Low Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Seattle, WA

Low Testosterone & Andropause: More Than a Midlife Crisis

Are you experiencing hair loss, reduced energy and sexual function, decreased muscle mass, or weight gain? Hormones like testosterone and other sex hormones are all essential biochemical messengers that help regulate male bodily functions like sexuality, energy and metabolism. When production of testosterone and other male sex hormones begin to decline or become imbalanced, these telltale symptoms sometimes develop.

Many men don’t realize their symptoms can be treated. However, oftentimes, the issue is that men are hesitant to admit they are experiencing these symptoms. To schedule a confidential consultation with Water’s Edge Natural Medicine, complete the form below or call us at (206) 966-4522 today!

What is Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone (sometimes referred to as hypogonadism) is the condition in which measurable blood levels of testosterone are lower than expected.

Prevalence of Low Testosterone

Men can experience a gradual decline in serum total testosterone, starting in their mid-30s. Low Testosterone levels affect 1 in every 4 men over the age of 30 and there are 13 million men in the United States impacted.

The breakdown by age among mature men is that about 20 percent of men older than 60, 30 percent older than 70 and 50 percent older than 80 experience Low Testosterone.

Causes of Low Testosterone

Most often, hormonal shifts like Low Testosterone in men are simply a natural result of aging. However, men can experience Low Testosterone at any age from causes raging from chronic disease to side effects of medication. Testicular injury can be a cause, as can cancer, chemotherapy or malfunction of the hypothalamus or pituitary glands. Low thyroid function, obesity, infections and various other disorders are often implicated in Low Testosterone.

Risk Factors for Low Testosterone

There are a variety of risk factors that may not cause it but can definitely increase your chances of developing Low Testosterone, including:

• Aging
• Stress
• Injury to testicles or loss of testicles
• Certain medications
• Lifestyle factors like poor diet and lack of exercise
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Opioid use
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Hormone disorders
• Some congenital conditions
• Certain surgeries or injuries

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

There are a wide range of symptoms that could signal Low Testosterone, and each individual may experience a different array or combination of symptoms:

• Decreased sex drive
• Reduced lean muscle mass
• Irritability or anger
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased energy and fatigue
• Depression or anxiety
• Hair loss, including loss of body hair and reduced beard growth
• Testicular atrophy
• Dry or thinning skin
• Hot flashes or sweats
• Reduced muscle mass
• Male breast discomfort or swelling
• Weight gain, including an increase in fat around internal organs
• Insomnia and other possible sleep problems
• Memory loss and brain fog
• Hormonal imbalances measured by testing
• Slower metabolism

Low testosterone may also put you at increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Not all men experience the common symptoms of Low Testosterone - even when their levels are significantly reduced. Sometimes men attribute symptoms to aging or other medical conditions, and other medical conditions can, in fact, mimic the symptoms of Low Testosterone.

Certain symptoms associated with Low Testosterone can be caused by factors like:

• Age-related issues that are not hormone-related
• Other medical conditions
• Certain medications

It is important to understand your particular symptoms and their origin during the diagnosis stage of your treatment at Water’s Edge Natural Medicine. To properly diagnose your particular condition, we will conduct testing and a comprehensive medical evaluation.

Diagnosing Low Testosterone

At Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Seattle, WA, we understand that your diagnosis is the first step in balancing your male hormones and restoring vitality and full function. At your initial consultation, we will take a complete medical history which will include a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms. We recommend that you prepare a list of your symptoms prior to your first consultation. In order to properly diagnose Low Testosterone, we may require specific types of hormone testing. We may also need to administer additional medical tests to rule out other conditions.

Low Testosterone in mature men is almost always simply a normal function of aging, but sometimes hormone irregularities like Low Testosterone signal the presence of illness or disease. That is why the diagnostic process is so important when treating Low Testosterone.

Treating Low Testosterone

Addressing hormone deficiencies or imbalanced hormones – especially testosterone – can not only alleviate the troublesome symptoms of Low Testosterone but also help prevent bone loss and cardiovascular disease.

Since Low Testosterone symptoms manifest differently in each man, the course of treatment will vary with each individual patient. Some of our treatment options may include:

• Comprehensive hormone testing
• Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
• Addressing risk factors and identified causes (like certain medications or chronic conditions)
• A medical nutrition plan to optimize male hormonal balance
• Targeted vitamins, supplements or IV vitamin therapy
• Identifying and addressing food allergies and sensitivities, as well as environmental allergies that may be contributing to hormonal imbalance
• Developing a customized movement regimen that is appropriate for your physical condition
• Certain lifestyle modifications

Understanding BHRT for Men

At Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Seattle, WA, we use bioidentical hormones to treat hormone imbalances like those that occur naturally in men with Low Testosterone. A variety of bio-identical hormones have been approved by the FDA. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for men has been in use for 45 years and has been a successful treatment option with few, if any, side effects.

Bioidentical hormones mimic the effect of the natural hormones and are molecularly identical. Typically derived from plant sources – soy or yams – bioidentical hormones are engineered to the same exact chemical structure of hormones already being produced naturally in your own body. BHRT is more readily accepted by the body. Given that these bioidentical hormones function almost identically to natural hormones, the result is:

• fewer side effects
• improved hormonal balancing
• longer-term hormone replacement

BHRT delivery methods include oral medication or topical applications, depending on what is right for your body. At Water’s Edge, we make sure to always take your personal preferences into consideration.

For younger men who may be experiencing symptoms of Low Testosterone but still wish to have children, there is sometimes the concern that BHRT carries some risk of lowered sperm count or testicular shrinkage. Clomiphene citrate (CLOMID), an agent commonly used for female infertility that has been shown to improve testosterone levels, libido and fertility in some cases, is an option in these cases.

Hormones are complex and working with a doctor who understands the complexity of Low Testosterone in men is very important. At Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Seattle, WA, we offer the most up-to-date treatment for Low Testosterone so you can return to full sexual function and the life you love.

Request Your Appointment Today!

If you are struggling with the symptoms of Low Testosterone and have questions, we invite you to reach out to us. We’re here for you, every step of the way, and happy to answer any questions you may have about your symptoms and our methods to restore balance and restore you to your life before Low Testosterone interrupted your health and vitality.

Compile your list of symptoms, and call Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Seattle, WA at (206) 966-4522 or contact us online.

Our Location