Ah, testosterone. Images of bulked up hunks, revved up and raging to go…Burly, sometimes bully, macho maniacs just itching to get in someone’s face. Over anything. Well, sorry to break into your colorful reverie, but there is a lot more to Low T, misunderstood testosterone than you’d imagine.

But let’s start simple; testosterone is a hormone. Often called the “male hormone”. Made from cholesterol. (Interesting, huh?) Produced in the testicles (spoiler alert; women have it too, but we’ll get to that later) it is secreted into the body and is the genetic driver to the growth and maturing of sexual organs and sexual identity. When it’s working at full power, you’re going full speed ahead. But when testosterone levels begin to unlevel off…well that’s another thing. Hello Low T.

WHERE HAS YOUR SEX DRIVE DRIVEN?

According to the American Urological Association, both men and women in their 30’s begin to experience low testosterone or what’s referred to as Low T. It isn’t just aging that makes testosterone tank. While the production of testosterone starts to increase significantly during puberty, it begins to dip after age 30 or so. (Bye-bye…) No matter what age, Low T levels can produce a variety of symptoms in men, including: (you’re not going to like this)

• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Fatigue
• Sleep apnea
• Reduced bone density (not just for gals, guys…)
• Less red blood cell production
• Less energy
• Depression and mood changes
• Decreased body hair
• Increased breast size (Oh no, the dreaded moobs…)
• Hot flashes (Could it get any worse?)

Glad you asked. Because yes, there’s the whole sex thing. Testosterone isn’t the only fuel for a man’s sex drive and performance. But Low T can absolutely reduce your ability to have satisfying sex. And doesn’t unsatisfying sex sound like an oxymoron? Low T can make it difficult to get or maintain erections. (Not too pleasing to your partner, either.) And speaking of partners, it can also reduce levels of semen and sperm production. Less of the usable man-stuff floating around in your blood. (Good to know if you’re thinking of producing any little kiddos.) Face it, when your libido lags, your self-esteem isn’t far behind.

WOMEN, START YOUR TESTOSTERONE

How little is truly known about sex in the stronger, just as incredible as men sex—women. Fact; women do have testosterone. They produce it in their ovaries and adrenal glands, albeit in less amounts than men. (We do ace out in estrogen, however). A woman’s testosterone levels naturally change throughout her life, her menstrual cycle, and even at different times of the day. But Low T in women is most common when they are pre and post-menopausal. As with men, Low T can mean trouble in the way the body functions. Or rather, disfunctions. This list of symptoms ought to lower more than your T:

• Loss of muscle tone in arms and legs (Dingle, dangle anyone?)
• Fatigue
• Thinner hair
• Drier skin
• Depression
• Increased body fat (Love handles, heavens…)
• Loss of bone density/osteoporosis (Beware those broken bones).
• Sleep disturbances
• Fertility issues
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Vaginal dryness (Give us a break…)
• Poor memory or concentration
• And like men, we can’t forget sex: (How can we forget sex?)
• Loss of libido (Perhaps you’ve heard of “not tonight, honey?)

And to top it off…painful intercourse. Frankly, it’s all painful.

THE LOW T GAME; POP IT, PATCH IT, GEL IT, NEEDLE IT

There are multiple options for testosterone delivery to battle Low T. Over the counter T-Booster supplements don’t have anything to support claims of actually increasing testosterone.  Then there are topical creams and gels. Messy. Sticky. Not just icky, but iffy when it comes to levels of absorption. Patches? Just as problematic. Maybe more so. Just take a gander at the lengthy instructions they come with. Are they kidding? Maybe the only instruction they come with should be “Do not do this at home”.

TESTOSTERONE; WHY PELLETS ARE PERFECT

Testosterone pellets are a form of hormone replacement therapy for both women and men that have been around since the 1930’s. So we’re not talking some newfangled thing here. Something untested or unproven. Pellets, which are about the size of a grain of rice and are easily and painlessly inserted under the skin. The body begins to slowly metabolize the pellets, releasing a steady, optimal dose of hormones, much like our normal function, over three to six months. No remembering to take pills, deal with messy patches or creams. And only with pellets can you be confident that your body is getting the exact amount of hormones it needs. Which eliminates an up and down roller coaster effect that comes with other forms of testosterone delivery.

NOT SURE ABOUT PELLETS; TRY T INJECTIONS

Testosterone injections are relatively new to the market and should be administered by a medical practice like Thrive Health Solutions. The injections are painless subcutaneous testosterone injections with a tiny needle. They are a great solution for both men and women with the added bonus of a time release effect by injecting into the fat. Which make these injections so much easier and comfortable to self-administer. The T Injections, also known as the T shot, are an alternative to the pellets for those who are suffering from Low T but are not ready for the expense of pellet therapy. With T Injections you get weekly injections and after a few weeks, you can determine if a testosterone treatment is working for you.

To get it exactly perfect, means finding the right medical experts trained and experienced in all types of hormone replacement therapy including testosterone pellet or injection therapy. And there is no one you can feel more confident with than the professionals at Thrive Health Solutions. When Thrive meets with you, they perform an in-depth evaluation which includes a detailed health history and bloodwork to help them determine if testosterone therapy is right for you. And they only do what is right for you. If you don’t actually need testosterone therapy, they won’t do it. If you do, they’’ll explain everything in detail, and there is no question too small for you to ask. Make an appointment now. And get your whole body back in drive.