Tag Archive: san diego testosterone therapy

  1. 3 Tips for Keeping Testosterone Levels High

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    There are a number of troubling symptoms associated with low testosterone levels, or Low T. These include mood swings, fatigue, decreased sex drive and irritability. Many men considering testosterone therapy may not realize that, in addition to following a hormone replacement program, there are a few things you can try at home to keep T levels high.

    1. Ditch the Stress

    Like so many other health concerns, stress levels are a major factor when it comes to hormone production. When the body is under stress, the fight-or-flight response kicks in and cortisol levels increase. Higher cortisol levels actually block the effects of testosterone in the body. Playing a little hooky to relax and enjoy the gorgeous San Diego beaches can help help augment the hormone treatment provided by our bioidentical hormone doctors.

    2. Lose the Six Pack

    No, we’re not talking about getting rid of your abdominal muscles… quite the opposite, in fact. Drinking too much beer can lower your testosterone levels. Hops, one of the ingredients used for brewing malt beverages, has an estrogenic effect that boosts estrogen levels. That’s the opposite direction you’d like your hormones to go. Switching to wine instead won’t affect your hormones, and might even help your heart health.

    3. Get in Shape

    If you’re overweight, then you already know you’re not in optimum health. Carrying around all those extra pounds can contribute to a number of serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. In one study, up to 40 percent of obese men had low testosterone levels.

    Taking care of yourself is really the best way to keep your testosterone high. Make health one of your top priorities, and you’ll be amazed at the changes you experience in your body.

  2. Understanding Hormone Levels

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    For San Diego men seeking testosterone therapy, the first step is getting your hormone levels tested. Once you get your test results back, though, how do you interpret them? What constitutes “normal” when looking at your numbers?

    Conflicting Answers

    If you’ve done any research on your own, you’re probably confused at the conflicting information that’s available concerning “normal” testosterone levels. One website will list one number, while another lists something far different. Numbers are often conflicting even between different medical labs.

    The reason for this confusion is the lack of standardized hormone testing. Various labs use not only separate standards, but also different testing methods and result measurements, which doesn’t help solve the issue. In 2010, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) started an initiative to promote standardization of hormone testing procedures, but not every lab has conformed to these standards.

    Beyond “Normal”

    Your lab will most likely give you a normal range, sometimes called a reference range. This is the average collected from among patients at that particular lab. Your test results are measured against that normal range according to nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl).

    The problem with this testing method is that what constitutes “normal” for one man may not be ideal for another. For example, if the range at your lab between 340 and 800 ng/dl, and you test a 380, that falls within the “normal” range. Yet, it’s on the low side, and may lead to symptoms of Low T like lowered libido and decreased energy.

    At ENERGENEX in San Diego, we’re interested more in what’s optimal for our patients rather than what’s “normal.” Male hormone replacement therapy can make an improvement in the way you feel, even if your lab tests leave you confused.

  3. Testosterone Therapy in Women

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    Although the San Diego medical community mainly discusses testosterone therapy in the context of treating men, there can be benefits to women seeking treatment as well. Research indicates that testosterone replacement therapy may help women who are struggling with low sex drive or other sexual dysfunction.

    Hormones: A Delicate Balance

    It’s fairly well known that hormonal imbalances can cause a lot of health issues, particularly in women. While menopause may be the primary example, women also experience hormone fluctuations as a result of their monthly cycles, which can cause mood swings. Hormones can also affect fertility, causing problems when trying to conceive. More minor health concerns, like acne, can also be a result of hormones.

    Men and women both have testosterone, although it is present at much higher levels in men. For women, as in men, reduced testosterone has a negative impact on sexual function, particularly libido. Although many doctors turn to estrogen therapy as the first line of defense, testosterone therapy may be necessary if the issue is related to low testosterone, rather than low estrogen levels, and if no other causes can be determined. Sometimes testosterone therapy can resolve symptoms of sexual dysfunction where other treatments have failed.

    Restoring Health

    It’s important to remember that there are many other factors that affect sexual function, particularly in postmenopausal women. Hormone levels can impact the desire for sex, as well as physical issues like vaginal dryness. Emotional connection with a partner is also important for women, as well as ensuring general mental and physical health.

    For San Diego women who fit these criteria and have sought typical hormone replacement therapy yet still have issues with low sex drive and fatigue, testosterone replacement therapy might be able to help. Talk with your doctor to see if this may be an option for you.