Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has become a hot topic both in the media and in the treatment room. Evermore, men are investigating the fountain of youth rumors surrounding testosterone. With signs and symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, low libido, loss of muscle mass, and lack of motivation, gents by the thousands are looking for answers. Testosterone can be a great treatment option but men should understand the nuts and bolts of TRT.
Before TRT you should know whether or not your man bits (testicles) are still producing testosterone. Measuring free and total testosterone along with FSH and LH will give you this answer. If your lab values show low testosterone and elevated FSH and LH, then your testis are on vacation, so testosterone supplementation may be the best choice of therapy. If your lab values show low testosterone and low FSH and LH, then you may be suffering from secondary or tertiary hypogonadism and the cause should be determined.
In secondary or tertiary hypogonadism, testosterone supplementation is not the best option and other functional approaches should be considered. Your testes still work and preserving their function is essential. Stimulating the production of testosterone and improving its bioavailability in the body is your best treatment option. Using a naturopathic approach, we can restore and support the body’s testosterone levels through the use of nutrients, herbs, lifestyle modifications and a class of medications called SERMs. SERM stands for Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator. SERM medications can be useful because they stimulate your body’s production of testosterone.
If you’re interested in TRT, the naturopaths and nutritionists at Siskiyou Vital Medicine are happy to help you determine whether or not, it is right for you.
When considering TRT here is a checklist of labs that should be done:
- Free Testosterone
- Total Testosterone
- FSH
- LH
- Estradiol
- DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
- PSA
- HbA1C