The Testosterone Remedy That Allows You to Hold on to Your Youth
If you are a man, you can thank testosterone for making you the man you are. The hormone has played a leading role in providing you with strength, muscle mass, and strong bone density. It’s also been responsible for giving you your robust sex drive and plays a crucial role in enhancing energy levels to help you with your day-to-day manly pursuits.
As men age, though, testosterone levels gradually start to decline. This natural decline begins sometime after age 30 and typically results in a 1% loss of testosterone per year. For most men, this natural loss doesn’t affect normal daily testosterone levels, which fall between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood, levels that typically vary widely through the course of a day. However, when testosterone levels consistently remain below 300 ng/dL, it represents an unhealthy condition called testosterone deficiency (TD).
According to the American Urological Association, TD can affect men at any age. In fact, the association believes roughly 2.1% of men have TD, with the condition affecting older men at a two-per-10 rate after age 60 and a three-per-10 rate after age 70. Bottom line, if you have low testosterone levels, you are not alone. Dr. Diane Brzezinski, D.O., has helped many older Naples, Florida-area men restore their testosterone levels and as a result feel younger.
How Do I Know Whether My Testosterone Levels Are Too Low?
Blood tests can determine men’s testosterone levels, but if you have TD, you’re probably experiencing some related symptoms. Direct and indirect signs of TD may include:
- Fatigue
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decrease in muscle strength and mass
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- Hair loss and decreased facial hair growth
- Increase in body fat
- Mild anemia
- Breast development (gynecomastia)
If you are over the age of 60, you have already experienced a natural decrease in testosterone levels, and more than two dozen medical conditions could put you at risk of TD. Lifestyle conditions, such as being overweight and drinking too much, along with certain medications, can also put you at enhanced risk for TD.
How Can I Prevent TD or Restore Testosterone Levels?
Living a healthy lifestyle undoubtedly is the best means of maintaining healthy testosterone levels and limiting natural decline. Consequently, this involves eating healthy foods, getting plenty of exercise, managing weight, and avoiding excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
BHRT restores hormone levels with pellets inserted under the skin, which then delivers a steady amount of testosterone into the bloodstream for a period of months. This consistent hormone delivery method is believed to be superior to typical oral and transdermal delivery, which do not maintain consistent levels as effectively. On the other hand, inconsistent delivery can cause fluctuations in energy levels, mood changes, and other side effects.
Clinical studies and Dr. B’s experience with her patients have shown that BHRT can help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with TD. Studies also suggest that maintaining optimal testosterone levels can provide other health benefits, including:
- Reduced cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and prostate cancer risk.
- A boost in hemoglobin levels, which reduces anemia and enhances iron absorption.
- Sustained remission of type 2 diabetes.
- Improved bone density.
Consult with Dr. B to Restore Your Testosterone Levels
If you would like to learn more about how BHRT can help you restore your testosterone levels, then Dr. B would be glad to consult with you. In addition to discussing BHRT, Dr. B can also provide you with holistic treatment ideas to help you maintain optimal health while you age. Contact Dr. B at her Naples-based internal medicine practice today through our easy online form, or call (239) 261-9990.