Low T levels can have many adverse effects on men’s lives, and testosterone replacement therapy can be a safe and effective way of solving this problem for many men. Why is it then, that so many men are hesitant to begin testosterone treatment? It could be because testosterone replacement therapy is seen as unnatural by a lot of people– that receiving testosterone injections is cheating; it goes against what nature intended. There are experts who claim that T level treatment can have negative health effects and that it should be avoided at all costs. You may have heard these issues come up when testosterone replacement therapy has been discussed, and you may be wondering whether or not any of them are true. The bottom line is that replacing one of your body’s naturally produced hormones can exceedingly improve your quality of life if done safely and correctly by a qualified medical provider. Read below as we at Titan T-Center & Weight Loss discuss some of the realities of testosterone replacement therapy.
What T Level is Considered Normal, Anyway?
The answer to this question is crucial when considering testosterone replacement therapy. The first thing you should understand is the difference between bound testosterone and free testosterone. Both of these types make up the total testosterone in your body. Bound testosterone is attached to sex-binding globulin hormone (SHBG) and albumin. Therefore, it does not have the effects on your body typically associated with T levels. However, some testosterone which is weakly bound to albumin can also be biologically active. That belongs to free testosterone, which unbound to SHBG and found floating freely in your bloodstream.
Even though free testosterone only makes up only a tiny percentage of your total testosterone, it can have a major effect on many aspects of your life. The range of free testosterone is very wide, and there is no real “normal” level. Men can have total testosterone levels anywhere from 400-1,200 ng/. If you fall within that range, your T level is technically no cause for concern. Further testing of the albumin and SHBG levels is needed to determine the free (bioavailable) testosterone.
A man with a normal level of bioavailable testosterone is more likely to add and maintain muscle mass, have a higher sex drive, more confidence and an overall better sense of well being than a man with low testosterone.
Live Your Best Life With Titan T-Center & Weight Loss!
Testosterone replacement therapy should be held to the same standards of safety and efficacy as other forms of hormone replacement therapy, such as thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Just as hormones are necessary for thyroid disorders, diabetes, or even birth control, so too is testosterone treatment necessary for low T levels.
We hope this blog post has helped change your opinion for the better regarding testosterone replacement therapy. If you have any additional questions, feel free to give us a call at 832-738-1913 and our staff will be happy to assist you. If you live in or around Houston or League City, TX and are interested in scheduling a consultation, contact us today!