My Testosterone is low…what can I do about it?

Testosterone Replacement Options

As men age, our testosterone levels drop by approximately 1% per year after the age of 30.

This can negatively impact men in a variety of ways, both physically and mentally.

Physically, you may notice a loss of libido or sexual function, increased body fat and loss of muscle mass, fatigue, and hair loss to name a few.

Mentally, this can manifest in poor sleep, emotional issues such as sadness or depression, cognitive issues, and even lack of motivation and confidence.

Don’t despair! There are various methods available to you to restore your testosterone back to your optimum level.

However, before you do anything, you should have your testosterone level checked, which is typically done with a blood test performed by a clinical laboratory.

[If you are looking for a faster way to check your testosterone without drawing your blood, Alpha Advantage offers a FREE testosterone level check in 10 minutes using just a few drops of your blood. No appointment necessary, just stop in our clinic anytime]

Natural Methods

For those looking to go the natural route, there are proven methods to achieve higher testosterone levels.

Activities like resistance training or lifting heavy weights have been shown to raise your testosterone levels both short and long term.

Eating foods high in protein and healthy fats has also shown in studies to raise your levels.

Vitamin D has multiple health benefits, including boosting your testosterone levels.

Finally, take some time to relax. Studies have shown that minimizing your stress and cortisol levels can minimize your rate of testosterone level reduction.

Benefits

Natural, safe, effective

Downsides

Only have a marginal effect on your overall levels

Oral Pharmaceuticals

There are pharmaceutical options available for raising testosterone levels.

Traditionally, pharmaceutical options have not been widely accepted due to liver toxicity and lack of efficacy.

However, newer molecules are able to bypass the liver, making them much safer than previous options.

Benefits

Convenient and easy to take

Downsides

The rapid metabolism by your body means this can be less effective for some people.

Topicals

Topical ointments and patches have been commonly prescribed for people with low testosterone. These are typically made by compound pharmacies.

Benefits

Easy to apply, no needles

Downsides

Your testosterone levels will spike after you take it, but slowly wear off, creating a peak/trough cycle

Injections

Intramuscular injections are one of the most common and effective methods of administering testosterone.

Depending on your levels, you may administer as often as once per week. This can be done in a clinical setting, or you can administer at home provided you or a loved one are comfortable giving an injection.

Benefits

Effective, immediate results, often covered by insurance

Downsides

Must be comfortable with frequent intramuscular shots. Insurance will only cover if your levels fall below a certain threshold, which is often lower than when many men want to start therapy.

Pellets

One method that is gaining in popularity is pellet therapy. With this method, small pellets (about the size of a grain of rice) are inserted under the skin in the upper buttocks. The pellets are slowly released into your system, varying depending upon your level of activity.

These normally last 6-8 months.

Benefits

Once the pellets are in, you don’t need to do anything! The steady release means you avoid the peak/trough cycle.

Downsides

Some people may experience soreness after insertion. Pellets are also not covered by insurance, making them a more expensive option.

If you would like to discuss your options or get your FREE testosterone level check, book an appointment with one of our Alpha Advantage clinical specialists.