What is low testosterone?

Low testosterone (or low T) is a common hormonal deficiency found in both men and women. Recent studies have shown that 1 out of every 50 men will deal with low T at some point. Testosterone typically increases during puberty and generally decreases with age. However, when Testosterone levels drop too low, Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome or Low Testosterone can be the result. Although most patients associate low T with low libido, testosterone is a hormone that affects more than just your sex drive; it can affect hair growth or loss, loss of muscle, contribute to fatigue, obesity, and even depression.

What are the common side effects of low T?

Low T or testosterone means there is not enough testosterone for your body to function properly. This can seriously affect your overall health and your quality of life. The most common side effects of low T are,

• Low sex drive
• Fatigue
• Reduced muscle mass
• Increased irritability
• Erectile dysfunction
• Obesity

Testosterone can affect other areas; many men experience hair loss or notice difficulty growing facial hair. In addition, it’s common for patients with low T to experience symptoms of depression and even non-specific symptoms such as lower energy levels, inability to focus, or poor memory.

How do I know when it’s time to see a provider?

If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms listed above, it might be time to talk to your doctor. Keep in mind that there could be other causes for these symptoms, and only a medical doctor can diagnose you. When you make your appointment, your doctor will examine you and take a blood sample for lab work to rule out any other common issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.

What treatments are available?

There are many options available for testosterone replacement therapy. Pellets, patches, injections, creams, and gels are all popular options. It’s important to note that testosterone treatments can cause side effects, and a doctor can help you determine the correct dosage and treatment schedule for optimal results. Hormone replacement should not be something you attempt to treat with over-the-counter creams or other treatments.

What are testosterone pellets, and how do they work?

Testosterone pellets are an FDA-approved hormone replacement therapy. This simple and relatively painless procedure takes only a few minutes. It consists of applying a local anesthetic to the upper hip area, making a tiny incision, and placing very small testosterone pellets under the skin. The incision is so tiny that medical tape is all that is needed to close the incision. (No stitches are required.) These crystalline pellets are painlessly inserted every 3-6 months and provide the body with roughly 1.3 milligrams of testosterone a day. Your doctor will help you determine the exact treatment plan to best support your body’s needs. Hormone replacement therapy is not a new treatment and has been practiced since the 1930s, although medical technology has come a long way! You’ll rest assured this procedure is safe and effective.

Are there any side effects?

Testosterone Pellet treatment is a low-risk procedure with very few adverse reactions. Only a tiny percentage of patients report discomfort or other issues after treatment. In addition, 70% of patients that undergo this procedure are satisfied with their treatment. The FDA cautions patients about an increased risk for heart attack after using testosterone. However, studies have failed to correlate the risk of heart disease with testosterone treatment. It’s best to discuss any questions about this or any other potential treatment with your doctor.

What are the benefits of testosterone pellet treatment?

Testosterone pellet therapy can improve erectile dysfunction in men and increase their sex drive. For women, it can alleviate the symptoms of menopause and decrease their chances of having migraines. In addition, testosterone pellets can improve bone density and help prevent bone loss. When combined with diet and exercise, it’s been shown to help eliminate fat and increase lean muscle. In addition to these benefits, both male and female patients have also reported improved sleep, increased energy, reduced anxiety and depression, improved memory and mood.

How long will it take until I see the results?

Most patients will begin to notice a difference within four weeks of the insertion of the pellets. Although each patient and treatment plan is different, your doctor will design an optimal treatment plan based on your needs.

Why should I work with North Georgia Urology Center?

The staff at North Georgia Urology Center is Georgia’s premier Urology Center. Our team is highly trained, extraordinarily professional, and we want the best for our patients. We focus on whole-patient care and go out of our way to make sure you get the very best treatment available.