Are you feeling tired all the time? Have you noticed that your hair is not growing as usual? Are you struggling with your weight?
If the answer is yes, you may have low testosterone levels. This is also known as low T. It affects around 2 out of every 100 men in America. Thankfully effective therapies are available to help.
Let's take a look at testosterone replacement therapy tests, and how you can get them.
What Is the Low T and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?
Low T is a condition in which there is a low level of the male sex hormone testosterone in the body. For a man to be diagnosed with low testosterone, it needs to be lower than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
Testosterone naturally exists in the body in two forms - free and testosterone that is attached to other proteins. The free testosterone circulates and having too little is linked to the symptoms mentioned at the outset.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is hormone therapy for treating low testosterone. Testosterone can be administered in a variety of ways. These include patches, gels, injections, and even implants. Make sure you get an accurate diagnosis before starting any of these treatments.
Risk Factors for Low T and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
There are many different reasons men develop low T. Some risk factors include:
- Injury to the testicles
- Chemotherapy
- Metabolic disorders
- Medications and illicit drug use
- Alcohol
- HIV/AIDS
- Kidney failure
- Obesity
- Aging
If you have symptoms and know your lifestyle is not healthy, this is a good place to start.
Signs and Symptoms of Low T and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Symptoms of low testosterone vary from person to person. Older men are more likely to experience low testosterone than younger men. The following are common symptoms:
- Low libido (sex drive)
- Difficulty attaining or maintaining erections
- Malaise
- Feelings of depression
- Concentration or memory problems
- Feeling tired all the time
- Irritability
- Loss of muscle tone and strength
If low testosterone levels persist, there can be consequences. These include thinning of the bones, hair loss, infertility, and even breast development.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's good to get an understanding of where your baseline testosterone levels are at.
Lab Tests for Low T and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
The first step is to take lab tests to determine whether you are suffering from low testosterone levels. This will help your doctor decide whether or not you need treatment and the type of treatment you need.
A pre-TRT blood test will examine at least the following areas:
A complete blood count is important. It will help your doctor to see whether other factors could be contributing to your symptoms. The PSA level is important as elevated levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Your doctor may advise taking your total testosterone level at two different times on two different days. Ideally, do this between 7-10 am. That's because naturally testosterone levels rise and fall in the body.
Later in the day, levels are naturally lower. So, to gain a baseline for diagnostic purposes, two tests early in the day give a clearer picture.
Once treatment for low T has started, you will need follow-up testosterone replacement therapy lab tests. These are usually done after 4 to 6 weeks.
The two most common lab panels ordered by practitioners are the Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Panel and the Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Plus Panel that monitor the hormonal balance, and key biomarkers and organ function that can be affected with TRT.
Frequently Asked Questions
People have a range of questions about low T and testosterone replacement therapy tests. Some of their most common are:
What are normal testosterone levels?
A normal testosterone level for a healthy man is normally considered to be more than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). If you have a level that is lower than this, your doctor may diagnose low testosterone and recommend treatment.
What are the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
The benefits of TRT include increased libido, increased muscle mass, and increased energy. Many men also report improvements in their mood and energy levels.
What are the risks of TRT?
The risks include having to take testosterone treatment long-term. If your body does not respond by naturally making more, it's possible that you will need to keep taking treatment.
What is the cost of TRT?
The cost of TRT will depend on a number of factors, including the dosage needed and whether this is covered by your insurance. Costs vary widely between $20 and $1000 per month.
TRT should be prescribed by a physician. This ensures that you are getting the correct dose, and your condition is being monitored.
It's important to remember that testosterone replacement is not a wonder drug. You should only take it on medical advice and it's only for men who have a diagnosis of low T.
If you're experiencing a low mood, lack of energy, and a loss of interest in sex, take a look at your lifestyle. How are your diet and sleep? Do you exercise regularly? You can improve some of these issues through lifestyle changes rather than hormone therapy.
Benefits of Low T and Testosterone Replacement Therapy Tests With Ulta Lab Tests
The only way to diagnose low T is through testosterone replacement therapy tests. Never embark on treatment for low testosterone without thorough testing and sound medical advice. If you do have low T though, TRT could help you get your mojo back.
Ulta Lab Tests offers TRT testing that is highly accurate and reliable so you can make informed decisions about your health.
- Secure and Confidential Results
- No Insurance or Referral Needed
- Affordable Pricing including Doctor's Order
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Order your low T and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) lab test today. Your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.
Take charge of your health and track your progress with Ulta Lab Tests.
