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Testosterone Optimization for Men

Boost Energy, Restore Vitality, and Reclaim Your Edge with Testosterone Replacement Therapy

What Causes Low Testosterone?

Testosterone is vital for men’s health, playing a key role in maintaining energy, strength, mood, and overall well-being. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age. Here’s a general breakdown of how it happens:

Typical Rate of Decline

  • Starting Around Age 30: Testosterone levels begin to decrease by 1-2% per year on average.
  • By Age 40-50: Many men start to notice symptoms like lower energy, reduced muscle mass, and decreased libido.
  • By Age 60-70: Testosterone levels may be 30-50% lower than in their 20s, with more noticeable effects on mood, strength, and vitality.

Average Total Testosterone Levels by Age (ng/dL)

Age Group Normal Range (ng/dL) Average Level
20-30 300-1,000 ~700
30-40 300-900 ~600
40-50 250-850 ~500
50-60 200-750 ~400
60+ 200-700 ~300-400

Factors That Can Accelerate Testosterone Decline

  • Obesity & Poor Diet - Higher body fat converts testosterone into estrogen.
  • Chronic Stress & High Cortisol - Suppresses testosterone production.
  • Lack of Exercise - Sedentary lifestyles lead to faster declines.
  • Sleep Deprivation - Poor sleep directly reduces testosterone levels.
  • Alcohol & Drug Use - Excessive drinking and opioids lower testosterone.

Diagnosis of Low Testosterone

Determination of low testosterone is best made through laboratory evaluation (saliva and/or blood testing) along with screening for Low-T symptoms. There is some inherent difficulty here because the reported value of normal range is quite broad, often ranging from 300 to 1000 ng/dl. The broad range for normal testosterone levels in men exists because testosterone levels can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and individual health. You may have had your levels checked and been told you were “normal” because your level was 350 ng/dl. The fact is, though this level falls within the so-called normal range, it may not be sufficient for you to ‘feel normal’ or function at your best. Many men can benefit from testosterone optimization, where levels are kept in the upper range of “normal”.

Key Health Benefits of TRT

  • Boosted Energy Levels: Feel revitalized and combat chronic fatigue.
  • Enhanced Mood: Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and experience improved emotional well-being.
  • Increased Muscle Strength: Promote muscle growth and maintain a healthy physique. Better muscle responsiveness to exercise=more gains possible at the gym.
  • Improved Sexual Health: Regain libido and enhance sexual performance.
  • Stronger Bones: Support bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
  • Better Cognitive Function: Sharpen your focus, memory, and mental clarity.
  • Improved Sleep: Low testosterone is linked to fragmented sleep and difficulty staying asleep. TRT may enhance slow-wave sleep (deep sleep), which is crucial for restorative rest. Testosterone also influences melatonin production and the body's internal clock. Optimizing levels may help regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to more consistent sleep patterns.

How TRT Works

Testosterone replacement therapy replenishes your body’s testosterone levels through various methods, including:
  • Self Injections
  • Topical gels or creams
  • Skin patches or Oral troches
  • Implantable pellets
We will work with you to determine the best method based on your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Take the First Step Towards Better Health

Don’t let low testosterone hold you back from living your best life. With TRT, you can regain your vitality and confidence. Contact us today to learn more about how testosterone replacement therapy can help you achieve optimal health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take insurance?
  • We do not bill insurance. Men’s sexual health and well-being often fall under the “wellness-based” category, making it less likely to be covered by insurance providers who prioritize “medically necessary” treatments. We’ll provide you with the necessary documentation for you to submit to your insurer, just in case it’s covered.
  • Yes, many of our patients may use these accounts to pay for treatment. We do not process insurance, but we can provide you with documentation to submit to your account.
Ordering testosterone online can be risky for several reasons. Here are some key dangers to be aware of:
  • Unregulated Products:Many online sources that sell testosterone may not be regulated by health authorities like the FDA. This means you might receive counterfeit, contaminated, or substandard products that could be ineffective or dangerous.
  • Incorrect Dosage:Without a proper medical consultation and routine monitoring, the risk of complications and mismanagement is increased. Taking too much testosterone can cause serious side effects, like heart problems, liver damage, mood swings, and infertility. Conversely, too little might not have the desired effects or could lead to complications as well.
  • Lack of optimization:Testosterone therapy is often combined with other hormones or peptides in order to maximize results. Online ordering often bypasses this, focusing only on the testosterone monotherapy. Our testing is comprehensive and can identify when other parameters may also need attention, ensuring that you have the best advice possible when looking to optimize your health and performance.
  • Testing will most often utilize a home test kit which we will provide. We have partnered with ZRT Laboratory. With 20 years of experience and results from over 8 million tests, ZRT Laboratory is a recognized leader in innovative, safe, and meaningful hormone and wellness testing. Individuals, health care providers in all 50 states and 96 countries, and research teams worldwide use their tests, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and many renowned universities.
  • Dr. Lisa Vuich will review your results as well as your health history and symptom survey. Based on that review and a Telemedicine or in person encounter, she will make recommendations for your treatment and answer any further questions you may have. Routine follow ups with our RN and/or Dr. Vuich as well as repeat lab testing periodically will ensure you are receiving the best possible treatment and avoiding any potential complications.

1. Intramuscular Injections

  • How It Works: Testosterone is injected directly into a muscle (commonly the gluteus or thigh).
  • Frequency: Typically administered weekly
  • Effectiveness:
    • Highly effective due to consistent absorption and reliable increases in testosterone levels.
    • Provides a higher peak of testosterone compared to other methods.
  • Advantages:
    • Cost-effective.
    • Long-lasting results (depending on the formulation).
    • Easily adjusted doses.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Requires needles and proper technique (or assistance from a healthcare provider).
    • Possible fluctuations in testosterone levels between injections, leading to mood swings or energy dips.

2. Subcutaneous Injections

  • How It Works: Testosterone is injected under the skin (e.g., into the abdominal fat).
  • Frequency: Typically once a week.
  • Effectiveness: Similar to intramuscular injections, with a smoother release and fewer peaks and troughs.
  • Advantages:
    • Less painful than intramuscular injections.
    • Easier for self-administration.
    • Fewer side effects, such as soreness or tissue damage.
  • Disadvantages:
    • May cause localized bumps under the skin. Higher doses may need to be split into more than one injection.

3. Topical Gels or Creams

  • How It Works: Testosterone is absorbed through the skin.
  • Frequency: Applied daily to a thin skinned area that does not have a lot of hair.
  • Effectiveness:
    • Effective for maintaining stable testosterone levels, though absorption rates may vary between individuals.
  • Advantages:
    • Non-invasive and easy to use.
    • Maintains steady hormone levels with consistent application.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Risk of transference to others (e.g., family members or partners through skin contact).
    • Requires daily application and strict adherence to hygiene.
    • May irritate the skin in some users.

4. Transdermal Patches

  • How It Works: Testosterone is delivered through a patch applied to the skin (e.g., back, abdomen, or thigh).
  • Frequency: Applied daily.
  • Effectiveness: Similar to gels, providing stable testosterone levels.
  • Advantages:
    • Easy to use.
    • Provides consistent hormone levels.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Skin irritation or rash at the application site is common.
    • Visible patches may not be discreet.
    • Less flexibility in dosing compared to injections or gels.

5. Testosterone Pellets

  • How It Works: Small pellets containing testosterone are implanted under the skin (usually in the buttocks).
  • Frequency: Lasts 3–5 months before re-implantation.
  • Effectiveness: Provides stable testosterone levels over a long period with minimal fluctuations.
  • Advantages:
    • Long-lasting and low-maintenance.
    • Eliminates the need for frequent administration.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Eliminates the need for frequent administration.
    • Difficult to adjust dosage once implanted.
    • Risk of infection or pellet extrusion.

6. Oral Testosterone

  • How It Works: Testosterone is taken in pill form (e.g., testosterone undecanoate).
  • Frequency: Typically taken daily.
  • Effectiveness:
    • Less effective than injections or topical methods due to first-pass metabolism by the liver.
    • Newer formulations (e.g., testosterone undecanoate) bypass the liver and are more effective
  • Advantages:
    • Convenient and non-invasive.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Older oral formulations may strain the liver.
    • Short half-life requires multiple doses per day.

7. Buccal Testosterone

  • How It Works: A small tablet is applied to the gum, where testosterone is absorbed through the oral mucosa.
  • Frequency: Applied twice daily.
  • Effectiveness: Provides steady testosterone levels when used consistently.
  • Advantages:
    • Avoids gastrointestinal and liver metabolism.
    • Non-invasive and easy to use.
  • Disadvantages:
    • May cause gum irritation or discomfort.
    • Requires consistent application.

Most Effective Method

  • Intramuscular Injections: Widely regarded as the most effective method due to consistent absorption, high bioavailability, and customizable dosing.
  • Topical Gels or Creams: A good option for men seeking a non-invasive and steady administration method, though adherence is key.
  • Pellets: Ideal for men who want a long-term, low-maintenance solution, but they require surgical implantation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Method

  • Lifestyle: Daily applications (gels, creams) vs. long-term solutions (pellets, injections).
  • Comfort: Some men may prefer non-invasive options over needles.
  • Cost: Injections are often more cost-effective than topical or pellet-based treatments.

We will help you determine the best route of administration based on your lifestyle, preferences, and medical history.

How to Apply Topical Testosterone

  • Timing: Apply in the morning, as testosterone levels naturally peak in the early hours.
  • Application Sites:
    • Apply to a thin skinned area that does not have a lot of hair. Thinnest skinned areas are the testicles and the top of the feet.
  • Instructions:
    • Apply to clean, dry, and intact skin.
    • Avoid areas with cuts, irritation, or excessive hair.
    • Let the gel or cream dry completely before dressing.
  • Precautions:
    • Wash hands immediately after application.
    • Avoid water or heavy sweating on the application area for several hours after application.
    • Keep the treated area covered to reduce the risk of transference to others.
  • Your prescription will be delivered to your home from our compounding pharmacy, along with any supplies needed for administration. For injection therapy, we will teach you the proper injection technique.
  • We encourage you to discuss testosterone replacement therapy with your primary care provider. Many PCP’s are hesitant to prescribe testosterone, either because they lack adequate knowledge and experience with hormone optimization, or because they are wary of prescribing controlled substances or substances that could be abused. It is your responsibility to notify your PCP and your pharmacist that you are receiving hormone and peptide therapy through Renew@theZoo.