As men age their testosterone levels decrease. Testosterone levels reach their peak when men are about 30, but after that, they decrease by about 1% a year. If a man suffers from hypogonadism, the rate of testosterone loss is even greater. While you are probably aware that low testosterone levels can cause problems in the bedroom, you may not be aware that they can cause problems at the gym, too. In addition to erectile dysfunction and low sex drive, low testosterone can cause difficulty concentrating, depression, lack of energy, and decreased muscle mass. The latter two symptoms can significantly affect a man’s athletic performance. If you think you suffer from the symptoms of low testosterone, you may be a good candidate for hormone replacement with sports medicine in Cheyenne, WY.
Before undergoing testosterone replacement therapy, you should get a blood test to determine if there is anything else that could be causing your symptoms. You will also need to have your testosterone levels tested several times and at different times of the day; testosterone levels can vary significantly from hour to hour. At least one test will need to be made in the morning, since this is when levels are highest. You should also tell your Cheyenne, WY sports medicine doctor if you have had prostate or breast cancer, as these conditions exclude patients from testosterone replacement.
There are several forms of testosterone replacement offered by sports medicine in Cheyenne, WY. A skin patch, or Androderm, is put on once a day, and the hormones are absorbed by the skin in the upper body or arms. AndroGel and Testim are gels that contain testosterone. These are also applied to the skin once a day. Striant is a small tablet-shaped mouth patch. It attaches to the upper gum where the oral tissues absorb the testosterone and transfer it to the blood stream. Finally, testosterone can be administered via injections or small tablets that are implanted in the skin and slowly release the hormones over time.
The benefits of testosterone replacement offered by experts in sports medicine Cheyenne, WY can vary significantly from patient to patient. Lots of men experience greater sex drive, higher energy levels, and better erections. Some also have higher muscle mass and bone density after their therapy. And a number of men have a much better mood after undergoing testosterone replacement. There are a number of side effects associated with this treatment, so talk to your sports medicine doctor in Cheyenne, WY for more details. If you decide it is right for you, however, you could wind up feeling better about yourself in the bed, in the gym, and in your day-to-day life.