When people think of testosterone, they often think of strength, drive, and energy, and they’re not wrong. Testosterone is the primary male hormone, playing a role in nearly everything that makes men feel vital: muscle tone, stamina, confidence, mental focus, and sexual health.
When your testosterone levels drop, you likely feel it. You may notice that you’re tired even after a full night’s rest, that the gym feels harder than before, or that your sex drive is gone. Mood swings, brain fog, and weight gain around the belly are also common indications.
If your testosterone is low, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can restore healthy levels and help you get your energy and edge back. The first step is to get tested by Dr. Rina Kapoor, a board-certified internal and integrative medicine specialist.
She and her team at ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, carefully evaluate your hormones before starting any treatment.
Testosterone is made mostly in the testicles, but your brain tells them how much to produce. It helps your body build muscle, maintain bone strength, produce red blood cells, and regulate mood and libido.
It also influences how efficiently your body burns fat and how quickly you recover after workouts.
Levels naturally decline with age (usually starting in your 30s), but the drop can be steeper for some men due to stress, poor sleep, excess weight, or certain medical conditions. Two men of the same age can feel completely different because their testosterone levels aren’t the same.
Common warning signs of low testosterone include:
If several of these sound familiar, get checked. Other conditions, such as thyroid problems or sleep apnea, can mimic low testosterone, so testing is crucial before making any assumptions.
Testosterone replacement therapy restores your hormone levels to a healthy range. We can deliver it in several forms, such as gels, patches, injections, or pellets, depending on lifestyle and preference. Dr. Kapoor helps you choose the option that best fits your routine and goals.
Most men notice changes within a few weeks, with full effects building over several months. Regular follow-up visits ensure that your levels stay balanced and that you feel your best without side effects.
TRT can make a significant difference, but it works best in tandem with healthy habits.
Testosterone is made while you sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours a night and get tested for sleep apnea if you snore heavily.
Lifting weights or doing resistance exercises signals your body to use testosterone effectively. Two to three full-body sessions per week help preserve muscle and bone. Focus on compound movements you can do safely and consistently.
A diet of lean proteins, vegetables, healthy fats, and fewer processed carbs helps regulate hormones naturally.
Chronic stress increases cortisol, which lowers testosterone. Walking, deep breathing, or spending time outdoors all help balance things out.
Testosterone plays a significant role in how men feel, think, and perform. When levels drop, energy, focus, and motivation can as well. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can turn that around.
If you notice changes in your strength, stamina, or mood, request an appointment online or call our Philadelphia-area office at 610-358-3300 today.
