TRT clinic Saratoga, CA - Thrive HRT

Introduction to Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), also known as androgen replacement therapy, has become an increasingly popular way for men to boost declining testosterone levels. TRT can produce life-changing results by helping men restore their vitality, energy, strength, libido, and overall wellbeing.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that plays a vital role in men's health and vitality. It stimulates the development of male characteristics during puberty and regulates essential body functions throughout a man's lifetime.

Key functions of testosterone include:

• Stimulating sperm production
• Building muscle mass and bone density
• Distributing fat tissue
• Production of red blood cells and transportation of oxygen
• Regulating sex drive, erections, and reproduction
• Enhancing mood, focus, motivation, and confidence

As men age, their bodies gradually produce less testosterone - typically at a rate of 1-2% per year after age 30. Lower testosterone levels can diminish quality of life and lead to undesirable symptoms like low energy, reduced muscle mass, weight gain, fatigue, depressed mood, irritability, and low libido.

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) involves restoring testosterone levels in men back to an optimal range with synthetic forms of the hormone. This can alleviate unpleasant low testosterone symptoms and restore a man's overall health and vitality.

TRT is prescribed for men whose blood tests indicate low or borderline-low testosterone levels coupled with troublesome symptoms. Bringing hormones back into balance revives energy, sex drive, physical strength while also improving mood, mental clarity, and general wellbeing.

Diagnosing Low Testosterone

Detecting testosterone deficiency requires diagnostic blood work to precisely measure current hormone levels.

Symptoms and risk factors can indicate the potential need for testing:

Symptoms of low testosterone:

• Decreased energy and fatigue
• Loss of muscle mass
• Weight gain, increased body fat
• Difficulty concentrating, mental fog
• Irritability, depression
• Low motivation and self-confidence
• Reduced bone density, osteoporosis risk
• Loss of body and facial hair
• Anemia (low iron)
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Decreased libido and sexual function

Risk factors for low testosterone:

• Increasing age
• Obesity
• Chronic illnesses - diabetes, cancer, renal failure
• HIV/AIDS
• Metabolic disorders
• Radiation or chemotherapy
• Traumatic injury to the testes
• Genetic conditions - Klinefelter's syndrome
• History of opioid painkiller abuse
• Stress and poor lifestyle habits

Blood testing analyzes total testosterone and free testosterone along with other relevant hormones and health markers.

Testosterone lab reference ranges:

Lab Test	Normal Range
Total Testosterone	250 - 1100 ng/dL
Free Testosterone	35 - 155 pg/mL

Results below the normal range suggest hypogonadism - clinically low testosterone requiring treatment.

Signs It's Time For TRT

TRT should be considered when blood tests confirm low testosterone together with multiple signs and symptoms that impair quality of life.

Key indicators it may be time for TRT:

• Total or free testosterone level below normal
• 3 symptoms match hy