Most people are aware that testosterone is the prominent male sex hormone. You may know that it affects sexual performance and building muscle in men, but this hormone has many other attributes that impact the body. Testosterone production and balance are vital to overall health – too much or too little can have a negative impact on your wellness and quality of life. Here are some facts about testosterone you might now know and why many of our patients visit our testosterone clinic in Phoenix, AZ.
Men and Women Need Testosterone
Testosterone may be a “male” hormone, but it is not just for men. All genders make testosterone in the body. The adrenal glands make some testosterone in all sexes and the reproductive organs make even more. For men, testosterone is made in the testes while women produce testosterone in their ovaries.
While men need much higher levels of testosterone to maintain their reproductive system, muscle mass and other functions, women need testosterone too. Females need testosterone to enhance sex drive, protect bone density, increase muscle and keep energy levels high. Balanced levels of testosterone can improve overall health for all genders. Women need about one-tenth of the amount of testosterone as men for overall health.
Testosterone Is Made From Cholesterol
Did you know that sex hormones like testosterone are made from cholesterol? The production of testosterone involves many different elements in the body, including cholesterol that is in the blood. To make testosterone, the hypothalamus in the brain gauges the testosterone levels and determines how much testosterone is needed, sending messages to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland sends messages to the reproductive organs on how much testosterone to produce.
Cholesterol is often thought of as a “bad” substance, but it is needed for many functions. While high cholesterol can be dangerous for the cardiovascular system, some cholesterol is needed for producing necessary hormones like testosterone. However, higher cholesterol levels do not mean that you will have higher levels of testosterone – the two factors are not related.
Testosterone Begins Working Before Birth
Testosterone is not just present when puberty hits in the teen years. Testosterone plays a role in the growth of reproductive organs in males and females before birth. However, testosterone levels are very low in children, increasing at puberty for males. During puberty, testosterone influences the secondary sex characteristics of males. These include the increased size of the penis and testes. It also triggers the formation of facial and body hair, the deepening of the voice, and increased muscle mass.
Testosterone Hits a Peak Around 30
The late teens and twenties are the highest levels of testosterone for most men. This is when they are at their physical and sexual peak when it comes to the effects of testosterone. This can include a higher metabolism, lower fat levels, easier muscle building, and a higher sex drive. Around the age of 30, most men hit their testosterone peak and begin a gradual decline in production.
Lower Testosterone Is a Part of Aging
You may have heard the term “low T” when referring to testosterone levels in men. There are countless products that claim to help men make more testosterone and fix “low T.” The fact is that men generally start making less testosterone as they get older. This is natural and it is not a health concern. Most men begin making about 1% less testosterone each year once they hit their peak around the age of 30. This gradual reduction in testosterone does not usually have negative impacts on sex drive or other testosterone functions.
Low T Can Impact Male Health
While a natural depletion of testosterone is normal with aging, sudden drops in testosterone can have dramatic impacts on male health. True low T can have many unfortunate symptoms that can impact weight, energy, libido and many other health and aesthetic factors. Symptoms of low T can include:
– Fatigue or low energy even with plenty of rest
– Reduced muscle mass
– Increased or changed fat storage
– Hair loss (scalp, facial and body)
– Decreased sex drive
– Erectile dysfunction
– Mood changes, depression and anxiety
– Increased breast tissue
– Lowered fertility or sperm count
– Lowered bone density
Many of the testosterone “boosters” focus on erectile dysfunction (ED) and sex drive. True low T has many more health impacts than just in the reproductive area. There are many other possible causes of ED and libido issues that have nothing to do with testosterone levels.
Low T Can Be Caused By Lifestyle and Other Factors
When someone has low T, it can be linked to multiple health and lifestyle factors. Obesity and weight gain can contribute to higher estrogen levels that can decrease testosterone. Injuries to the testicles or adrenal glands can cause lower production of sex hormones. Certain diseases can cause lowered testosterone levels. Even stress can cause lowered production of testosterone.
For some men, making lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on testosterone. Managing stress and losing weight are both ways that may help naturally increase testosterone.
Testosterone Hormone Replacement Can Restore Health
For men with true low testosterone, not just normal levels, testosterone hormone replacement therapy can be very beneficial. A thorough diagnosis needs to be performed, which Arcadia Wellness Center can do at our testosterone clinic in Phoenix, AZ. We will complete a comprehensive intake exam to discuss symptoms and other factors. If low T is suspected, we will order lab testing to look at the exact levels of active testosterone in the blood. For those with low T, we can begin testosterone therapy to increase and balance the hormone levels.
Once testosterone injections are begun, many men begin noticing almost immediate benefits to their health. Energy levels may increase, along with enhanced libido and sexual performance. Over the months of testosterone therapy, they may be able to lose excess fat and increase muscle mass, as well as notice other health benefits. Testosterone therapy can be life-changing for many men that have been suffering from the ill effects of low T.
Finding a Testosterone Clinic in Phoenix, AZ
At Arcadia Wellness Center, we provide hormone replacement therapy for men and women, including testosterone therapy for men. If you have experienced symptoms of low T and want to explore whether testosterone replacement therapy is right for you, we can provide an accurate diagnosis, testing and treatment at our clinic in Phoenix. Once we determine that you are suffering from low T, we can begin your injection therapy.
One of the benefits of coming to Arcadia Wellness Center for testosterone therapy is that we do not require weekly or monthly hormone replacement appointments. Many testosterone clinics in Phoenix require patients to come in frequently for treatment. We are able to monitor your treatment with visits to our office every few months, making it more convenient to receive your testosterone therapy.
Now you know more about testosterone and how it can impact your weight, energy, sex drive and much more. If you want to learn more about low T and treatment options, contact our team at Arcadia Wellness Center. Call our testosterone clinic in Phoenix to schedule your personal testosterone evaluation.