TEL: 616.808.2695 | FAX: 616.808.2697
1959 EAST PARIS AVE SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546
TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (TRT)
Testosterone Deficiency (Male Andropause)
Andropause, or male menopause, is the gradual decline with age of the male sex hormone testosterone. This is also known as testosterone deficiency or androgen deficiency and can contribute to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Men’s testosterone peaks in their 20’s then decrease by 1% every year after ages 30 to 40. Signs and symptoms of low testosterone start to develop such as lower sex drive, decrease in energy, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass and strength, depression, cognitive decline, and increased body fat. It is estimated that up to 6 million men in the United States are affected by testosterone deficiency. Even though the detrimental health effects of testosterone deficiency are known, it is still widely undiagnosed with only 5% of men receiving treatment. Age Management utilizes blood testing along with symptomology for diagnosis and offers a variety of testosterone replacement options.
Common symptoms of low testosterone in men
Decreased Sex Drive
Fatigue
Memory Loss
Decreased Bone Density
Erectile Dysfunction
Night Sweats
Decreased Muscle Mass
Depression
Infertility
Decreased Strength
Cognitive Decline
Loss of Body Hair
Swollen Breasts
Reduced Self Confidence
Increase Body Fat
Palpitations
Sleep Problems
Increase Irritability
Testosterone Labs: Male Hormone Bloodwork Labs
All TRT treatment plans are monitored and prescribed based on current hormone blood levels and other labs. Patients getting started schedule appointment (covered by most insurances) with provider for health screening and ordering of blood work. Blood work levels will determine the initial dosing schedule of Testosterone and use of anti aromatase medications if indicated. Blood work is utilized every 3 to 6 months to track progress and monitor for any side effects with treatment.
Age Management of West Michigan offers the convenience of on site labs for both insurance and cash labs.
TRT Treatment options
Subcutaneous Testosterone Cypionate Injections / 2 x weekly (Recommended)
Benefits of administering Testosterone by subcutaneous injection compared to Intramuscular Injection.
1. More stable levels of testosterone over the week: Eliminates the highs and lows of 1 x weeek IM injection.
2. Less Invasive: SubQ injections allow for a smaller needle (27g x 1/2 in) compared to larger IM needles (22g x 1 1/2 in). IM injections are at a greater risk for infection and abscess.
3. More Convenient: Injections are pre-drawn by AMWM staff and ready to use. No dealing with insurance, pharmacy, or having to draw up injections.
Pellet Therapy (Recommended)
Pellet therapy involves an in-office procedure where testosterone pellets are inserted subdermal under the skin on the hip where they are absorbed over 4 to 6 months. Benefits of pellet therapy is that it is convenient with no injections needs to be done over treatment.
Intramuscular Testosterone Cypionate Injections
IM Injections 1 x weekly was the traditional standard of TRT before the new compounded forms of testosterone cypionate and pellets allowed for more consistent dosing and weekly T levels. IM injections are the method that are usually covered by health insurance. One time weekly IM injections are more invasive with larger injection needles and have the T-wave effect with highs and lows of testosterone levels throughout the week.
Testosterone Creams and patches (least effective)
Transdermal application is the least effective for absorption and maintenance of balanced T levels. There is also the inconvenience of daily application and incidence of transference to other people. Creams are still an option available to the patient and can be compounded to patient specific dosing.
Bio-Identical Hormones are Safe and Effective
Age Management of West Michigan uses Bio-Identical Hormones. Bio-identical hormones are derived from plant-based sources and are identical in molecular structure to the endogenous hormones which are produced in the body.
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Replacement with Bio-Identical Hormones improves quality of life and controls the aging process by having a systemic effect in preserving our organs, connective tissues, vessels, muscle, bone, and neurotransmitters.
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Integrative Medicine Approach
AMWM is an Integrative Medical Facility that recognizes the importance of looking at the overall health of the body and its systems and how it impacts health and hormone levels Age management optimizes patient benefits of TRT through a variety of lifestyle approaches: Maintaining healthy body weight with low body fat, proper nutrition with whole food diet, regular exercise, healthy sleep cycle, supplemental support, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. Psychological stress, drugs and alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, injuries, surgery, medications, and obesity are often contributing factors to hormone decline.
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Hormone cleanse and detoxification
Age Management utilizes and recommends Hormone Cleanse and Detox protocols at the start of treatment and every 6 months to optimize hormone regulation and metabolism. Medications and toxins we are exposed to daily are major endocrine disruptors and can significantly reduce the effectiveness of TRT results. AMWM offers 1 and 2 week hormone cleanses to detoxify the body and optimize TRT results.
