Low Testosterone Treatment
Leading urologist Larry Lipshultz provides low testosterone treatment at his Houston, TX, practice. Hormonal imbalances can cause symptoms that compromise quality of life and interfere with your fertility. If you are exhibiting signs of low testosterone, Dr. Lipshultz can assess your condition, make a diagnosis, and recommend a suitable course of treatment. We offer various testosterone therapies to meet each patient’s needs. To learn more about how our treatments can help you, contact our practice today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Lipshultz.
Dr. Lipshultz: Low Testosterone (hypogonadism)
Do You Suffer from Low Testosterone?
Testosterone levels gradually decrease with age. However, more significant or sudden hormonal changes can have a serious impact. You may be suffering from low testosterone if you experience:
- Weight gain or loss of muscle mass
- A lowered sex drive or erectile dysfunction
- Fertility issues* (especially if you and your partner have been unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sex, and she does not suffer from fertility issues)
- Mood swings or other symptoms of depression
- Reduced energy
- Changes in memory
- Poor spatial orientation (posture, coordination, and movement)
* Patients trying for a pregnancy will be offered testosterone-stimulating drugs only. Testosterone administration can lower your sperm production.
Who Is a Candidate for Testosterone Therapy?
If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, Dr. Lipshultz will ask you to fill out a questionnaire and describe your symptoms. If your answers indicate low testosterone, he will conduct a physical exam, assessing the reproductive organs and conducting a rectal exam. Dr. Lipshultz may order a blood test to measure your testosterone levels and confirm your diagnosis.
Our Treatment Options
There are several ways to administer testosterone to improve your hormonal function. These include:
- Injectable Testosterone: Dr. Lipshultz can treat your condition by injecting either testosterone enanthate or testosterone cypionate into your thigh or buttocks muscles. These injections must be repeated every one to two weeks to maintain your results. Some patients experience elevated red cell mass or irregular lipid ratios as a side effect of injectable treatments.
- Patches: Patches are applied to your skin once a day. They should remain in place at all times to continue delivering testosterone to your system. The most common side effect is skin irritation.
- Topical Gel: Dr. Lipshultz can prescribe a variety of gels (including Testim, AndroGel, AndroGel 1.62 percent, AXIRON, FORTESTA®, Aveed® or Natesto™) to treat low testosterone.
- Subcutaneous Pellets: Dr. Lipshultz can insert TESTOPEL, small testosterone pellets, beneath the skin of your buttocks or “love handles.” These pellets will steadily release testosterone over a period of three to four months. At the end of this period, you will need to replace the pellets or pursue alternative treatment. Dr. Lipshultz can adjust the number of testosterone pellets to meet your needs.
- Clomiphene Citrate, Anastrazole, or HCG: These may be recommended if you are going to be trying for a pregnancy in the near future. Taking testosterone itself in any form can lower your sperm count.
Dr. Lipshultz will see you within two months of your first treatment. This will allow him to modify your therapy as needed. You will need to come in for regular follow-up appointments throughout the year. Once your condition is stabilized, he may ask you to attend semi-annual check-ups.
Find Out if Testosterone Therapy Can Help You
Many men suffer from low testosterone without realizing it. Dr. Lipshultz can help you better understand your symptoms and provide testosterone therapy to restore your body’s hormonal and reproductive function. Contact Dr. Lipshultz today to learn more about low testosterone treatments, or to schedule a consultation.