Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men, widely recognized for its role in the development of male sexual characteristics and physical traits. However, it also has many lesser-known functions that are crucial for overall health and disease prevention. Low testosterone levels in men can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, decreased strength, reduced libido, and weight gain.

Often the ADAM's questionnaire (Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male) is used to assess for symptoms associated with low testosterone.

1. Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)?
2. Do you have a lack of energy?
3. Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance?
4. Have you lost height?
5. Have you noticed a decreased "enjoyment of life?"
6. Are you sad and/or grumpy?
7. Are your erections less strong?
8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?
9. Are you falling asleep after dinner?
10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?

If you answer Yes to number 1 or 7 or if you answer Yes to more than 3 questions, you may have low Testosterone. 

Further evaluation should be done and labs should be obtained to determine the need for testosterone replacement therapy and if it is a good choice for you? 

• Determining what constitutes high, low, or normal levels of testosterone for an individual can be complex. Test results may vary due to age, gender, health history, and other things.
• A total testosterone level <300 on two separate occasions clinically defines hypogonadism (low testosterone) It is recommended to begin testosterone treatment for males who fall below this number. This accounts for approximately 10-20% of patients on testosterone therapy. However, this is a difficult way to assess low testosterone as it is not age based. It is unfair to compare a 30-year-old male with a testosterone of 400 to an 80-year-old with a testosterone of 400. This is the reason why 80-90% of patients on testosterone therapy are being treated for an off label use. 
• If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, an evaluation should be performed to determine if treatment is indicated. They can also discuss appropriate treatment regimens that may fit your need and lifestyle best.

• There are a wide range of treatments available for low testosterone. Your initial assessment with the healthcare provider is important as they ask varying questions to determine factors about your lifestyle that may change the treatment regimen.
• Treatment regimens can vary from different injections, creams/gels, or pellets for the administration of testosterone. Depending on your labs and other lifestyle factors, you may need or benefit from additional adjunct therapies to treat or prevent adverse effects or help with symptoms. 
• There are also treatment regimens available to help stimulate your own natural production of testosterone. Or they can be taken in addition with the testosterone replacement to prevent decrease of natural testosterone. 

1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy requires more than just medication treatment. There are potential risks associated with TRT. At Sotto Aesthetics we provide medical supervision,  monitor your labs, and assess for side effects that may be resolved with adding additional therapy to your treatment plan.
2. At Sotto Aesthetics, developing and implementing an appropriate treatment plan to best fit your individual needs is crucial. Not only will this help you reach your optimal goals, it also helps keep you safe. 
3. We understanding that 80-90% of individuals on testosterone replacement are being treated as "off label". Recognizing this, we wanted to develop a program to help minimize and reduce the risks of testosterone replacement with off label use. Our TRT memberships are all-inclusive and will cover the cost of medication, supplies, lab testing, and consults/followups to effectively monitor and treat you.
4. We have invested in additional training and education to help maximize treatment goals and gain a better knowledge regarding additional lab monitoring that can effect and stall your treatment goals. We have also gained knowledge in additional adjunctive therapies to help reduce or improve side effects.