FAQs

Testosterone levels are typically assessed through a blood test. Normal total testosterone levels usually range between 300 ng/dL and 1000 ng/dL.

Low testosterone can arise from several underlying issues, broadly classified into two main categories: primary deficiency and secondary causes.

Primary Deficiency involves problems directly with the testes. These include:

• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Undescended testis
• Previous mumps infection
• Cancer treatments
• Trauma or injury to the testicles

Secondary Causes originate from issues outside the testes that affect hormone production. These include:

• Disorders of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
• Certain medications
• Other concurrent illnesses
• Inflammatory diseases

Understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment and management of low testosterone levels.

Many studies indicate that testosterone levels generally decrease with age in men, although the precise mechanisms behind this decline are not fully understood. If a patient is diagnosed with hypogonadism, or low testosterone, it’s crucial to investigate and exclude other potential medical causes, such as underlying health conditions. The FDA notes that the benefits and safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for treating low testosterone symptoms attributed solely to aging have not yet been definitively established.

When testosterone levels fall below normal, the brain usually signals the testes to boost production. However, disruptions in the body’s physiology can affect this natural process. Recent research has linked low testosterone to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, increased mortality, anemia, diabetes, and depression. Furthermore, studies suggest that testosterone replacement therapy can mitigate or reverse many of these risks.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that testosterone therapy can help reduce body fat, manage diabetes, protect against atherosclerosis, and enhance bone density. Restoring testosterone to normal levels may also lower the risk of coronary artery disease. Patients undergoing therapy might experience improvements in cognitive function, mood, anxiety, and even protection against Alzheimer’s disease.

It is essential to remember that individual responses to testosterone replacement therapy can vary, and results are not guaranteed.

Patches and gels enable testosterone absorption through the skin but can result in inconsistent absorption rates and may be less precise in reaching target levels. Additionally, these methods can be inconvenient and require special precautions around children and others. Subcutaneous implants involve a minor surgical procedure to insert pellets under the skin, but adjusting dosages can be challenging. Injections, while requiring more frequent administration, offer precise dosage adjustments to effectively achieve desired testosterone levels.

Testosterone therapy has been linked to an increase in red blood cell count, which can thicken the blood and elevate the risk of clots. This, in turn, may lead to complications such as pulmonary embolisms, heart attacks, and strokes. At Vital T Performanc, we carefully monitor red blood cell levels and take proactive steps to maintain them within a safe range. For more details on the relationship between testosterone levels and cardiovascular risk, we encourage you to explore our blog.

Additionally, we recommend that all patients review the latest FDA findings, which suggest a potential increase in cardiovascular risk associated with testosterone use.

At Vital T Performance, we specialize in providing testosterone injections as our primary treatment option, due to their superior safety and effectiveness compared to other methods. For patients experiencing significant fatigue from B12 deficiency, we also offer B12 injections to help address this issue. Additionally, after the initial month of testosterone therapy, we may incorporate HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) to stimulate the testes and prevent testicular atrophy. For more information, please feel free to call or reach out to us!

After discontinuing testosterone therapy, your testosterone levels may return to their pre-treatment state, or potentially even drop below those levels. Similar to other medications, the body metabolizes testosterone, necessitating ongoing doses. However, some benefits of testosterone therapy, like improved bone density and increased lean body mass, can persist for weeks or even months.

Many insurance carriers cover testosterone replacement therapy and associated laboratory testing, but it’s important to review your current plan to confirm coverage. Please note that Vital T Performance does not accept Medicare or Medicaid at this time. For patients who are paying out-of-pocket, we provide flexible cash payment plans.