Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona

Bioidentical Male Hormone Replacement Therapy

Speak with Dr. Todd to learn more

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles in men and by the ovaries in women. For more information on how bioidentical hormones help women, click here. For men, testosterone is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. Testosterone is also important for maintaining muscle bulk, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone density, sense of well-being, and sexual and reproductive function.

1 What causes testosterone deficiency?

As a man ages, the amount of testosterone his body produces gradually declines. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life.

2 What are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency?

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency include the following:

Decreased sex drive
Decreased sense of well-being
Depressed mood
Difficulties with concentration and memory
Erectile dysfunction

3 What are the changes that occur in the body with testosterone deficiency?

Changes that occur with testosterone deficiency include:

Decrease in muscle mass, with an increase in body fat
Variable effects on cholesterol metabolism
Decrease in hemoglobin and possibly mild anemia
Fragile bones (osteoporosis)
Decrease in body hair

4 How do I find out if I have a testosterone deficiency?

The only accurate way to detect the condition is to have your testosterone tested.

5 What options are available for testosterone replacement?

The options available for testosterone replacement are:

Intramuscular injections, generally every one to three weeks.
Testosterone gel or cream that is applied daily to the scrotal, inner thighs or inner arms.

Each of these options provides adequate levels of hormone replacement. Each has side effects and advantages and disadvantages.

Intramuscular injections produce wider swings in hormone concentration, with higher levels shortly after the injection and lower levels just before the next injection is due. They may also produce increases in blood cell count that are higher than normal. The gels require care in making sure that the hormone is not accidentally transferred to another person or partner.

There are currently no pills available in the United States that provide adequate levels of hormone replacement. In addition, oral medications may produce liver abnormalities and are to be avoided.

The choice of hormone replacement therapy is best made with a thorough discussion between a patient and his physician.

6 Who shouldn’t take testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy may stimulate growth of the prostate if there is estrogen conversion. If early prostate cancer is present, this may stimulate the cancer’s growth. Therefore, men who have prostate cancer should not take testosterone replacement therapy. It is important for all men considering testosterone replacement therapy to undergo prostate screening before starting this therapy. Although it is a rare condition, men who have breast cancer should not take testosterone replacement therapy.

7 What are the side effects of testosterone replacement therapy?

In general, hormone replacement therapy is safe. It is associated with some side effects, including:

Acne or oily skin
Mild fluid retention
Stimulation of prostate tissue, with perhaps some increased urination symptoms such as decreased stream or frequency.
- This is easily countered with either natural or pharmaceutical estrogen blockers.
Breast enlargement. Also reversed or prevented via estrogen blockers.
Worsening of sleep apnea (a sleep disorder that results in frequent night time
Awakenings and daytime sleepiness)
Decreased testicular size. Reversed or prevented via hCG cycling and/or estrogen blockers.
Decrease in cholesterol concentrations
Increase in red cell count
Decrease in sperm count, producing infertility (especially in younger men). hCG cycling will prevent or minimize this.