Do you want to feel like yourself again?
Have you been struggling to find the energy to do the things that used to come easily? Have you lost your sex drive? Maybe you've felt depressed for what seems like a very long time. You may also have heard that testosterone replacement therapy can help guys feel 10 years younger, stronger and more energetic than ever. And who wouldn't want that?
Is testosterone therapy right for you?
While low testosterone (also known as hypogonadism) can certainly be responsible for low energy and a depressed mood, it isn't the only cause. In fact, approximately 60 percent of men diagnosed with low testosterone will also have diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Low testosterone may also be related to cancer, brain-related diseases, obstructive sleep apnea and other hormonal abnormalities. That is why proper evaluation by a licensed physician, including screenings for pituitary tumors, prostate cancer and other coexisting conditions, is very important.
Is testosterone replacement therapy safe?
If a patient isn't evaluated and treated properly before beginning therapy, testosterone injections may cause blood clots, stroke, heart attack or liver toxicity. Testosterone replacement therapy can also increase the growth rate of prostate cancer, which is why proper screening is important before beginning testosterone therapy.
If, after a thorough evaluation, your doctor feels you could benefit from testosterone replacement therapy, it is generally considered a safe course of treatment, as long as you continue to see your doctor for regular screenings.
How do you treat low testosterone?
In some cases, changes in lifestyle – exercise, healthy diet, losing weight and diabetes management – may be enough to get your testosterone levels back to normal.
Beyond making lifestyle changes, testosterone replacement therapy can be provided in several forms. We don't give testosterone as a pill, because it can cause liver toxicity when it's metabolized through the gut. However, testosterone can be safely administered as a gel that you apply to your skin, injections that you give yourself at home, or as a pellet implant performed in the doctor's office. Your physician can help you determine which method is right for you.
Why Choose Nebraska Medicine for Low Testosterone Diagnosis and Treatment?
We don't just treat the reason you came
At Nebraska Medicine, you will be seen by a board-certified doctor who is experienced in the treatment of patients with low testosterone/hypogonadism. We care for the whole patient, beginning with a careful evaluation of your overall health, lifestyle and medications. You will also receive proper screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and prostate cancer – conditions that can be harmful if not diagnosed before undergoing testosterone replacement therapy.
We care about your health...not about making a quick sale
At Nebraska Medicine, our primary objective isn't to sell you a supplement or a shot. You will not receive a sales pitch encouraging you to spend thousands of dollars for testosterone replacement therapy. Our foremost concern is for your overall health and wellbeing. If we believe you would benefit from testosterone replacement therapy, we will carefully explore all of the options, including making lifestyle changes. We will work with you and your insurance provider to provide the highest quality medical care at a reasonable cost.
We provide a team approach to care
If your evaluation for low testosterone reveals any issues related to heart disease, prostate cancer, diabetes or other medical conditions, we can immediately refer you to a specialist within our health system. We can also connect you with board-certified therapists, nutritionists and others who can support you in making the changes you need to enjoy better health.
Accreditations and Awards
Nebraska Medicine is ranked among the nation’s best. Each year, U.S. News & World Report surveys the nation’s roughly 5,000 hospitals to come up with the year’s list of Best Hospitals. Just 3 percent of the hospitals analyzed for Best Hospitals earn national ranking in even one specialty. We were:
- Ranked nationally in urology in the 2014 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals
- Recognized as a high-performing hospital in urology in 2011, 2012 and 2013 by U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals