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Men's Health

Personalized Men’s Health: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Program

Personalized Men’s Health: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Program

Numerous articles from medical journals state that low T – also called low testosterone – is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, low mood, obesity and heart disease. Our functional medicine centre can tailor therapies, though, that uniquely target your hormonal balance.

Testosterone deficiency is experienced by 40% of men over the age of 45; unfortunately, few of these men undergo treatment. In fact, lower “…than five percent are diagnosed and treated for the condition,” reported the CBC, regarding an article published in the B.C. Medical Journal. It isn’t uncommon for men over 40 years old to have symptoms of low T; but some men as young as 25 years old may be diagnosed with this condition.

SYMPTOMS OF LOW TESTOSTERONE LEVELS OR HYPOGONADISM:

  • Issues with prostate/PSA (prostate-specific antigen) health
  • Low sex drive
  • Weak or absent erections
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Premature ejaculation
  • Inability to have an orgasm
  • Frequent urination
  • Depression
  • Fatigue and anxiety
  • Sleep issues
  • Cognitive issues
  • Weight gain, increased fat production (especially abdominal)
  • Reduced mental clarity
  • Mood swings
  • Lack of motivation and drive

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be effective for restoring sexual health and function, increasing muscle mass, and improving sleep, mood and energy levels. At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC), our men’s health program includes customized TRT and disease prevention tactics for promoting optimal health; these integrative medicine strategies could help target your vitality, energy levels, libido and cognitive health. NOTE: It is mandatory for patients to consult with a TFMC functional medicine practitioner to have our TRT and/or hormone optimization programs prescribed.

OUR TRT PROGRAM INCLUDES:

  • Full hormone assessment (with a complete evaluation of your comprehensive health history, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors);
  • Individualized hormone and testosterone replacement consultation;
  • Functional lab tests for measuring sex, thyroid and adrenal hormones (some tests may be covered by OHIP);
  • Symptom monitoring;
  • Progress consultations throughout your treatment; follow-up appointments during the year;
  • Prescription management with multiple treatment options;
  • Tailored patient-centred approach to health.

We offer a fully integrative functional medicine program to our patients. This program is designed to help men achieve their testosterone hormonal balance, and it may potentially include minimal side effects.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media.

AT A GLANCE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (TRT)

TRT is prescribed by our TFMC clinicians for biological purposes only. When administered for your personal health, beneficial effects may include: increase in libido, heightening of sexual performance, improvements to both muscle mass, and a reduction in pain levels. You may also notice positive changes to your sleep and cognition (i.e. memory retention).

Prior to taking TRT, please understand that there may be potential risks when the treatments are administered. These may possibly include: decline in skin quality (i.e. acne), prostate growth (benign prostatic hyperplasia), breast enlargement, shrunken testicles, decrease in sperm production, worsening of current sleep conditions (i.e. sleep apnea), excessive formation of red blood cells that can increase your chances of forming blood clots.

You may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy under these conditions: a) You’re 40 years old or older; b) Lab work is maximum 3 months old and indicates you have low T; c) You are currently demonstrating clinical symptoms of low T (i.e. poor energy levels, unresponsive to exercise regiments, low sexual function, mood swings, anxiety, depression, erectile dysfunction, etc.)

Our healthcare providers may NOT prescribe TRT if you have these current health issues:

  • Sleep conditions (i.e. sleep apnea)
  • UTIs (especially those associated with prostate issues)
  • Heart disease or other cardiac concerns
  • Low T due to age-related decline
  • Excessive red blood cell count
  • Breast cancer and/or prostate cancer

Testosterone replacement therapy is available through various delivery methods. Some of these include: 

  • Injections: testosterone may be administered as an intramuscular injection.
  • Nasal administration: a compounded gel is directed into the nostrils using a pump.
  • Topical gels or creams: Gels or creams may be absorbed through the skin (usually rubbed onto the upper arm/shoulder or thigh).

The delivery method of TRT is a personal decision. Please discuss which method is suitable with your functional medicine practitioner.

These treatments encourage the body to return to a healthy hormonal balance. In turn, this can help lessen the clinical symptoms of low T, such as erectile dysfunction and muscle weakness. Once testosterone levels have reached a stable level, you may notice an improvement to different aspects of health (i.e. muscle strength, erections, mood, and energy production).

When TRT is administered, side effects may occur. These may include: 

  • Hair loss
  • Increase in oil production (may cause acne)
  • Swollen nipples
  • Fluid buildup/retention
  • Sleep troubles (may cause sleep apnea or may worsen current sleep conditions)
  • Irritability, mood swings
  • Low sperm count (may cause infertility); testicles may decrease in size
  • Increase in blood cell count
  • Cholesterol levels may alter

Some patients inquire about “non-drug options” for alleviating low T. Health advice from our clinicians is based on your biological needs. You can explore the following lifestyle modifications and/or complementary and alternative medicine options, too, but please consult with your health practitioner beforehand: 

  • Diet and exercise regiments: According to an article from Sexual Medicine Reviews, studies have indicated that both 12-week and 52-week diet and exercise programs increased testosterone levels. Low calorie diets also contributed to enhancing the hormone in male bodies. 
  • Stress management tools: Numerous articles have stated that excessive stress can diminish serum levels of testosterone. You can explore various stress management techniques with your healthcare provider, such as acupuncture, meditation, yoga, journaling, etc. 
  • Varicocele repair: Varicocele is when the veins that carry oxygen-diminished blood away from the testicles become enlarged. Studies have suggested that repairing this condition can contribute to improving low T. 
  • Sleep modifications: Discuss with your health care provider how to improve your sleep hygiene. Did you know that sleep deprivation can contribute to lowering testosterone? One study showed that getting about five hours of sleep per night can decrease testosterone by 10-15%.

MEN’S PROGRAM RECAP

The TFMC’s personalized men’s health program is designed to tackle low T with custom treatment plans and hormone optimization programs. 

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be a candidate for testosterone therapy: lack of energy, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, sleep problems, generalized weakness, weight gain and/or decreased benefits from exercise regiments. Testosterone replacement therapy may potentially help relieve these symptoms by:

  • Boosting energy
  • Intensifying libido
  • Improving the strength of bones and muscles
  • Increasing lean body mass
  • Improving workouts (i.e. physical exertion) and cardiovascular endurance
  • Sharpening memory
  • Elevating mood

This program is not offered to men under the age of 40. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY.  

ABOUT THE TORONTO FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CENTRE (TFMC)

Every patient has a unique expression of health – this is we adhere to the integrative functional medicine model in our clinic.

Our personalized approach to health care may provide new insight to your health status. This may include a distinctive health care plan, which can help optimize your long-term health. Your comprehensive treatment plan is designed to promote symptom relief and to prevent or delay the formation of chronic conditions.

Functional and integrative medicine is available at the TFMC in the form of Western medicine, naturopathic medicine, herbal medicine, hormone replacement therapies, Chinese medicine, and other treatment modalities. Our clinicians have experience catering to a wide range of health conditions, including age-related decline, acid reflux, irregular periods, digestive disorders, birth control hormone rebalancing, hypogonadism, body aches, autoimmune disease, and more.

By implementing core tests (i.e. diagnostic testing, DUTCH testing) and understanding your individualistic factors – such as lifestyle, current diet, nutritional deficiencies, possible environmental exposures, etc. – we can modify your therapies, including doses of nutrients for IV therapy. Let’s help you improve your quality of life and foster optimal wellness.

Please contact us if you have any questions about our hormone optimization programs! Call us today to request your initial consultation for testosterone-related issues.

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