How Testosterone Replacement Therapy Works

Testosterone is the male hormone responsible for regulating sex drive and sperm count, but it also gives men their deep voice and body hair. Around age 30, it is normal for men to begin losing levels of testosterone.

However, if the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone, men can experience erectile dysfunction and male hypergonadism (low testosterone). Testosterone replacement therapy is a technique used to get testosterone levels to where they should be. 

In order to determine whether a man is experiencing a natural drop in testosterone or whether he his body is producing too little, a physician may need to run a blood test. The test will show the level of hormones present in the blood. Testosterone replacement therapy can have side effects, so our physicians want to ensure that the patient is a good candidate for therapy.

There are several variations of testosterone replacement therapy. The first way is to through a transdermal patch. Medication on the patch gets absorbed through the skin and goes into the blood stream. The patch can be worn on the arms, back, or abdomen. These locations are ideal because they are not bony or oily parts of the body. Your Affiliated Urologists physician can determine how long you should wear the patch and when you should replace it. However, men who wear the patch are at risk of developing skin irritation and should talk to their doctor if they have sensitive skin.

However, there is another topical solution that may help bring testosterone levels back to normal: a gel. Testosterone gels are rubbed onto the arms or shoulders, but some gels are applied into the nose. Similarly to the patch, the medication gets absorbed into the body.

Lastly, in order to treat male hypogonadism or erectile dysfunction, a man can have testosterone injections at Affiliated Urologists. Injections are a great way to ensure that the body is getting just what it needs to get back to normal. However, the injections will need to be repeated every few weeks.

Regular blood tests may be needed for each form of testosterone replacement therapy to ensure that testosterone levels are indeed rising during treatment. Testosterone therapy comes with risks, but our physicians can help you find a treatment plan that is both safe and effective for you.

Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or visit http://affiliatedurologists.com/contact/ for instructions on scheduling an appointment.

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material. 

New patients are always welcome.

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