Testosterone for Men: What You Need to Know

The use of testosterone for men is widely accepted as the best treatment for hypogonadism (low testosterone, Low T). Testosterone deficiency is a significant problem for many aging males, as it robs them of their health, appearance, sexuality, vitality, and even motivation and productivity. The decline in testosterone production starts as early as when a male is in his mid-twenties, continuing to decrease at a rate of one to two percent each year. In this comprehensive review of testosterone, we will cover the following topics:

• The importance of testosterone for men
• Normal testosterone levels for men
• What happens when testosterone levels are low
• Benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
• The best type of testosterone treatment

The subject of testosterone treatment for men is not without controversy, as we often hear of athletes, bodybuilders, and others who abuse testosterone for unapproved purposes. Increasing testosterone levels too high is dangerous for anyone. That is why testosterone blood testing is necessary before being prescribed natural testosterone for men. With doctor-prescribed testosterone replacement for men, there is little risk of side effects, other than some injection site reactions.

The use of testosterone for men is widely accepted as the best treatment for hypogonadism.

The Importance of Testosterone for Men

There is a reason why doctors today discuss the importance of testosterone for men with their patients who exhibit specific symptoms related to Low T. As an androgen hormone, testosterone has essential functions in the body (male or female).

What does testosterone do for men?

Testosterone performs the following functions in the male body:

• Stimulating the production of red blood cells through a process known as erythropoiesis
• Supporting bone cell regeneration and bone remodeling to keep bones strong
• Promoting muscle protein synthesis for strong muscles
• Enhancing the metabolism of fat and the regulation of insulin and glucose
• Lowering cortisol levels to promote restful sleep
• Providing androgen receptors in the brain with testosterone to support cognitive functions
• Maintaining a healthy emotional state
• Promoting hair growth
• Stimulating sexual fantasies, desires, functions, and pleasure
• Supporting spermatogenesis (only naturally occurring testosterone – not supplementation)
• Maintaining heart health through optimum circulation, cholesterol and triglyceride regulation, and blood pressure control

The use of supplemental testosterone for older men who have trouble in these areas can reduce the risk of developing conditions such as:

• Atherosclerosis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Cardiovascular disease
• Osteoporosis
• Anemia
• High blood pressure
• Metabolic syndrome
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Dementia
• Depression

The importance of testosterone for men extends to all areas of a man’s life.

Normal Male Testosterone Levels at Every Age

Maintaining testosterone levels for men in the 500 to 650 ng/dL range is considered ideal over age 40. The American Urological Association (AUA) puts the range at 450 to 600 ng/dL. After one month of testosterone therapy, we measure blood levels again and compare them to how a man is feeling from his treatment. Changes in testosterone dosage may be necessary at this time based on the test results. Six months of treatment provides the best overall view and allows our doctors to alter testosterone therapy dosages, as necessary. Testosterone ranges also vary among labs, showing that total testosterone can be as low as 264 and as high as 1070 ng/dl to be considered normal. The AUA considers under 300 ng/dL as being low but also recognizes that some men with higher levels may be symptomatic and benefit from treatment. The normal testosterone range for men, for total and free testosterone, are highlighted in the chart below: The reported levels of testosterone for men can vary slightly from one lab to another. To diagnose testosterone deficiency, the doctor will look at both the blood test results, and the symptoms as reported by the individual.

Normal levels of total testosterone for men are typically between 500 and 650 ng/dL.

What Happens When Testosterone Levels Are Low?

As you can see, maintaining optimal testosterone levels for men is crucial at any age. While you may not care about fertility if you are in your seventies, you probably still want an active and satisfying sex life. The last thing you want is to wake up each day with erectile dysfunction and low libido. Nor do you want fatigue or depression to be a constant companion in your life. The problem with low testosterone levels in men is that you do not know how your body will react until it does, and by that time, medical intervention is often necessary. When you are young, you can get plenty of sleep, exercise, eat right, and keep your stress and weight levels down to preserve testosterone production. In later years, supplemental testosterone for men is often necessary to restore hormonal balance. That is necessary because low testosterone can lead to the following:

• Lack of stamina and lethargy
• Weight gain
• Muscle and bone loss
• Body aches and stiffness
• Hair thinning or loss
• Insomnia
• Cognitive decline
• Poor concentration
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Increased stress and anxiety
• Anemia
• High cholesterol and blood pressure levels
• Reduced sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased drive and performance

Low testosterone levels can rob a man of his independence and healthy life.

Benefits of Testosterone for Men

The use of testosterone replacement therapy for men can change all the negative aspects of testosterone decline and restore a happy and healthy quality of life. The key to getting the best possible results lies in finding a hormone specialist with the experience you want for targeted treatment. Customized, bioidentical testosterone for men provides the best possible results. Testosterone benefits for men include:

• More energy
• Deeper sleep
• Improved bone density
• Better muscle tone
• Enhanced sexual desire and functions
• More focus
• Sharper memory and cognitive functions
• Better heart health
• Lower cholesterol
• More normalized blood pressure levels
• Improved hair growth
• Increased red blood cell production
• Reduced depression
• Happier mood
• Less stress
• Increased motivation and productivity
• Enhanced desire for social activities and interactions

The benefits of testosterone for men improve appearance, health, brain functions, and quality of life.

Best Type of Testosterone for Men

The best testosterone for men, according to the many years of research and results by our doctors, is injectable testosterone. Unlike transdermal applications that can cause skin reactions and increase the risk of cross-contamination to others, injected testosterone enters into one of the large muscles, such as in the thigh or buttocks. Testosterone injections for men provide superior absorption and fast results. Injectable testosterone is also the most economical of all testosterone therapy options, providing the lowest cost. Because TRT is a personalized treatment protocol, what one man receives may differ considerably from another. Our doctors at Kingsberg Medical prescribe testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate, or a combination of the two medications based on each man’s personal needs. For additional information about testosterone for men, including diagnostic testing and treatment options, please contact Kingsberg Medical for a confidential consultation by phone. There is no charge or obligation associated with this call, so take the next step towards a better future today.
Brian Leeber