The Power of Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men

Dr. Amy Tomlinson's Wellness and Gynecology practice in Frisco and Buena Vista, is pleased to offer Bio-Te hormone replacement therapy to help you live your best life.

As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline, which can lead to a variety of health issues such as decreased energy, decreased muscle mass, decreased sex drive, mood swings, and loss of bone mass. Testosterone therapy can help restore testosterone levels to a healthy range by treating those health issues, resulting in welcome improvements in overall quality of life. BioTe testosterone pellets are a form of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) that has gained popularity in recent years. These small, rice-sized pellets are inserted under the skin in the hip area, where they slowly release testosterone over a period of several months.

What are the Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

BioTe testosterone pellets have several potential benefits for men. These include:

1. Increased energy levels: Men with low testosterone levels often experience fatigue and low energy levels. TRT can help increase energy levels, allowing men to be more productive and enjoy a higher quality of life.

2. Improved mood: Testosterone plays an important role in regulating mood, and men with low testosterone levels may experience symptoms such as depression and irritability. TRT can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

3. Increased muscle mass: Testosterone is essential for the development of muscle mass, and men with low testosterone levels may experience muscle wasting. TRT can help increase muscle mass and improve strength, making it easier to perform physical tasks and exercise.

4. Improved bone density: Testosterone is also important for maintaining bone density, and men with low testosterone levels may be at increased risk of developing osteoporosis. TRT can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

5. Increased sex drive: Testosterone is responsible for sex drive in men, and low testosterone levels can lead to decreased libido and sexual dysfunction. TRT can help increase sex drive and improve sexual function, allowing men to enjoy a more fulfilling sex life.

6. Improved cognitive function: Testosterone plays a role in cognitive function, and men with low testosterone levels may experience cognitive decline. TRT can help improve cognitive function, including memory and concentration.

7. Improved healing and outcomes after knee replacement: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be considered for patients with low testosterone levels prior to knee replacement surgery. TRT can help increase muscle mass and bone density, which may lead to faster recovery times and better outcomes following surgery.

8. Reduced risk of heart disease: Low testosterone levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, and TRT may help reduce this risk by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.

What are BioTe Testosterone Pellets?

BioTe pellets are made from natural plant sources and contain bioidentical testosterone, which is identical in structure to the testosterone produced by the human body. This allows the body to easily absorb the testosterone and use it as needed.

The pellets are typically inserted during a quick in-office procedure using local anesthesia. Once in place, the pellets slowly release testosterone into the bloodstream over a period of several months. BioTe pellet therapy is unique in that it provides a consistent level of testosterone to the body over a period of several months.

This is in contrast to other forms of testosterone therapy such as gels or injections, which can cause testosterone levels to fluctuate. Fluctuating testosterone levels can lead to side effects such as mood swings, acne, and fluid retention. With BioTe pellet therapy, patients receive a steady release of testosterone, which can help minimize these side effects. The convenience of pellet therapy also makes it an attractive option for many men, as fewer office visits are required compared to other forms of TRT.

Many men seek testosterone therapy due to hormone levels that decline with age. But young men can have hypogonadism–a condition where the testis are not able to produce a sufficient amount of testosterone. They can have the following symptoms:

1. Low sex drive or libido

2. Erectile dysfunction or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection

3. Reduced muscle mass and strength

4. Increased body fat

5. Decreased bone density

6. Fatigue or lack of energy

7. Mood changes, such as depression or irritability

8. Decreased body hair or beard growth

9. Hot flashes or sweating

10. Infertility or decreased sperm count

In addition to these symptoms, men with hypogonadism may also experience other health problems such as osteoporosis, anemia, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Young men suffering from these symptoms should have their testosterone levels checked as they can benefit greatly from replacement.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy is Different Than Anabolic Steroids

Testosterone therapy is vastly different from the use of anabolic steroids. Testosterone replacement therapy is a medical treatment used to increase levels of testosterone in men who have low testosterone levels, typically due to aging or certain medical conditions.

TRT is administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider and is designed to restore testosterone levels to within the optimal range. The dose is carefully titrated to achieve the desired testosterone levels without causing side effects. Anabolic steroids, on the other hand, are synthetic hormones that are different from the testosterone made by the human body.

These are not bioidentical and can lead to serious side effects including liver damage, cardiovascular disease, and mood changes. Anabolic steroids are illegal and may contain inconsistent dosing, unsafe additives, and contamination with bacteria.

Risks of Testosterone Treatment

Any medical treatment has potential risks. With TRT, the risks are generally low and can be minimized through monitoring and follow-up. Acne, fluid retention, and breast enlargement usually resolve on their own within one to two months.

Pellets confer a small risk of infection at the insertion site. Extrusion of the pellets from the skin is possible and the pellets can be replaced. TRT may also increase the risk of sleep apnea. A small increased risk of blood clots can be detected with blood work and then mitigated with treatment. The evidence regarding testosterone and prostate cancer is mixed. Several studies have suggested that there may be a mild association between testosterone levels and the risk of prostate cancer.

Other studies have shown no link. Some studies have suggested that TRT may be safe for men with low-risk prostate cancer who have undergone treatment and have undetectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. The PSA level is checked prior to starting BioTe therapy. For many men with low testosterone levels who are experiencing symptoms, the benefits of TRT often outweigh the risks.

The BioTe Process

The process of receiving BioTe pellet treatment for testosterone replacement therapy typically involves the following steps:

1. Initial Consultation: The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Tomlinson who is trained in BioTe pellet therapy. During this consultation, she will review your medical history, symptoms, and lab results to determine if BioTe pellet therapy is a suitable treatment option for you.

2. Lab Testing: Before starting pellet therapy, you will need to undergo blood testing to measure your hormone levels, including testosterone. This is done to ensure that your levels are low enough to warrant treatment and to help determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs.

3. Pellet Insertion: this takes about 15 minutes with Dr. Tomlinson. The skin is numbed and the pellets are inserted into the fatty tissue in the hip or buttock. The area is covered with a waterproof dressing.

4. Post Pellet Activity: normal daily activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure. Exercises targeting the glutes–like bike rides, squats, and running–should be avoided for 5 days post procedure.

5. Follow-Up Appointments: After the initial pellet insertion, a repeat blood test will be scheduled at 4 weeks to monitor your hormone levels.

6. Repeat Pellet Insertion: The pellets are designed to dissolve slowly over time, typically lasting 3-6 months before needing to be replaced. Repeat pellet insertions are scheduled as needed to maintain consistent hormone levels.

In summary, BioTe pellet TRT can help improve overall wellness and quality of life. The consistent delivery of testosterone can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with low testosterone, including fatigue, decreased muscle mass and strength, and decreased sex drive. This can improve overall energy levels and sense of well-being. Dr. Tomlinson personalizes therapy to meet your unique needs.

Come in to see us for a consultation and blood work to see if treatment is right for you!

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