Testosterone is an essential hormone that plays a vital role in men's health and wellbeing. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, leading to a condition known as hypogonadism or low testosterone (low T). Signs and symptoms include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, low testosterone may be the cause. Getting tested is important, as left untreated low T can negatively impact one’s quality of life.
In addition to bothersome symptoms, untreated testosterone deficiency carries increased health risks including:
Thankfully there are treatment options available from knowledgeable health care providers focusing on men’s wellness, such as Optimal Hormone Wellness Center right here in Austin.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) involves supplemental administration of testosterone medication to bring levels back up to an optimal range. There are tremendous benefits associated with TRT:
Patients report greatly improved quality of life with normalized testosterone levels, including:
In addition to feeling better, TRT offers protective benefits against developing:
By supplementing testosterone back to youthful levels, TRT allows patients to feel healthy, strong, and energetic again.
Finding the right health care provider is crucial when exploring treatment for low testosterone. Optimal Hormone Wellness Center brings compassionate care and extensive expertise to TRT therapy right here in Austin.
Our clinic is directed under Dr. Expertise, a board-certified physician specializing in men’s sexual health, hormonal balance and anti-aging therapies. With over 15 years of experience helping men optimize vitality and wellness through TRT, Dr. Expertise leads a knowledgeable team of nurses, medical assistants, patient coordinators and lab technicians.
We understand treatment needs to be tailored specifically to each patient for optimal outcome. After a thorough history, examination and lab testing, our clinicians develop customized treatment plans to meet patient goals whether that be targeting sexual dysfunction, muscle loss, fatigue or improved body composition.
Optimal Hormone Wellness Center offers state-of-the-art hormone replacement protocols including injections, pellets and oral formulations to maximize convenience and patient compliance. Our on-site lab draws needed blood work for close testosterone monitoring and dosage titrations so levels remain optimized. We provide all supplies and medications directly instead of routing patients to outside pharmacies.
In addition to TRT, we offer treatments to enhance results including growth hormone (HGH), peptides and medications targeting erectile dysfunction when needed.
Our beautiful clinic provides a discrete, comfortable setting so patients feel at ease discussing intimate health concerns. The Optimal Hormone Wellness Center staff has extensive experience working with diverse patients to create an atmosphere of trust and support.
We also understand the importance of community during treatment which is why our clinic hosts quarterly education seminars and social events bringing patients together to share their TRT journeys.
If you suspect low testosterone may be impacting your health, taking that first step towards treatment can feel daunting. Optimal Hormone Wellness Center has an efficient process to make getting started simple:
Our patient care team can be reached conveniently online or by phone to schedule appointments. New patients typically come in first for a lab draw. At this initial testing visit, our staff will:
During your second appointment with Dr. Expertise, test results will be thoroughly discussed including:
If both agree treatment is warranted, those wishing to move forward can start the first steps that same day.
When it comes to reversing the effects of low testosterone - increased belly weight, fatigue, loss of strength and sex drive - taking action is key. We encourage you to take control of your health by reaching out to the compassionate, discreet professionals at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center to explore treatment options right for your needs.
A little-known benefit of testosterone therapy is that it may help improve verbal memory and certain aspects of executive functioning in older men with low testosterone levels. However, more research is still needed to fully understand the cognitive effects of this hormone treatment.
While normalizing testosterone levels can greatly improve symptoms, optimizing additional hormones provides enhanced protective benefits against chronic disease. Our clinicians carefully assess need for optimizing:
The thyroid gland produces hormones regulating metabolic processes. Low thyroid function slows metabolism contributing to weight gain, fatigue and even depression which is why we test TSH, T4 and T3 levels. Supporting thyroid health not only helps patients feel better day-to-day but can reduce cardiovascular risks as well.
Testosterone and estrogen balance is important for maintaining healthy insulin levels. Insulin resistance develops over time contributing to increased belly fat, fatigue and even Type 2 diabetes. Testing markers like hemoglobin A1C and fasting glucose enables early treatment intervention including medications, diet changes and exercise plans to improve insulin sensitivity long-term.
Low-grade systemic inflammation worsens with age, silently damaging arteries and setting the stage for heart attack and stroke. At Optimal Hormone Wellness Center we assess inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) to determine added therapies as needed such as baby aspirin, omega-3 fish oils or curcumin to regulate inflammation thereby reducing cardiovascular risks.
As you can see, optimizing hormones goes beyond sex drive and muscle strength, it is integrally linked to protecting men’s health as they age. The experienced healthcare professionals at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center recognize this connection which is why our approach looks comprehensively at patients’ needs to maximize vitality inside and out.
While hormone therapy provides tremendous benefits, certain lifestyle measures can enhance progress. Our clinicians provide customized recommendations to help patients achieve their fullest potential. Suggestions may include:
Adding Exercise - Weight training builds lean muscles to burn more calories around the clock. Aerobic activity keeps the heart strong and body conditioned. We suggest finding an exercise you enjoy - cycling, swimming, tennis, walking - and aim for 150 minutes weekly.
Improving Nutrition - A Mediterranean style diet high in plant foods like vegetables, fruits and legumes provides antioxidants and fiber for good health. Limiting processed carbs, sugars and saturated fats also helps with weight loss and balancing insulin.
Reducing Stress - Chronic pressures take a toll by elevating inflammatory chemicals so we teach healthy stress management like yoga, deep breathing, getting outdoors, or socializing with friends.
Prioritizing Quality Sleep - Restorative sleep optimizes hormone balance and metabolism which is why adults should aim for 7-9 hours nightly. Establishing a calming pre-bedtime routine away from screens can greatly improve sleep quality long-term.
Decreasing Alcohol - Heavy alcohol consumption can disrupt hormonal pathways and sleep cycles. We recommend no more than 1-2 servings daily not only for hormone health and weight management, but to reduce disease risks as well.
While we realize sticking to lifestyle changes can prove challenging at times, even modest improvements to health behaviors amplify the wide-ranging benefits of therapy. Our staff provides accountability through follow up appointments and access to our nutritionist, fitness trainer and mind-body specialists. We encourage spouses to join sessions whenever possible for added support.
TRT is extremely well tolerated but occasionally men notice fluid retention, back acne, sleep apnea or aggression. Our medical team works closely with you to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
Symptom improvement varies but most men report noticeable changes in 3-6 weeks with peak benefits in 9-12 months. We utilize testing during treatment to ensure your personalized protocol is optimized.
Many insurance plans cover treatment due to the proven benefits of TRT. We provide detailed receipts for reimbursement submissions and work with patients to secure financial assistance when eligible.
Consistency is key - stopping therapy allows testosterone to drop, reversing progress. Most men utilize TRT long-term due to the protective effects against chronic diseases making the commitment worthwhile.
Once lab results confirm treatment is appropriate, first dose administration and needed education can begin the very same day in most cases. We want to get you on the road to better health as soon as possible!
If you see yourself in the symptoms described and want to reclaim the energy, strength and passion for life you deserve, the time for action is now. Reach out to the knowledgeable healthcare professionals at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center today to explore testosterone and comprehensive hormone replacement tailored specifically for your needs and goals.
