Testosterone Therapy: A Useful Tool in Modern Medicine
Testosterone therapy has been utilized in medicine for decades, and when used properly, can help men to regain energy levels, libido, muscle mass and improved mood. But therapy should be individualized based on clinical history, risk factors, symptoms and lab values.
Testosterone peaks in adolescence and young adulthood, with declining levels as we age. Multiple factors contribute to how quickly testosterone declines such as stress level, nutrition status, exercise routine and genetics. A steep decline in testosterone can lead to a number of symptoms. Have your testosterone level checked if you experience:
Low energy level
Low sex drive or trouble maintaining an erection
Reduced muscle mass
Fatigue
Sleep issues
Depression
A knowledgeable medical provider can assess your testosterone level and determine if your level is appropriate for your age. Just because your testosterone is in the “normal range” does not mean it’s ideal for your stage in life. Providers administering testosterone therapy should never supersede this range either, and there are risks with dosing testosterone too high.
If your testosterone level is sub-optimal, your provider may recommend testosterone therapy if you are a candidate for this treatment. Testosterone therapy is NOT appropriate for individuals with an enlarged prostate gland (BPH), prostate cancer, sleep apnea, congestive heart failure, increased red blood cell count or significant cardiovascular risk. Testosterone therapy can also reduce sperm count, so this is not advised in men trying to conceive with their partner. Baseline labs should include at minimum: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Total Testosterone. Testosterone testing should always be completed in the morning, ideally between 8-10am. A comprehensive history and physical exam should also be performed. These tests are important for evaluating safety and appropriateness of testosterone therapy for you.
Testosterone replacement therapy can be administered via injections, patches, gels or pellets inserted under the skin. Each method has pros and cons, which your provider will review to determine the best route for you.
Once you are on testosterone therapy, ongoing lab testing is warranted every 3-6 months to ensure effectiveness of the treatment and also ongoing safety. This is very important and sometimes missed in conventional practice.
Testosterone levels can also improve with nutrition changes and the addition of herbal medicine. Foods to increase include:
Oysters
Salmon
Brazil nuts
Leafy greens
Apples
Eggs
Herbal medicine and supplements are a powerful tool for increasing testosterone levels, including Tribulus, Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Selenium and Zinc. Just as we take precautions with testosterone hormone replacement, these agents should be used carefully and dosed according to the individual’s needs and safety profile.
Optimizing testosterone levels in men can be a real game changer, allowing individuals to get back to their normal self. Testosterone lab testing is underutilized and easy to perform. Our naturopathic physician team at Vancouver Wellness Studio is trained in screening for testosterone deficiency and equipped to treat this common issue in a safe and effective way.
Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Lisa Bryant to learn more
Dr. Lisa Bryant is a naturopathic physician with over 10 years of experience in treating hormone imbalance including testosterone deficiency. She is the medical director of Vancouver Wellness Studio and passionate about helping her patients and resident team effectively implement hormone replacement therapy in a safe and holistic way.
