Women’s Hormones

Metabolic support

Metabolic support

Metabolic support

Metabolic support

Metabolic support

Metabolic support

Metabolic support

Metabolic support

Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced in the testes in men and, to a lesser extent, in the ovaries in women. It plays a crucial role in the development of male reproductive tissues, secondary sexual characteristics (such as muscle mass, bone density, and body hair), and overall well-being. In both men and women, testosterone is vital for maintaining muscle strength, energy levels, and libido.

Testosterone therapy can negatively impact fertility by suppressing the natural production of sperm. This is due to the aforementioned negative feedback loop, where the increased testosterone levels signal the body to reduce the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), both of which are crucial for sperm production.

Testosterone can be administered through various methods, including:

• Injection: Testosterone injections are typically administered intramuscularly (into the muscle) or subcutaneously (under the skin). The frequency of injections can vary, with some protocols requiring weekly or bi-weekly doses.
• Note - In most cases, we will be prescribing via the subcutaneous route
• Oral Dissolvable Tablets (ODTs): These are typically absorbed into the cheek/gums with a little water once to twice daily.
• We also offer:
  • Enclomiphene
    The main indications for using off-label enclomiphene are patients who -
    • Have low testosterone with correlating symptoms
    • Want to preserve fertility
    • Want to avoid testosterone products, including injections
    • Have “secondary hypogonadism” (not due to causes related to high prolactin levels) with low testosterone and low-normal or low FSH/LH
  • Anastrozole -
    • Aromatase inhibitors, like the orally administered anastrozole, can help treat and reduce elevated estradiol levels in men with low testosterone. The goal is to decrease estradiol levels to levels within the normal male range and reduce associated symptoms of elevated estrogen (hot flashes, night sweats, irritability/mood lability, poor sleep, bloating/water retention, erection changes, or midsection weight gain).
    • When necessary, this can be co-administered with testosterone.

Common side effects of testosterone therapy may include acne, oily skin, hair loss, increased body hair, mood changes, increased estradiol levels, testicular atrophy. More serious side effects can include an increase in red blood cell count, sleep apnea, or an enlarged prostate in men. Testosterone therapy may increase the risk of increased blood pressure. It’s important to monitor these effects with your healthcare provider to adjust treatment as necessary.

How does the lab process work?

• Your first lab order for your baseline levels will be waiting for you in the patient portal after completing sign up. You will complete them before meeting with your clinician.
• After that, additional lab work is typically scheduled at 1 month, 3 months, and then every three months until your levels are stable. Once stability is reached, most patients only need annual labs—though your clinician may recommend more frequent testing if needed.

Testosterone replacement therapy can provide several benefits, including improved energy levels, increased muscle mass and strength, enhanced libido, improved mood and mental clarity, and better overall well-being. These benefits can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with low testosterone levels who have associated symptoms.