Testosterone replacement therapy could improve your health and well-being if you have hypogonadism (low testosterone). If you’ve been experiencing symptoms that could be due to low levels of testosterone, leading urologist Kashif Alvi, MD, of Urologic Surgeons of Arizona can help. Dr. Alvi has considerable experience in diagnosing and treating low testosterone in men and women using testosterone replacement therapy. Call the Mesa or Gilbert, Arizona, office today to find out more or book an appointment online.
Testosterone is the male sex hormone, but women also have some testosterone. Testosterone levels peak during your teens and early adulthood then gradually reduce with age.
Testosterone affects more than just sexual performance. It also influences:
It’s important to find out if the drop in your testosterone is due to the normal aging process or if you have clinically low testosterone (hypogonadism).
The normal levels of testosterone in men range from 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) to 800ng/dL. For women over 50, minimum healthy testosterone levels would be 20 ng/dL.
Low testosterone that isn’t age-related is often due to chronic medical problems like diabetes and obesity. Infections, hormonal conditions, and injuries to the testicles can affect testosterone production as well.
Symptoms of low testosterone include:
Although these symptoms most often affect men, women can experience similar symptoms if they have very low testosterone levels.
Testosterone replacement therapy can restore your testosterone levels if you have hypogonadism and your body can’t make enough testosterone of its own.
Testosterone replacement therapy takes several forms, including:
Testosterone gel involves a simple daily application of gel onto your shoulders or upper arms each day. Dr. Alvi uses your lab results to customize the gel so that it’s the most suitable type and the right strength for you.
Testosterone patches work in much the same way as the gel. Instead of rubbing the gel into your skin, you stick on a patch infused with testosterone.
With this method, you or your partner inject testosterone into a muscle in your arm, thigh, or buttock every two weeks.
Dr. Alvi implants testosterone pellets under the skin on your buttock. The pellets release testosterone slowly over a 3-6 month period. This slow, regulated delivery provides the best results for testosterone replacement therapy.
If you have symptoms that you think could be due to low testosterone levels, call Urologic Surgeons of Arizona today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
