Testosterone Imbalances
Are you struggling to shed those extra pounds, particularly around your belly?
Have you noticed a decline in your strength and muscle tone?
Do you feel like you’re just not performing at your best lately?
Experiencing a lower sex drive?
Feeling constantly low on energy?
Do you find yourself lacking motivation or drive, even for things you once enjoyed?
These could all be signs of low testosterone, which can impact various aspects of your physical and emotional well-being.
What is Low T?
After the age of 30, men begin producing less testosterone. This gradual decline, known as andropause, happens over several decades, with testosterone levels dropping by about 10% per decade.
However, if there is a sudden drop, particularly in someone with already borderline low testosterone, symptoms can appear sooner than expected and may be cause for concern.
Could I have Low T?
The ADAM questionnaire (Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male) is a tool used to screen for symptoms of low testosterone.
This simple questionnaire can help determine if you might be at risk for Low T. Please answer yes or no to the following questions:
- Has your sex drive decreased?
- Do you lack energy?
- Have you noticed a drop in strength or endurance?
- Have you lost height?
- Do you feel less enjoyment in life?
- Are you feeling more sad or irritable?
- Are your erections less strong?
- Has your ability to play sports declined recently?
- Do you often fall asleep after dinner?
- Has your work performance deteriorated recently?
If you answered “yes” to number 1 or 7, or to more than three questions, you may have low testosterone.
How Are We Different?
We don’t just prescribe testosterone replacement based on lab results alone.
For optimal outcomes, we consider various factors beyond testosterone levels. We evaluate other hormones that influence testosterone function, including:
- Insulin
- Thyroid
- Estrogen
- Cortisol
- Dihydrotestosterone
- DHEA
Additionally, we may conduct a comprehensive lab assessment to examine:
- Advanced cardiovascular risk factors
- Vitamin and mineral levels
- Inflammation markers
- Digestive health
- Effects of toxins
We also focus on lifestyle habits, including nutrition, exercise, and stress management, to ensure the best possible results.
Symptoms of Low T
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Poor memory
- Poor focus or concentration
- Lack of motivation or competitive drive
- Decreased muscle mass or strength
- Slower post-exercise recovery
- Increased time to recover after injury
- Increased upper body or belly fat
- Increase risk of pre-diabetes or diabetes
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Osteoporosis
Many men explain away their symptoms as “just part of getting older” or “just stress.”
The signs of low testosterone are often subtle and can resemble symptoms of other medical conditions. This overlap is why low testosterone frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated.
How Serious is Low T?
While the debate continues, it’s clear that many men suffer unnecessarily from symptoms like fatigue, low sex drive, and weight gain.
These issues can negatively affect daily life, work performance, and personal relationships.
Clinical studies suggest a link between low testosterone and higher cardiovascular risk. Low testosterone may raise cholesterol, decrease bone density, and contribute to insulin resistance or diabetes.
Trust the Process
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
A Comprehensive Look
Dr. Sidhu will meet with you to conduct a thorough patient medical history and physical exam. He will assess your health concerns, goals, and lifestyle to determine if you may be a candidate for testosterone replacement. A comprehensive diagnostic blood screen will be ordered to measure your hormone levels. This will help understand your current testosterone levels and ensure we get the initial dosing correct. It will also help us identify anything else that might be going on.
Lab Evaluations Include:
• Body composition analysis (body fat/muscle mass)
We May Test For:
• Evaluation of current nutritional status
Expect Nothing Less Than Personalized Care
If your blood screen determines that you qualify for low t treatment, Dr. Sidhu will come up with a customized treatment plan and administration method based on your lifestyle and needs.Treatment protocols include testosterone injections. We offer physician directed home self-administration protocols with telehealth appointments with Dr. Sidhu or in office visits where our staff will administer the injections. We always aim to make your treatment plan as convenient for you as possible and can even deliver certain medications directly to your doorstep.
With You Each Step Of The Way
Dr Sidhu will order follow up labs to monitor your progress between 4-6 weeks after starting treatment. Another appointment is scheduled to ensure that the treatment is working as desired. Appointments are offered in person or telehealth. Once an effective dosing regimen is maintained, labs will be ordered every 3-4 months to continue to monitor your progress.
Functional Medicine Is Our Specialty
Functional Medicine is an approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to create a personalized treatment plan. Practitioners spend time understanding the patient’s history and health goals, using advanced diagnostic testing to uncover the underlying issues affecting their health. This holistic approach integrates the best of conventional and natural medicine to promote optimal health and well-being.
