877-945-8543 | 877-9-4-JULIE | FAX 307-533-9033 TriWest insurance now accepted.
VOICE: 877-9-4-JULIE (877-945-8543)
Healthy Living Made Easy
Testosterone Deficiency
Testosterone Defined:
Low testosterone is sometimes referred as low T, male menopause, andropause, testosterone deficiency. When the testosterone levels drop below 300 ng/dl a male is considered to have low testosterone (hypogonadism). Testosterone levels reach peak around 18 years of age then decline throughout the remainder of adulthood. A healthy male should have a range between 450-600 ng/dL. A serum testosterone test can determine your testosterone level. Testosterone should be checked between 7am – 10 am when testosterone is at its highest.
· Age: 1-10: 2.5-10 ng/dL
· Age: 10-18: 100-970 ng/dL
· Age 18+: 26-916 ng/dL
Tests to check your testosterone:
Testosterone tests can be done at any clinic. There are also at home test which require a finger-prick blood sample or saliva.
The LetsGetChecked Testosterone Kit is one at home kit that can check your testosterone level and you can get the results in 2-5 days. The price of this test is $89. If you are getting treatment for low testosterone levels, you can subscribe and get tested every 3 months for $62.30. (link https://www.letsgetchecked.com/home-testosterone-test). If you use the code “HEALTHLINE25” you can get 25% off.
The Everlywell at-home testosterone kit uses your saliva to check if your body is producing an average amount of testosterone for your age. The test may be less accurate than other tests. The Everlywell test is $69 for testosterone level. The results are available in 2-5 days. (link https://www.everlywell.com/products/testosterone-test) If you use the “HEALTHLINE25” you can get 25% off.
Mylab Box At-Home Testosterone test kit is a finger prick blood test. The results are available in 2-5 days. The cost is $79. (link https://www.mylabbox.com/product/at-home-testosterone-test-kit)
Results of Testosterone in Early Adulthood:
· Deepening of voice
· Growth of hair, such as facial hair
· Muscle growth
Symptoms:
· Low sex drive or low libido
· Difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection
· Impotence
· Fewer spontaneous erections
· Infertility
· Changes in sleep patterns
· Fatigue
· Decreased muscle mass
· Increased body fat
· Decreased bone mass and strength
· Decreased bone density (osteoporosis)
· Mood changes
· Decline in memory or difficulty concentrating
· Lack of motivation
· Smaller testicle and penis size
· Low blood counts (higher risk of developing anemia)
· Large breasts in males
· Hair loss
· Hot flashes
Causes of Low Testosterone
· Testicle injury
· Cancer treatments
· Stress
· AIDS
· Alcohol use disorder
· Kidney disease
· Cirrhosis of the liver
· Pituitary gland conditions
· Autoimmune diseases
· Infections
· Obesity
· Metabolic syndrome
· Using certain medications
Boosters or supplements that are marketed to improve testosterone levels: In studies only about 30% of the participants experienced an increase in testosterone levels from these supplements. Supplements may work for some people but the safety and effectiveness for a larger population still needs to be evaluated.
· Tongkat ali extract
· Horny goat weed
· Saw palmetto extract
· Boron
· Nettle extract
· Maca root powder
· Ashwagandha root extract
· Fenugreek
· Bioperine
· DIIM
Testosterone Replacement:
The goal with testosterone replacement is to aim for a healthy level for your age. Older men should aim for testosterone levels between 500-800ng/dL. Younger men should aim for testosterone levels between 600-900 ng/dL. Insurance companies will pay for testosterone replacement if the testosterone level falls below 200ng/dL. 1 vial of testosterone contains 200mg of testosterone. This is the starting dose and is given every 2 weeks. 4 vials of testosterone can be purchased using GoodRX for less than $75 at Walmart or less than $61 at Safeway. Every 3 months this level is checked and the dose increased to get you to your desired level. It is important to note that having low Vitamin D can lower your testosterone levels. It is important to check Vitamin D as it is essential for male sexual function.
