Produced in the testicles, Testosterone is responsible for male characteristics such as a muscular build, a deep voice and facial hair. It usually reaches its highest level in a male early in adulthood, then drops, generally around 1% to 2% a year, after the age of 40. As men pass the 50 mark, they sometimes notice symptoms that they don’t want to deal with and avoid talking about:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced sexual desire;
- Depression;
- Anxiety;
- Lack of energy;
- Weight gain;
- Reduced muscle mass;
- Reduced bone mass, which could lead to fractures;
- Reduction in testicle size and the amount of semen produced;
- An increase in body fat;
- Mood swings, lack of focus, irritability and possibly depression.
Losing testosterone as you age is normal for men. Some choose testosterone replacement therapy restores their sex drive and helps them feel more alert, energetic and mentally sharp. This method doesn’t always work, however, because other issues can affect the level of the hormone in your body. These include obesity; alcoholism; stress; an injury or infection; medications you might be taking, especially those that are used to treat prostate cancer; or chemotherapy or radiation used to treat cancer.
And, just because you are dealing with erectile dysfunction doesn’t mean your testosterone levels are low. Other factors that can cause ED include:
- High blood pressure;
- Diabetes;
- High cholesterol;
- Thyroid issues;
- Smoking.
Testosterone replacement therapy can be delivered in several different ways:
Skin patches
The patch, applied once a day, releases testosterone through the skin.
Injections
Shots are administered every seven to 14 days, usually immediately raising testosterone levels, which might slowly drop until the next shot is given.
Gels
The gel is rubbed into the skin, usually on the arms, shoulders or thighs, every day. You should always wash your hands well after applying the gel and cover the treated area with clothing to make sure others aren’t exposed to the testosterone.
Tablets
Testosterone is absorbed into your bloodstream through tablets that are placed against your gum or the inside of your cheek twice a day.
Pellets
These slowly release testosterone into your body after being implanted under your skin, usually near your hips or buttocks. They are replaced every three to six months.
There are natural ways to increase testosterone, and, though they might not raise testosterone levels to where they should be, they often help. These include losing weight and getting more exercise and eating food such as beef, fortified cereals, eggs, tuna, milk, beans and shellfish.
It’s important to remember that you might not have any of the symptoms of low testosterone. In fact, you might find out that your testosterone levels are low from the tests done on your blood during your annual physical.
Are you concerned about decreased sexual desire? Do you feel fatigued much of the time? Are you moody and irritable? All these issues could be related to low testosterone. To learn more about Low-T and research studies that you might be interested in participating in, contact 3rd Coast Research Associates at 3cra.com or call 361-288-4668.
Corpus Christi, TX 78413
(361) 288-4668
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm
1501 E Red River St, Suite #C2
Victoria, TX 77901
(361) 574-7800
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm
Medical research studies can be a great opportunity for people to receive medical services at no cost and to learn more about their medical condition. Volunteers in medical research studies, in most cases, are compensated for their time and travel commitments in the form of a stipend. At 3rd Coast Research Associates, we try to make volunteering a positive experience for every participant.
Our friendly staff understands and recognizes that all participants in medical studies are volunteers; therefore, we respect every participant’s time and commitment. In addition to compensation, volunteers often receive diagnostic testing and careful evaluation by a board-certified medical doctor. Lastly, many volunteers find that participation in medical studies can be a great learning experience that allows them to have a better understanding of their medical condition and potential treatment options.