood draws avoiding the hassle of extra medical facility visits simply for tests. These include Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, BioReference Laboratories and local facilities like Coastside Lab.
Parks and trails - The Bay Area Ridge Trail and 26 mile long San Andreas Trail winding along the Peninsula uplift offer plenty of room to roam with sites like Mussel Rock Park providing perfect spots to de-stress.
Gyms and pools - Whether lifting weights at Planet Fitness or doing laps at the War Memorial Community Center pool, Daly City offers state of the art fitness options to pair with TRT for amplified results.
Healthy dining - Nutrient rich restaurants like Daly City's Top Hatters Kitchen, Delizie Italiane and Mui's Kitchen fuel active lifestyles. Their delicious menus satisfy while providing vital phytonutrients supportering therapy.
Embracing such local gems helps patients fully own their vitality. Our staff actively supports clients in removing barriers to actualize their goals. Everyone deserves to functionally thrive!
