testosterone therapy Colorado springs

What is a Normal Testosterone Level for my Age?

Testosterone is a male hormone responsible for sexual development and sex drive and function. As we age, our testosterone levels decline. Low testosterone levels can result in various physical, sexual and psychological problems, including weight gain, loss of muscle mass, low bone density, erectile dysfunction, loss of sex drive, infertility, low energy, weakness, depression, insomnia, lack of motivation, low self-confidence, and issues with memory and concentration.

Despite what you may have heard, even patients who test in the normal testosterone range may be suffering from low testosterone. The normal range for testosterone levels is quite large – anywhere between 270 to 1,070 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)** – and doesn't account for age or health considerations. The chart below gives a more accurate breakdown of average testosterone levels by age.
male testosterone therapy
Low T Colorado
Testosterone Therapy (Men)

What you need to know about testosterone replacement therapy:

Common Benefits:

  • Increased energy.
  • Increased lean muscle.
  • Decreased fat mass.
  • Improved libido.
  • Improved erectile function.
  • Improved cardiac function.
  • Decreased heart disease.
  • Improved concentration.
  • Decreased joint/muscle pain.
  • Improved insulin response.
  • Increased strength.
  • Improved sleep.
  • Improved mood.

Possible Side-Effects:

  • Increased oily skin or acne.
  • Increased blood count.
  • Water retention.
  • Aggressiveness.
  • Elevated E2
  • Decreased testicular size.

Once the symptoms of low testosterone (T) have been identified and levels have been measured, testosterone replacement may be prescribed. Testosterone can be administered via transdermal creams, surgically implanted pellets, and subcutaneous or intramuscular injections. Injection form is often the preferred route of administration by medical professionals due to its absorption and ability to make small adjustments to achieve target levels. Caution should be taken when using transdermal creams as they can be potentially transferred to unintended individuals by either direct contact or indirectly through towels, bed sheets, etc.

Side-effects may occur during therapy however they are usually recognized early and easily managed. Men with low T levels may experience symptoms of elevated estrogen or estradiol (E2) when testosterone levels rise quickly with supplementation. The rapid increase in T sometimes results in over conversion of testosterone to estrogen as the body tries to create a balance between the two hormones. Symptoms are mostly localized to the chest area and typically manifest as one or all of the following: swelling, tenderness, sensitivity of the chest, breast, nipple area. Water retention, while less likely, may also occur. Symptoms usually resolve on their own over 2-3 weeks once the body is able to naturally achieve hormonal balance. If symptoms persist or they become highly bothersome, short term use of an estrogen blocker often provides quick relief. It is important however to not over suppress estrogen because of its beneficial properties which aid in reducing heart disease. Therefore, extended use of estrogen blockers for most is not recommended. Daily vitamin zinc helps the body create a natural balance between testosterone and estrogen levels and is a good alternative to estrogen blockers.

When it comes to testosterone levels more is not always better. If T levels exceed optimal ranges it's possible to experience "burn out"which can cause reversion back to low T symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, sleep disturbance, and other unwanted reactions. Burn out is easily avoidable by maintaining appropriate dosing and routine monitoring.

A rise in red blood cell count is not uncommon during testosterone therapy; small increases are usually benign and simply followed by monitoring of blood levels. If levels continue to increase and symptoms occur (e.g. fatigue, sluggishness, shortness of breath), blood donation or phlebotomy may be recommended to lower blood levels.

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the leading causes of cancer in men and while testosterone has not been shown to increase the risks of PC, it should be screened for. Screening usually begins at or around age 50 and one common method is through the monitoring of PSA in blood lab work. The accuracy of routine screening through PSA has been questioned by some specialists. Appropriate screening is something that should be discussed between each patient and their primary care provider.

Decreased sperm count or fertility may be common particularly in younger men but is usually reversible after stopping testosterone supplementation. HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) has been shown to help prevent testicular atrophy and decreased fertility. Any onset of symptoms or side-effects should be promptly discussed with your hormone specialist or primary care provider.

The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy can be life changing for many individuals. With the appropriate management and monitoring, men should see improvement in most, if not all, of their symptoms related to low T. Frequently the benefits are noticeable within the first few weeks after initiation of testosterone supplementation. If the desired results are not seen within the first 3-5 months of therapy, adjustments may be needed and should be discussed with your specialist.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be defined as inability or difficulty maintaining an erection during sexual activity, and can include the strength/firmness of erection and time/duration of erection. ED may occur in men with low levels of testosterone. Thankfully, in many cases this can be easily managed by monitoring and optimizing testosterone levels by a medical specialist. In other cases additional supplementation or medication may be beneficial such as the addition of Viagra®, Cialis® or Levitra®.

Ask us about our various options for treatment and management of Erectile Dysfunction.

Other causes of ED may include: cardiac/heart disease, vascular obstruction, diabetes, psychological impotence, prior surgery, and chemical side-effects. Symptoms should be discussed with your provider and what form of management might be right for you.

Anti-Aging Treatments

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) or Growth Hormone (GH) for short is a hormone that is produced and released by the pituitary gland. It's primarily known for promoting growth during child and adolescent stages, however over the years it has been used as supplementation given it's many possible benefits and desired effects. With it's growing popularity among the fitness elite and Hollywood celebrities alike HGH has been also been coined the 'fountain of youth' due to claims of improved physique and decreasing wrinkles. GH has also been claimed to improve bone density, increase lean muscle mass, improve skin tone, aid in weight loss, improve healing and tissue repair, promote hair growth, increase energy, improve sexual performance and sleep cycles.

Cratos Health is proud to offer Growth Hormone supplementation in the form of HGH precursors. Growth Hormone precursors work by stimulating the pituitary gland causing it to produce and release more of the body's own natural Growth Hormone. Unlike the synthetic GH injections, these GH precursors are still regulated by the body's regulatory feedback response system. This means that our body is still in control of the GH levels and one is much less likely to experience possible side-effects that may be associated with higher doses of synthetic GH injections. Cratos Health uses only the top products that have been tried and tested. We have seen low levels increase by over 3 times as much resulting in the desired affects. Our products are also significantly more affordable than their synthetic GH counterparts.

Contact us for more information and to see if HGH supplementation is right for you.

Hormone Therapy (Women)

BIOTE

Bioidentical hormone optimization for men and women!

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, chances are they are a candidate for Hormone Replacement Pellet Therapy.

Common Symptoms:

  • Lack of energy and fatigue during the day
  • Difficulty sleeping at night
  • Reduced mental focus and memory
  • Moody, anxious or depressed
  • Weight gain including increased fat around the mid-section
  • Inability to lose weight regardless of healthy diet or exercise 
  • Decreased muscle strength
  • Muscle and/or joint pain
  • Reduced sexual desire and performance

Hormones and Health Protection

Proper hormone levels are determined by the BioTe comprehensive blood work analysis.  Unique dosing is recommended for each patient for the best possible outcome.

Studies have shown that optimized hormones can reduce the risk of some age-related health issues such as osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.  

We optimize hormones so you can benefit from the many advantages bioidentical hormone therapy provides: decrease fat, increase in muscle and lean body mass, increase of natural growth hormone production (thereby improving stamina and muscle mass), and greatly improved libido.  For women, estrogen is the most important hormone and we have had great success with women who have menstrual migraines.  Additionally, estrogen protects against heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's.  Furthermore, testosterone for women improves bone density, muscle mass, strength and prevents some types of depression.  It is also the source of energy and solid sleep!  Women need testosterone to keep the thought process quick and libido healthy.

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