Testosterone Optimization for Men.
Am I a Candidate?Male Testosterone Therapy in Cincinnati, Ohio
Minimize the Symptoms of Low T
As part of the normal aging process, our body’s hormonal function slowly declines. In addition, many medications (pain meds, antacids, marijuana, cholesterol lowering meds) and lifestyle factors (sedentary lifestyle, illicit drugs, anabolic steroids and excessive alcohol) and environmental toxins can contribute to suboptimal testosterone levels and symptoms.
Other hormones (elevated cortisol and prolactin) can contribute to an imbalance in our Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis, leading to fatigue and weight gain. A man’s testosterone usually peaks in his late teens to early 20’s, then begins to drop by approximately 1% every year. Male testosterone optimization therapy in Cincinnati can be extremely beneficial to a male’s health, as well as help alleviate many symptoms.
Reaching an Optimal Hormone Level.
Far too often, a physician will dismiss a man’s concerns regarding testosterone unless his serum level of total testosterone is less than 300 (actually AACE states < 300 on two occasions in a fasting state) . We believe there is huge difference in “normal” vs “optimal” hormone levels. Studies suggest Testosterone levels <450 are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Our goal is to optimize your testosterone which may alleviate many of the symptoms associated with testosterone decline.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone:
- Weight gain (especially in the abdomen)
- Loss of libido or interest in sex
- Erectile Dysfunction / decreased morning erections
- Fatigue
- Irritability / anxiety (“grumpy old men” syndrome)
- Joint aches and pains, muscle stiffness
- Loss of muscle mass
- Decreased drive and ambition
- Depression, low mood
Optimize Hormone Levels.
Our practice offers several options for testosterone optimization or replacement. Testosterone can be delivered via topical creams, injections and subcutaneous inserts (pellets). Testosterone therapy in Cincinnati may decrease sperm production, potentially permanently.
For this reason, men desiring future fertility or even those with just a relative androgen deficiency and not quite ready for testosterone therapy, we will discuss other means to “boost” your own production of testosterone. Each delivery method has advantages and disadvantages that are discussed in detail during your consultation.
We place testosterone pellets with a local anesthetic, through a 5 mm incision in the hip or love handles. The procedure is performed here in our office by one of our doctors in about three minutes and is relatively painless. You will leave the office with adhesive tape covering the wound that you can remove in four days. Benefits are usually enjoyed within three weeks and last for approximately 4 to 6 months in men. We ask that you do not participate in any intense exercise for 2-3 days, as well as avoid soaking in water (bathtub, swimming pool) for 3 days.
Advantages include:
- Testosterone is delivered in a slow and steady fashion
- Mimics the body’s inherent physiology
- Superior results
- Enhanced compliance (insertions only 2-4 times a year)
- No risk of transfer of hormones to family members
- Hormone levels monitored via blood-work
Testosterone injections are self-administered (2-3 times a week) into subcutaneous tissue (typically the belly or “love handle”) in the comfort of your own home.
Advantages include:
- No downtime due to pellet insertion procedure
- Mimics the body’s inherent physiology
- Superior results!
- Little or no pain at the injection site
- Hormone levels monitored via blood-work
- No risk of transfer of hormones to family members
Testosterone cream is self-administered daily to the skin in the comfort of your own home.
Advantages include:
- No needles or procedure required
Possible Outcomes of Optimized Testosterone Therapy
- Increased mental and physical energy
- Improved libido and sexual satisfaction
- Healthier physique
- A better sense of well being
- Decreased fat, improved lean muscle mass
- Increased bone mineral density, protect bone health
- Decreased cholesterol, improved cardiovascular health
- Improved cognition, studies to suggest prevents Alzheimer’s disease
- Decreased inflammation
Process and Results
Hormone Program Process
Step 1.
The Consultation
Your initial consultation with one of our physicians for Male hormone optimization therapy in Cincinnati will begin with a thorough look into your past medical and surgical history, family history, and current medications, with specific attention paid to the symptoms you are struggling with.
Step 2.
Blood Tests
Next, we will obtain several blood tests to look at your free and total testosterone levels, other hormones which can contribute to endocrine disruption, and serum markers to get a better picture of your overall health (a complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, CRP-hs, lipid panel, HbA1c for blood sugar, and vitamin levels). Typically, this blood work is done in a fasting state. We encourage patients to bring in any prior blood-work from the past year to decrease costs associated with repeating the tests.
Step 3.
Treatment
We will see you back in the office in 1 to 2 weeks, review your test results and initiate therapy if appropriate. We discuss the options of route of testosterone optimization including creams, injections and pellets and the pros and cons of each method. For those men who desire future fertility or not yet a candidate for testosterone therapy, we will discuss other means to “boost” your own production of testosterone. Diet, exercise, and optimal supplementation are all discussed as an important part of hormone optimization in Cincinnati.
Step 4.
Follow Up Appointments
We recommend checking hormone levels periodically to monitor your response. We anticipate a face-to face office visit every 4 to 6 months while on testosterone replacement/optimization. Periodic blood work is a mandatory component of testosterone optimization in our practice.
Step 5.
Results
Most men start to notice improvement in symptoms at 3 weeks after starting therapy with an improvement in libido at that time. Overall sense of well-being, mood, and quality of life usally occur at 3-4 weeks after initiation of therapy. Changes in erections/ejaculations may require up to 6 months to notice an improvement. Improvements in lipids, CRP-hs (marker of inflammation) and visceral fat usually occur after 6-12 months of therapy. Individual results may vary based on response to therapy.
If I Optimize my Testosterone, will all my symptoms resolve?
It’s not always that simple. Our practice strives to optimize all aspects of your hormones: thyroid, insulin, adrenals (cortisol,DHEA) and growth hormone. There are several lifestyle factors that are essential for optimized health.
Things to consider for optimal results are:
- Sound Sleep (7-8 hours/night)
- Regular exercise
- Appropriate Supplementation, Micronutrient Evaluation
- Stress Management and Treatment of Adrenal Dysfunction (cortisol and DHEA)
- Regular Bowel Movements (1-3 times/day)
- Clean Eating
- Elimination of food sensitivities
- Periodic detoxification (2x/ year)
- Optimal Thyroid function
- Optimal Growth Hormone function
- Optimal Insulin function
If testosterone optimization does not give you the results you desire, we have structured our practice and tailored our training to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of health and wellness. We will work with you to reach your desired goals. From our wellness coach who specializes in nutrition and weight loss, to our medical providers who integrate both traditional and functional medicine, our goal is to approach your health care from a holistic perspective. Our goal is to give you the most complete care in the areas you may need.
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Paired Treatments
Pairing treatments can get you dramatic results
Combining treatments can be the answer to getting the most out of your hormone optimization. Depending on your goals, sometimes other treatments may be needed to optimize overall quality of life. When you pair Testosterone Optimization Therapy in Cincinnati with other treatments in our practice, you can get results that last longer or occur more quickly than stand alone treatments. When you come in for your consultation, your provider can speak to you about combining your treatments.
The term “bioidentical” means the hormones in the product are chemically identical to those your body produces. Several hormone therapy products approved by the FDA and prescribed by health care providers contain bioidentical hormones. Testosterone products (such as Androgel, Depo-Testosterone and Testopel) are FDA approved ONLY for use in men who lack or have low testoerone levels in condjuction with an associated medical condition (genetic problems/chemotherapy/brain problems). Compounded hormones are not FDA approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Statements on the webpage relating to testosterone optimization therapy have not been evaluated by the FDA . Compounded hormones are are not intended to diagnose , cure or prevent any disease. Compounded hormones may be produced in doses and forms that differ from those in FDA approved products. Individual results may vary.
Return to Disclaimer ^Frequently Asked Questions.
Is testosterone therapy covered by insurance?
What are the side effects of testosterone?
What is the data regarding the safety and efficacy of testosterone replacement?
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It's simple— identify the problem areas of your body and we will recommend the right treatment plan for you.