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How Testosterone Therapy Works: A Comprehensive Guide

  • FreshRx
  • Oct 3, 2024
  • 4 min read

Testosterone is the primary "male" hormone (clinically referred to as an "androgen") responsible for many physical and emotional functions in men, playing a crucial role in muscle growth, energy levels, libido, and overall vitality. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, decreased sex drive, and mood changes. Testosterone therapy offers a solution to these issues, helping men regain their sense of well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore how testosterone therapy works, its benefits, and what to expect from treatment.




Understanding Testosterone Decline

Testosterone levels typically begin to decline around age 30, with a gradual reduction of 1-2% per year. This decline is a natural part of aging, but for some men, low testosterone (also known as low T or hypogonadism) can cause significant health and quality-of-life issues. Symptoms of low testosterone include:


  • Fatigue and low energy

  • Decreased muscle mass and strength

  • Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen

  • Reduced libido and erectile dysfunction

  • Mood changes, including depression or irritability

  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering things


For men experiencing these symptoms, testosterone therapy can be an effective treatment option.



What Is Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone therapy involves supplementing the body’s natural testosterone levels to restore them to a healthier range. There are several forms of testosterone therapy, including:

  • Injections: Testosterone is administered via an injection, typically every 1-2 weeks. This is one of the most common methods because it’s effective and relatively simple.

  • Topical Gels or Patches: These are applied to the skin daily and allow for a steady release of testosterone into the bloodstream.

  • Pellets: Tiny pellets are inserted under the skin, providing a slow and steady release of testosterone over several months.

  • Oral Medications: Some men may take testosterone in pill form, though this method is less common due to potential liver effects.


The type of therapy prescribed will depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and the recommendation of your healthcare provider. At FreshRx, we offer multiple options to keep our patients feeling great.



How Does Testosterone Therapy Work?

When testosterone levels are low, the body can struggle to perform many vital functions. Testosterone therapy helps by increasing these hormone levels, allowing the body to return to a more optimal state. Here’s what happens during testosterone therapy:

  1. Restoring Muscle Mass: Testosterone plays a key role in muscle growth and maintenance. By increasing testosterone levels, men often experience improved muscle mass and strength, which can lead to better overall fitness and reduced body fat.

  2. Boosting Energy and Mood: Low testosterone levels can cause fatigue and mood disturbances. Testosterone therapy helps by restoring energy levels, improving mood, and reducing feelings of depression or irritability.

  3. Enhancing Libido and Sexual Function: Testosterone is a critical hormone for sexual health. Men undergoing testosterone therapy often report improvements in libido, erectile function, and overall sexual satisfaction.

  4. Improving Cognitive Function: Some men experience “brain fog” or difficulty concentrating due to low testosterone. Testosterone therapy has been shown to improve cognitive function and mental clarity in these cases.

  5. Supporting Heart Health: There is evidence that testosterone therapy may improve cardiovascular health by helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels, supporting circulation, and strengthening blood vessels as well!




What to Expect from Testosterone Therapy

Before starting testosterone therapy, it’s essential to have your levels tested by a healthcare professional to confirm that you’re a candidate for treatment. If low testosterone is diagnosed, your provider will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. At FreshRx, we try to make this process as easy as possible for patients; are nurse practitioner can come directly to you to draw the labs, we can provide orders for patients to take to their nearest Diagnostic Lab location, or we can even send patients with a list of required labs to their doctor's office to have them drawn by your own primary healthcare team.


Once therapy begins, many men start to notice improvements within a few weeks. Full benefits may take a couple of months to be fully realized. It’s important to monitor your progress with regular follow-ups and lab tests to ensure your testosterone levels remain within a healthy range. Fresh Rx follows up with patients typically every 6 weeks until patients are consistently feeling great. Once we reach that point, we only need to see patients once every 6 months or so. It's a very convenient wellness regiment to adopt!



Conclusion

Testosterone therapy can be life-changing for men dealing with low testosterone. It offers a way to restore energy, improve physical and mental health, and regain confidence. If you’re experiencing symptoms of low T, please reach out to FreshRx for a free consultation for Testosterone Therapy! Take that first step toward feeling like yourself again. You won't regret it!


Testosterone therapy isn’t just about treating symptoms, and it is NOT just a treatment for body builders; it’s about improving overall quality of life for men of all ages with all different lifestyles. If you’re ready to explore your options, contact FreshRx Wellness today for a consultation and personalized approach to your health and wellness!



(410)-929-6051

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