The Big “T” – Testosterone!

You hear about it every day. It’s the “T”-Rex of male hormones. We know it affects all male development of course but guess what?! Women need it too! It affects their ovarian function, bone strength, and yes, the libido, AKA sex drive!

For men it influences height, stronger muscles, fat distribution and bones. It deepens the voice and aids in development of the facial and body hair. (the bad news?—it CAN play a role later in life with balding! Sorry guys!) but Yes! it is THE  sex hormone in men. It fuels the sex drive and performance.    

While the big “T” also affects your thinking ability, mood, and memory most of us really just want to know the low—down on low-T ! Your “T” levels do change from morning to afternoon, tending to be highest in the morning, lower at night. The levels also diminish naturally throughout a man’s life, but the good news is that just because levels drop, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are a candidate for therapy.

                 Some signs you may be experiencing low-T.

• Depression
• Slowed metabolism and/or weight gain
• Loss of lean muscle mass
• Reduced libido or erectile function

If you feel you may have low T check with your doctor first. A simple blood test is all it takes! If you do have low T-, testosterone replacement therapy or TRT could be for you.  TRT raises the levels of testosterone which in turn improves performance, increases muscle size and strength, gives you more energy and can help you sleep better. All of which could help lead to more stamina in the bedroom!  

In the meanwhile, although the  jury is still out as far as what over the counter “T” aids can and can’t do, there are many of them out there. A plethora of articles are available about over the counter remedies. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about them, but here are a few simple tips to up your “T” in a natural and simple way.   

Natural ways to boost Testosterone (and  amp up your sex life! )

• Pomegranate Juice (it’s the nitric oxide )
• Pineapple mint juice (vit C and B!)                                                        
• Beetroot Juice (2—3 x a week can increase your sexual heath)
• Oat Milk ( increases “T” in your bloodstream)
• Exercise and lifting  weights  
• Get plenty of high quality sleep  
• Quit smoking !!!
• Fun Fact! Despite the old joke, some studies suggest cold showers can increase “T” levels.  

There is a lot of media-hype regarding low “T” (that would have you believe your sexual prowess will only improve with TRT) but it is important to understand that “T” levels can also be too high causing its own range of troubles.    A lot of information is available, from many sources, about testosterone. This article only begins touch the surface. A nudge, if you will, to get you pointed in the right direction. If your doctor determines you do have low T and could benefit from TRT, below are your Iron Road HealthCare benefits.  

                                         Covered By Iron Road

 Testosterone cypionate intramuscular 2 PA

This medication is given by injection into the buttock muscle as directed by your doctor, usually every 1 to 4 weeks. Do not inject this medication into a vein.

Testosterone transdermal gel 2 PA

Testosterone transdermal patches are used to treat the symptoms of low testosterone in adult men who have hypogonadism (a condition in which the body does not produce enough natural testosterone). Testosterone is used only for men with low testosterone levels caused by certain medical conditions, including disorders of the testicles, pituitary gland, (a small gland in the brain), or hypothalamus (a part of the brain) that cause hypogonadism. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your testosterone levels to see if they are low before you begin to use testosterone transdermal patches. Testosterone should not be used treat the symptoms of low testosterone in men who have low testosterone due to aging (‘age-related hypogonadism’). Testosterone is in a class of medications called androgenic hormones. Testosterone is a hormone produced by the body that contributes to the growth, development, and functioning of the male sexual organs and typical male characteristics. Testosterone transdermal patches work by replacing the testosterone that is normally produced by the body.