Founder &
Operations Coordinator
Cieanna Marie, CMT
Medical Director
Psychiatric Family Nurse Practitioner
Bonnie Velez, DNP
TESTOSTERONE INJECTIONS
also known as TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (TRT)​​
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Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) is a condition in which the testes (testicles, the male reproductive glands) do not produce enough testosterone (a male sex hormone). In men, testosterone helps maintain and develop:
Adequate levels of red blood cells
Sexual and reproductive function
Sense of well-being
Sexual features
Muscle mass
Bone density
How common is low Testosterone?
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Low testosterone affects almost 40% of men aged 45 and older. It is difficult to maintain normal testosterone levels, because levels vary throughout the day and are affected by body mass index (BMI), nutrition, alcohol consumption, certain medications, age and illness.
What are the symptoms of low Testosterone?​
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Fatigue Moodiness and irritability Decreased sense of well-being Infertility
Depressed mood Difficulties with concentration and memory Loss of muscular strength A decrease in hemoglobin and mild anemia A decrease in body hair Thinning of the bones Low sex drive Erectile dysfunction Increased body fat
What causes low Testosterone?​
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As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his body gradually drops. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues (about 1% per year) throughout his life. There are many other potential causes of low T including:
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Injury (trauma, interrupted blood supply to the testes) or infection of the testes (orchitis)
Metabolic disorders such as hemochromatosis Pubertal delay Dysfunction or tumors of the pituitary gland Trauma (head injury) Chemotherapy for cancer Medications, including opioids, hormones used to treat prostate cancer, and steroids (such as prednisone) Mellitus HIV/AIDS Severe primary hypothyroidism Aging Alcohol abuse Cirrhosis of the liver Chronic renal (kidney) failure Inflammatory conditions such as sarcoidosis Radiation exposure or prior surgery of the brain Kallmann syndrome Obstructive sleep apnea Klinefelter syndrome High levels of the milk-producing hormone prolactin Obesity or extreme weight loss Uncontrolled type 2 Diabetes Previous anabolic steroid abuse Congenital defect (present at birth) Estrogen excess (usually from an external or environmental source)
How is low Testosterone diagnosed?
Low testosterone is diagnosed by measuring the amount of testosterone in the blood with a blood test. It may take several measurements to determine if a patient has low testosterone, since levels tend to change throughout the day. The highest levels of testosterone are generally in the morning between 8 and 10 in the morning. This is why doctors prefer to measure testosterone levels in the early morning.
What are the benefits of Testosterone Injections?
​​Greater muscle strength and physical performance
Increased bone density and protection against osteoporosis
Improved mental sharpness
Improved mood and sense of well-being
Improved sexual function
Loss of fat
What are the side effects of Testosterone Injections?
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Swelling in the ankles caused by mild fluid retention
Stimulation of the prostate, which can cause urination symptoms such as difficulty urinating
Worsening of sleep apnea and possible daytime sleepiness
Skin irritation (in patients receiving topical testosterone replacement)
Smaller testes Acne or oily skin Breast enlargement or tenderness
Testosterone Injections May not be for you if you have:
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An enlarged prostate resulting in urinary symptoms
A lump on their prostate that has not been evaluated
A PSA measurement above 4
Breast Cancer or Prostate Cancer
An elevated hematocrit level (higher-than-normal number of red blood cells)
Severe congestive heart failure
Obstructive sleep apnea that has not been treated
Can low Testosterone be prevented?​
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There are no known methods to prevent low testosterone that is caused by genetic conditions or damage to the testes or pituitary gland. A healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition, exercise, weight management, and avoidance of excessive alcohol and/or drug abuse can help keep testosterone levels normal.