Since 2018 Iron Mountain Men’s Health has helped hundreds of men with testosterone replacement therapy in Philadelphia, PA. Our programs are for men with lab-confirmed low testosterone. Your care is led by Dr. Avidon Appel. Your medication will be conveniently delivered to your home, and you’ll have access to ongoing support from our dedicated care team.
About Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), also known as Androgen replacement therapy, is a form of hormone treatment that involves the restoration of testosterone to reverse the effects of male hypogonadism. Hypogonadism occurs as a result of low testosterone production by the testes. In men with confirmed low testosterone, TRT may help with:
- Energy
- Sex drive
- Body composition
- Muscle mass and bone density
- Mood
Results vary.
What are the symptoms of Low Testosterone?
Each man with low testosterone will experience different symptoms of varying intensity. They can appear suddenly or develop over time, making self-monitoring for them essential.
Men often disregard low-T symptoms, incorrectly dismissing them as inevitable. If you experience any of the following, talk to your physician to determine your testosterone levels.
Men often disregard low-T symptoms, incorrectly dismissing them as inevitable. If you experience any of the following, talk to your physician to determine your testosterone levels.
- Loss of sexual desire/low sex drive (sometimes coupled with relationship strain)
- Decreased sperm production/sperm count
- Erectile dysfunction/impaired sexual function
- Body hair loss
- Altered mood and feelings of depression and irritation
- Diminished confidence and elevated stress
- Diminished vitality and increased fatigue
- A simultaneous loss of muscle mass and increase in body fat
- Decreased hemoglobin and mild anemia
- Difficulty concentrating and maintaining focus
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Options
At Iron Mountain Men's Health, we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Our comprehensive testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) options are designed to effectively address low testosterone levels.
Sometimes called transdermal treatment, you can apply adhesive patches that contain testosterone to your arms or
upper
body. The testosterone is then absorbed through the skin. The patches can be applied once daily and worn for 24
hours at a time. If you choose this treatment, you must change the patch daily to deliver a constant stream of
testosterone. You will also need to rotate the location of the patches each day and allow seven days before
repeating the same
patch placement to minimize the risk of skin irritation.
Several types of testosterone gels, most commonly Androgel and Testim, come in tubes, packets, and pumps. The
gels are topical and are applied to the upper arms, shoulders, abdomen, inner thighs or scrotum. The
testosterone in them is absorbed through the skin. After applying a gel, you must allow it to dry so it does not
rub off on your clothing. Gels can easily transfer from your body or palms to surfaces or other people. That's
why it is important to wear clothing over the application site and thoroughly wash your hands.
Injections are usually administered directly into the gluteal muscle to deliver testosterone straight into the
bloodstream. Depending on the dose, you'd need weekly or biweekly injections to maintain your testosterone
levels. Doctors may also place pellets beneath the skin so that they can gradually release testosterone into the
bloodstream. Implanted pellets usually last three to six months.
What causes Low Testosterone?
There are several common causes of low testosterone, including:
- Aging – Testosterone levels naturally decline with age. This is generally gradual, starting around age 30 or 40.
- Injury or Infection – An injury to the testicles or a viral infection can cause a sudden drop in testosterone.
- Tumors – Tumors of the pituitary gland or testicles can interfere with testosterone production.
- Medications – Some medications, such as glucocorticoids used to treat conditions like arthritis and lupus, can lower testosterone levels.
- Chronic Illness – Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and kidney disease, can compromise normal testosterone levels.
Testosterone is a hormone that is essential for bone health, strength, muscle development, sexual function, energy, and performance. If your body's level of testosterone falls outside a healthy range, TRT can raise testosterone into the normal range. Some men notice changes within a few weeks; for others it takes longer, but people typically remain on their TRT program for 1-2 years or longer.
How Common is Low Testosterone?
Testosterone deficiency is a common condition, affecting between 4 and 5 million men each year. Approximately 40% of 40-year-old men have low testosterone. Its prominence rises about 1% with each additional year.
Risks and Side Effects
Acne
Worsening sleep apnea
Growth of existing prostate cancer
Breast enlargement
Testicular shrinkage
Increasing red blood cell production which could lead to a blood clot
Lower sperm count and reduced fertility
Is Hormone Therapy Right For You?
TRT may be right for you if blood tests on two separate mornings confirm low testosterone and you have ongoing symptoms such as decreased energy levels, decreased libido, decreased strength, increase fat tissue gain, decreased sense of vitality, decreased muscle mass, decreased bone density, anemia, weight gain, depression, low self-esteem, moodiness.