Men’s Hormone Health

Testosterone is a key steroid hormone that plays an important role in men’s health, longevity and well being. A healthy sex drive, good muscle mass, bone health, strong sperm count, mental clarity and sound sleep are amongst many of the wellness elements that testosterone is responsible for maintaining.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy, TRT, is the replacement of natural testosterone production when the levels in the body are sub-optimal. By supplementing with this this vitally important male androgenous hormone, we are able to increase testosterone in the body and correct for any deficiencies so that they are functioning at an optimal level for you.

Testosterone is important for both physical and mental wellbeing and the benefits include the following functional improvements:

• Mental well being and cognitive function

• Improvement in energy levels

• Heightened sex drive, stronger erections and reduced erectile dysfunction

• Improved muscle mass and muscular development

• Increased red blood cell production

• Bone strength

• Weight control and a reduction in body fat

• Improved glucose control

• Better sleep quality

Demystifying the origins of low testosterone is a process. Whilst one can be born with low testosterone, it may also develop with age. We usually see a peak in testosterone levels during adolescence and thereafter begins a gradual decline. The decrease from your 20’s to 30’s and through to your 40’s can be around 1-2% annually. At first this gradual decrease is not felt, but as the numbers compound, symptoms from low testosterone start to impact general well being. There too, are many exogenous factors that contribute to low testosterone levels as the modern man’s lifestyle habits have changed over the past several decades. Such examples include chronic stress, poor sleep, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, unhealthy BMI’s, excessive alcohol intake and medications such as anabolic steroids. It is however not uncommon for fit and healthy men to experience any number of physical and mental symptoms of low T, as when over the age of 40, hormone changes become more apparent.

There are several physical and psychological symptoms of sub-optimal testosterone, and while not all symptoms are solely attributable to a testosterone deficiency, when individuals experience several symptoms together, we can investigate why.

Physical symptoms include:

• Loss of libido/ sex drive and erectile dysfunction

• Generalised weakness

• Fatigue not alleviated by sleep

• Loss of strength and muscle mass

• Poor recovery after exercise

• Weight gain and visceral fat distribution

• Poor sleep and sleep disturbance

On the psychological side, symptoms include:

• Low mood, anxiety, depersonalization and depression

• Brain fog, poor cognition, a loss of motivation and drive

• Low self esteem and mood swings

• A decreased enjoyment in life

The ADAM test allows a quick and convenient high level assessment of your symptoms.

Your Testosterone level is measured through a blood test. The results will tell us your total and free testosterone levels, with free testosterone being the amount of this androgenous hormone your body can easily access. If these results are sub-optimal, you may benefit from TRT.

Alongside testosterone we also look at other bloodwork in determining the need for TRT. Examples here include sex hormone binding globulin (SHBH) which looks at the protein that binds to total testosterone making it less available to your body. So while you may show good testosterone levels on the first test, if your SBHG is too high, you may experience symptoms of low testosterone.

Depending on your medical history, additional blood tests are conducted in order to gain a clearer picture of why you are experiencing your symptoms and how best to tailor a treatment plan . Examples here include, but are not limited to, a full blood count, cortisol levels, liver and renal function tests, lipids, iron, thyroid hormones and HbA1C.

Testing and treating requires a carefully considered and highly personal approach.

In addition to blood tests, we take into account your symptoms and how you feel qualitatively. All of these factors are considered when we look at whether you would benefit from TRT.

Our TRT doctor works along side you to help find the perfect TRT protocol for your needs. Each treatment regime is tailored to the individual and is focused not only on the quantitative result of bloodwork but the qualitative aspects of good health and well being in order for to optimise you and your treatment. Many factors need to be considered in the correct treatment protocol, ranging from lifestyle to fertility as well as the consideration budget. We aim to provide a holistic and integrated approach to TRT and are cognisant that the types of treatment vary from individual to individual based on both results and circumstance. Whilst we have certain preferences for the modality of treatment, we work alongside you to make sure the treatment is the best fit for you. There is no one size fits all solution and we rather seek to find a bespoke and flexible protocol based on your individual situation. Our main treatment philosophy we follow in TRT isn’t solely about the numbers but rather about how you feel and how the treatment protocol allows you to return to feeling and being the best version of you. Alongside a specialty focus on the the treatment regime, we believe that a holistic approach of looking at and supporting good lifestyle habits are the key to success with TRT and key in optimising your health.

Patients with sub-optimal levels of testosterone can be treated with testosterone therapy of either injectibles or creams. Intra muscular injections can be viewed as more potent because of their direct path to your tissues. In addition to this they are fast acting. Whilst testosterone creams can be less convenient than injections, they still have their place in a treatment regime. We prefer bespoke compounded medications that are dose adjustable and have superior absorption and efficiency. We work closely alongside a local specialist compounding pharmacist to provide this bespoke solution.

As treatment is an ongoing commitment, we commit to partnering with each patient so they can regain vitality and wellness.

Increasingly, men are learning of the benefits and importance of testosterone on health, libido, mood and vitality. By treating not just the symptoms, but the underlying cause, TRT is able to lead to several benefits in both the short and long term.

It is important to note that whilst we celebrate the short term benefits such as a boost in vitality, mental clarity and better sleep and libido, the treatment protocol is a gradual process taking several months and sometimes more before more benefits can be felt and seen.

It is always worth noting that at the cornerstone of all our treatment plans is a healthy diet and lifestyle, in order to fully optimise Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

Benefits of TRT include:

• Increased energy levels

• Increased lean muscle mass

• Heightened sexual desire, stronger erections and reduced erectile dysfunction

• Increase in strength

• Reduction in body fat

• Improved memory and mental clarity

• improvement in moods, irritability and reduced anxiety

• Better sleep quality

As with most medications and treatments, there are possible side effects. Some of these include, but are not limited to the following:

• Acne/ oily skin

• Hair loss

• Unresolved erectile function

• Insomnia (usually associated with too high a dose)

• Sleep apnea

• Testicular atrophy/ decreased fertility

• High blood pressure and or water retention

• Gynecomastia - rare on TRT

• High hematocrit - polycythaemia

• Lower extremity edema

• Stimulation of prostate tissue

• Weight gain

• Headaches

• Increased facial hair