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Testosterone Therapy: Cenegenics vs. Low-T Clinics

December 5, 2019

The greatest wealth is health.

Virgil

Low testosterone is a widespread concern among many middle-aged men, though issues with hormone imbalances can develop earlier in life, too. As a man ages, his testosterone levels begin to decline. While this important hormone peaks in early adulthood, it starts to drop by roughly 1% per year by the age of 30 or 40. In some cases, men can also have severely low testosterone levels, caused by hypogonadism. [1]

While a gradual decline in testosterone is natural over time, the conditions associated with low testosterone should not simply be written off as natural aspects of aging. Testosterone plays an essential role in a number of key bodily functions. For instance, it helps to maintain fat distribution, bone density, muscle mass and strength, facial and bodily hair, and red blood cell production. It also supports healthy sexual function and contributes to sex drive and sperm production. [2] Thus, testosterone is far more than just a sex hormone, and it’s critical for supporting overall health in men.

Low testosterone can therefore result in a host of physical and mental symptoms. If you’ve noticed changes in sexual function or other symptoms which you believe could be related to declining testosterone, you may be exploring your treatment options. While testosterone therapy is a safe and effective treatment for many men, it demands professional care and continual oversight from medical experts. As such, not just any approach to testosterone therapy will do. To help you reach an informed decision as you research your options, find out what sets Cenegenics apart from low-T clinics below.

What Is Testosterone Therapy?

picture of molecular compound for testosterone on a blue background

Testosterone therapy is a widely used treatment to address low testosterone levels in men. Clinically deficient levels of testosterone appear in:

  • 20% of men over 60
  • 30% of men over 70
  • 50% of men over 80 [3]

What are the Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency?

As men age, the testicles produce less testosterone, and the increase of the sex hormone-binding globulin takes place. Together, these factors decrease bioavailable testosterone, which can have a negative effect on a man’s overall wellbeing. For instance, the symptoms of low testosterone can be seen across a number of key areas, such as:

  • Physical: The physical symptoms of low testosterone include declining muscle and bone mass, fatigue, and increased body fat. Decrease in beard and body hair growth, development of breast tissue, and infertility may also occur.
  • Mental: Men with low testosterone may experience cognitive decline including concentration challenges, reduced self-confidence, and depression.
  • Sexual: A decrease in testosterone can lead to reduced libido, fewer spontaneous erections, and difficulty maintaining an erection. [4]

In some cases, men exhibiting these symptoms may be good candidates for testosterone therapy. This treatment is available in a number of forms, including gels, patches, and injections.

While there have been some rumors about potential risks associated with testosterone therapy, the treatment is safe and effective when used in appropriate candidates and as part of a comprehensive health optimization program. For instance, although rumors initially said otherwise, research in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings indicates that evidence does not support an increased risk of cardiovascular events or prostate cancer with testosterone therapy. [5]

What are the Benefits of Testosterone Therapy?

When a need for testosterone replacement has been clinically indicated, the benefits of this treatment can span far and wide. For example, testosterone therapy can go beyond addressing the symptoms of low testosterone by increasing:

Testosterone therapy can actually deliver benefits such as cardioprotective effects. [6] Moreover, hormone therapy has actually been shown to decrease mortality in men with low levels of testosterone. [7] And, even men with lower levels of testosterone who still fall into medically-defined “normal” ranges may still benefit from hormone therapy if they display symptoms of low testosterone. [8]

Yet, as with any type of medical treatment, it’s critical to seek out medical expertise to ensure you’re receiving the highest quality of care.

What Are Low-T Clinics?

Vial of a yellowish substance with a syringe sticking into the top of the vial or testosterone replacement

The development of low-testosterone clinics, or low-T clinics, has become rampant in recent years. You’re likely to find hundreds of options to choose from if you’re simply seeking testosterone replacement, which is the principal solution offered by these centers. Many men are drawn to the promises set forth by these clinics, such as quick results.

The trouble is that effectively treating the symptoms associated with low testosterone (and doing so safely) demands a complete approach to overall health and wellness. Nonetheless, the primary focus of these clinics is testosterone replacement. For patients, however, overlooking the other aspects of health that could be contributing to symptoms can cause them to lose out on key areas of opportunity to truly feel their best.

How is Cenegenics Is Vastly Different than Low-Testosterone Clinics?

Picture of DEXA scan and bone density test results that are also tested at Cenegenics along with testosterone therapy

Cenegenics is a leader in wellness optimization and preventive care and goes far beyond testosterone therapy alone. We help people feel their best with proven solutions and a patient-centric approach in which individualized care is given and modified as outcomes are reached and goals evolve. Find out how we’re different from low-T clinics here.

An All-Encompassing Approach to Testosterone Therapy: What Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Do?

A man with a shirt off and a VO2 Max mask on while he exercises for a full body evaluation alongside testosterone therapy

Unlike low-T clinics which focus exclusively on testosterone therapy, Cenegenics treats the entire patient. Our programs start with an Elite Health Evaluation, which allows our physicians to look for any indicators of underlying health conditions that could be contributing to symptoms like:

Because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., our Elite Health Evaluation is especially focused on identifying patients’ cardiovascular risk. In addition to physical exams and health history screening, our patients undergo carotid artery ultrasounds, ECGs, and advanced blood testing, if needed. [9]

While optimizing hormone levels is critical to helping men with low levels feel their best, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. For example, exercise is essential in reducing the risk of serious disease, including type 2 diabetes, many types of cancer, and stroke, among others. [10] Cenegenics focuses on addressing not only the symptoms of low testosterone, but also improving health across the realms of sleep, cognition, weight management, libido, and energy levels.

Beyond simply bringing our patients within “normal” ranges, we give them the tools needed to support a lifetime of feeling their best, through tactics such as disease prevention and targeting optimal health levels. Thus, in concert with hormone therapy administered when clinically indicated.

Cenegenics offers nutrition, exercise, and sleep recommendations that can produce the highest quality of results for patients. As a result, patients may experience not only improved sex drive, muscle mass, and other byproducts of hormone optimization, but also results such as long-term weight management, improved sleep, and better cognition. After all, without strong overall wellness, testosterone therapy is of little value.

Superior Expertise in Testosterone Therapy and More

A group of men and women executives standing looking toward the camera smiling that are trained in health optimization and hormone therapy

In many low-T clinics, physician assistants or nurse practitioners act as patients’ primary caregivers. While these professionals certainly have their place in medical practice, testosterone therapy demands expertise from physicians who are trained in health optimization and hormone therapy.

A one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t work for treating hormone imbalances. Instead, physicians must analyze the in-depth lab reports and make treatment decisions based on factors such as the patient’s sex hormone panel. In many low-T clinics, this takes place once – at the start of the patient’s treatment.

At Cenegenics, our physicians continuously review panels to look at how the hormones are affecting inflammatory markers, kidney and liver function, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. This is essential since hormone therapy can have widespread effects across the body’s systems. By monitoring results closely, our physicians ensure any necessary adjustments to treatments are made long before they pose any risk to patient health.

Patient Convenience and Optimal Care

A middle-aged man outside jogging with arms raised and smiling as if celebrating his health

In addition to our comprehensive approach and our clinical team’s unwavering attention to detail, patients can also enjoy a number of convenient features when choosing Cenegenics. For example, we never outsource services such as lab work, diagnostic testing, clinical support, pharmacy items, or nutraceuticals. This means your entire wellness program is managed internally through Cenegenics.

As a result, you won’t have to wait at lab offices or visit multiple facilities for diagnostics. You’ll also receive ongoing support from our onsite staff, call center, and remote health coaches. Our team comprises phlebotomists, exercise physiologists, and nutrition experts, as well as physicians who have completed specialized age management training. Cenegenics patients have access to care from all of these experts to ensure a well-rounded approach to their health.

To support a better patient experience, you’ll also receive customized, efficaciously-dosed pharmacy items directly to your door, when needed. We never use poor potency, low-quality retail materials, as we believe the quality of treatment corresponds directly with the quality of results.

All Testosterone Therapy is Not Equal – In Conclusion

Two healthy men, one younger in a light blue shirt and one older in a pink shirt, on bicycles smiling, looking into the camera

Testosterone therapy is a viable solution for many men who have low levels, but it’s only one component in optimizing your quality of life and achieving disease prevention. When it comes to something as important as your health, “quick and easy” is never the way to go. Instead, to feel better both now and years into the future, you must seek out expertise and a comprehensive approach that allows you to improve across every possible facet of health. And, you won’t find those benefits at any typical low-T clinic.

If you’re interested in finding out how Cenegenics can help you achieve hormone optimization along with countless other wellness outcomes, contact your nearest location to schedule a consultation.

Next Steps: Learn How Testosterone Therapy May Be Right For You

Our world-class physicians create a personalized plan to help you feel 10+ years younger. You’ll be more energetic, lose weight, sleep better, have more libido, and think more clearly. Click below to schedule a free consultation with one of our physicians. It’s quick + easy.

Key Resources

This guide was produced with contributions from the following key resources:

The Textbook of Age Management Medicine V1 for nutrition, mastering healthy aging, exercise and hormone replacement therapy

The Cenegenics Education and Research Foundation  

The Textbook of Age Management Medicine Volume 1: Mastering Healthy Aging Nutrition, Exercise and Hormone Replacement Therapy

Click to purchase

The Textbook of Age Management Medicine V2 for nutrition, mastering healthy aging, exercise and hormone replacement therapy

The Cenegenics Education and Research Foundation  

The Textbook of Age Management Medicine Volume 2: Mastering Healthy Aging Nutrition, Exercise and Hormone Replacement Therapy

Click to purchase

Textbook Authors:

Jeffrey Park Leake, M.D., CPT

Dr. Jeffrey Park Leake is a Partner and Director of Education at Cenegenics Elite Health specializing in age management and wellness. Having trained hundreds of physicians worldwide, Dr. Leake is also the Director of Education for the Clinical Strategies for Healthy Aging course at AMM Educational Foundation.

 

Todd David Greenberg, M.D., CSCS

Dr. Todd Greenberg is a practicing physician with a broad range of expertise, including wellness, exercise, sports injuries, and MRI of sports injuries. He is a Radiology Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington.

Additional Resources

Traditional Low-T Centers May Be Causing You To Miss Out On Weight Loss

What is Andropause? And How Is It Affecting You?

Youth is a Feeling – Not a Number

Tired of Being One In Every Three Adults Who Are Overweight In The U.S.? Here’s How Cenegenics Can Help

A Comprehensive Guide to Prostate Health

What Really Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy | How is the Prostate Affected?

A Comprehensive Guide to Prostate Health

Overcoming Anxiety with the Help of Cenegenics

Is Shockwave Therapy a Viable Erectile Dysfunction Treatment?

References

[1] Testoesterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age, Mayo Clinic Staff. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728

[2] mayoclinic.com; see above.

[3] Risks of Testosterone replacement therapy in men; Osterber, E. Charles, Bernie, Aaron M., and Ramasamy, Ranjith.  Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897047/

[4] Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728.

[5] ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; see above.

[6] ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; see above.

[7] Long-Term Testosterone Therapy Improves Cardiometabolic Function and Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Men with Hypogonadism: A Real-Life Observational Registry Study Setting Comparing Treated & Untreated (Control) Groups;  US National Library of Medicine.  Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28421834

[8] ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; see above.

[9] Cardiovascular Diseases, Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/diseases-cardiovascular#1

[10] Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389

Contributor: Raymond Ishman, M.D.​ President of Cenegenics Philadelphia 

Dr. Ishman focused on a career in emergency medicine, eventually becoming board certified. After nearly 20 years in the emergency room, Dr. Ishman shifted his focus back to primary care and preventive medicine. His goals are to keep patients well and prevent disease, rather than trying to deal with full-blown medical problems that could be prevented. In other words, keeping patients out of the emergency room.

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