Low Testosterone Treatment in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
What is Low Testosterone?
Testosterone is a critical hormone for normal male sexual development and functions. As men age, maintaining adequate testosterone levels becomes important for maintaining a good quality of life. When testosterone levels drop below normal, men may experience a condition known as Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD) or Low Testosterone (Low-T). This can have various physical and mental effects on the body.
Signs of Low Testosterone Levels
Low testosterone levels can have severe effects on all aspects of the body, both physically and mentally. Some common signs of low testosterone include:
- Reduced sex drive and erectile function
- Loss of body hair or reduced beard growth
- Loss of lean muscle mass and increased body fat
- Bone fragility
- Chronic fatigue
- Hot flashes (yes, men can experience hot flashes too)
- Depression
How Is Low T Diagnosed?
Identifying individuals with low testosterone is crucial in order to begin optimizing levels. At Robinhood Integrative Health, our providers will ask about specific symptoms and order a comprehensive hormonal panel. In addition to testosterone levels, we also check other hormones such as estrogen, FSH/LH, prolactin, CBC, PSA, and SHBG (sex-hormone binding globulin). Beyond hormones, we believe it’s important to assess the entire endocrine system, including a full thyroid and cortisol panel.
How Is Low T Diagnosed?
Identifying individuals with low testosterone is crucial in order to begin optimizing levels. At Robinhood Integrative Health, our providers will ask about specific symptoms and order a comprehensive hormonal panel. In addition to testosterone levels, we also check other hormones such as estrogen, FSH/LH, prolactin, CBC, PSA, and SHBG (sex-hormone binding globulin). Beyond hormones, we believe it’s important to assess the entire endocrine system, including a full thyroid and cortisol panel.
Treating Low Testosterone Levels
Normal vs. Optimal:
We approach the interpretation of lab results through an Integrative or Functional Medicine lens, considering the distinction between “normal” and “optimal” ranges. For instance, the “normal range” of testosterone in men is typically stated as 250-1000. However, individuals may experience significant differences in their well-being with testosterone levels of 300 compared to 900. Unfortunately, this type of Low-T is often overlooked.
Treatment:
We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating low testosterone. At Robinhood Integrative Health, we believe in tailoring the treatment to the individual. Depending on the patient’s desires and responses, we have various tools available for treatment. These may include Clomid or HCG medications to stimulate natural testosterone production, especially in cases of fertility concerns or testicular volume. We also offer testosterone creams, injections, sublingual tablets, or pellets.
Contact Our Integrative Medicine Providers in Winston-Salem, NC
At Robinhood Integrative Health, our medical experts are committed to providing you with the best possible care and helping you achieve your health goals. We value our patients’ input and work with them as partners in their healthcare journey. If you are experiencing low testosterone levels, please fill out a new patient form and take the first step towards restoring your health.
