Testosterone Replacement Therapy Q&A

Michael K. Turner, MD

Integrative Medicine Physician & Sports Medicine Specialist located in , WA

What does feeling tired, being depressed, getting fat, and losing strength all have in common? That’s right: they’re all symptoms of low testosterone. Other doctors might tell you this is just an inevitable part of getting old, but Michael K. Turner, MD, offers a better alternative. He offers testosterone replacement therapy to restore your health, vitality, and virility at his practice in Kennewick, Washington. Call Dr. Turner today to change your life for the better.

509-349-3010

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Q&A

What is testosterone replacement?

Testosterone is the male sex hormone. Primarily produced by your testes, testosterone regulates your sex drive, sperm production, and other male sex characteristics. However, your endocrine system is complex, and all of your glands and hormones work together to regulate your body function. So testosterone also contributes to your mood, metabolism, energy levels, body composition, and blood pressure.

Why would I need testosterone replacement?

After puberty, your testosterone levels start to decline. On average, testosterone decreases by around 1% every year, but the modern American lifestyle is accelerating testosterone loss. A poor diet, obesity, and a lack of physical activity contribute to reduced testosterone levels.

Today, the average male testosterone levels are approximately 30% lower than they were in the 1980s. Not only does this make you feel fat, tired, sluggish, and interfere with your sex life, but it also is causing society-wide low sperm counts and fertility problems.

It’s a dangerous cycle: Low testosterone leads to weight gain, and extra pounds trigger testosterone loss. Fat cells are abundant in aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. Every extra point on your BMI leads to an estimated 2% drop in testosterone.

What should I expect during testosterone replacement?

Dr. Turner starts by taking your concerns seriously. Dr. Turner takes time to review your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history in detail. He provides comprehensive exams, including blood work, to measure your hormone levels and to look for other conditions that can contribute to your symptoms and hormonal problems.

Then, Dr. Turner works with you to create a treatment program to increase your testosterone levels and improve your overall hormone health. This can involve methods to boost your body’s testosterone production or testosterone replacement therapy itself.