testosterone replacement therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men is one of True Balance's specialties.
estosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is one of True Balance’s specialties. We have refined our systems, accumulated significant experience in the area of TRT, and are now one of the true leaders in Canada.
What is testosterone?
In men, testosterone is a very powerful anti-inflammatory that works directly on DNA. Generally, testosterone’s main function in the body is to promote growth of new cells, including muscle growth and bone density. Men’s endocrine systems are designed to encounter and interact with testosterone and show very few side effects. Higher levels of testosterone seen in most young men can explain the plethora of energy and virility men experience in their twenties. Characteristics of an optimal testosterone level include:
- Balanced mood
- Clear thinking & memory
- Body composition equal to effort with exercise
- Healthy heart function
- Low inflammation
- Good energy levels
- Healthy libido and erections
These characteristics may sound similar to how you were in your teenage years and twenties. However, men experience an average 1% drop in testosterone levels beginning at age 30. This can lead to late-onset hypogonadism, or as it’s more commonly known as, andropause or male menopause. Common symptoms of andropause include weight gain, lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, and decreased libido. Fortunately, these symptoms can all be treated with the proper care.
Chronic diseases related to aging can rob men of their vitality and life enjoyment. Recent advanced health research focuses on increasing ‘health span’ instead of only length of life. Up to now, the average human lifespan has been increasing by 1 year every 4 years. Although this sounds great, there are some underlying concerns to be aware of. Despite the fact that we are living longer, chronic diseases are becoming more and more common throughout society. This includes issues like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.
learn how to
Administer Intramuscular Testosterone InjectionsIn this video, we teach you how to properly self administer or have someone administer your testosterone injection in a proper manner.
Signs and SYmptoms of low testosterone
- Depression/anxiety
- Brain fog
- Persistent fatigue
- Reduced muscle mass
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced testicular size
- Increased body fat
- Rapid hair loss
- Decreased libido and erections
- Mood swings
Benefits of
TRT
- Increased focus and concentration
- Improved outlook and mood
- Improved blood sugar balance
- Greater libido
- More energy and strength
- Improved prostate health
- Improved cholesterol levels
- Improved sexual performance
- Improved muscle mass
- Better quality of sleep
- Improved well-being
How Night Shifts Impact Your Hormone Levels
Studies have shown that sleep in shift workers is typically shortened or displaced. This sleep disturbance affects the bodies circadian rhythm which impacts the production and regulation of several important hormones. This imbalance affects each individual differently. Unfortunately, when your hormone levels are imbalanced many experience negative, unwanted side effects and a decreased quality of life. Research indicates that during sleep testosterone levels increase. Consequentially, these levels decrease when you’re awake.
The hormone imbalance resulting from irregular sleep patterns can lead to:
- Urinary issues
- Low libido
- Weakness
- Decreased cognitive functioning
- Weakened immune system
When we face any form of stress, our bodies counteract this stressor with biological and behavioral changes. When we react to stress we experience an increase in the production of cortisol. Often, cortisol and testosterone have an inverse relationship battling against one another. If you’re experiencing low testosterone levels, it’s likely that high levels of cortisol can be found. Whether chronic or acute, this stress hormone tends to lower testosterone levels and produce a chain like reaction within the body.
If your stress level remains high for a long period of time, the body responds by signaling the adrenal glands to continuously produce cortisol. If this reaction continues, the adrenal glands will be unable to keep up with the bodies demand leading to fatigue, loss of muscle, anxiety, body pain, erectile dysfunction and other unwanted symptoms.
Other Treatment Options:
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men is one of True Balance’s specialties. We have refined our systems and have accumulated significant experience in the area of TRT and are one of the true leaders in Canada.
Estrogen is important to consider when looking at Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Testosterone can be converted to Estrogen in a process called aromatization. This process occurs primarily in fat tissue and increases as we age. The ratio between Estrogen and Testosterone is very important.
True Balance
BHRT Process
To get started with BHRT all you have to do is pick up the phone! After you contact us, we will send you a blood requisition form by email or fax. Your blood work can be completed at any Dynalife or other lab that is convenient. We recommend this work be completed at least four weeks prior to your first visit.
Your first visit will include a questionnaire focusing on your symptoms and concerns. A BHRT specialist will consult with you to determine your conditions and needs, and begin building your treatment plan.
After your comprehensive evaluation, we will determine if BHRT would benefit you. Your treatment plan will be based on your medical history, symptoms, goals, and lab results. Your personalized plan will be a unique approach that may include a variety of paths such as nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management.
Following your initial visit and development of your treatment plan, your prescription will be sent to one of our trusted compound companies. It may take a number of days for your prescription to be ready because only special compounding pharmacies can provide the expertise to safely and accurately manufacture your BHRT hormone prescriptions.
The identification and prescription of appropriate hormones and supplements at proper levels requires careful supervision and ongoing monitoring. Around eight weeks after your treatment has begun, you will have your blood rechecked.
After your initial follow-up, we recommend another follow-up approximately four weeks later to review your blood work, therapy progress and symptom scores. If appropriate, we will make adjustments to your prescription to optimize your treatment plan. Following this return visit, checkups are typically just once a year unless recommended otherwise by your BHRT specialist.
