Testosterone Replacement Therapy

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone responsible for sex drive and plays a vital role in sperm production. Found primarily in the testes, women also produce a smaller amount of testosterone in their ovaries.

During puberty, testosterone helps deepen your voice, boost muscle mass, and increase the size of your penis and testes. As you age, it keeps your muscles and bones strong while maintaining your sex drive.

Age is the most common reason men lose testosterone, but other factors include alcoholism, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, and liver cirrhosis.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Testosterone levels naturally decline gradually as you age, but the signs can be subtle. Some of the telltale signs of low testosterone levels in men include:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Depression
• Low libido (sex drive)
• Loss of facial or body hair
• Loss of muscle mass
• Decreased sperm count
• Irritability
• Weight gain
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Bone density loss
• Difficulty concentrating

If you have any of the above low testosterone symptoms, Dr. Kapoor can perform a physical exam and run diagnostic tests to determine if you’re experiencing a hormone imbalance.

What is testosterone replacement?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a treatment that increases your testosterone levels to improve your:

• Energy levels
• Sex drive
• Mood
• Sperm count
• Ability to maintain an erection
• Muscle mass

There are many forms of testosterone replacement therapy to choose from at ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine, including bioidentical therapy options — plant-based manmade hormones that match the chemical structure of the natural hormones your body produces.

Who is a good candidate for testosterone replacement?

TRT may be appropriate for men experiencing:

• Fatigue, low energy, or burnout
• Decreased libido or changes in sexual performance
• Mood changes, irritability, or lack of motivation
• Loss of muscle mass or increased abdominal fat
• Difficulty recovering from exercise
• Brain fog or reduced cognitive function
• Poor sleep or decreased sense of well-being

These symptoms may indicate low testosterone, insulin resistance, metabolic inflammation, cortisol dysregulation, or other hormonal imbalances.

How do you determine who is a candidate for TRT?

Prior to prescribing TRT, Dr. Kapoor conducts a thorough, root-cause-oriented evaluation. She considers your:

• Total Testosterone
• Free Testosterone
• SHBG
• LH & FSH
• Estradiol (Sensitive)
• Prolactin
• DHEA-S
• Cortisol
• Thyroid panel
• Inflammatory markers
• Metabolic markers (A1C, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR)
• Cardiovascular risk biomarkers (ApoB, LDL-P)

After conducting a physical exam, taking any necessary blood tests, and completing a full metabolic and longevity assessment, Dr. Kapoor can determine the right treatment for you.

What forms of TRT are available?

If Dr. Kapoor determines you’re a candidate for TRT, she may prescribe a treatment plan that includes:

• Testosterone injections
• Adjunctive medications, when indicated (e.g., aromatase inhibitors, hCG)
• Micronutrient optimization
• Peptides (if clinically appropriate)
• Sleep and metabolic protocols
• Targeted supplementation
• Nutrition guidance
• Exercise and recovery optimization

While oral testosterone is available, it can damage the liver over time, so it’s not recommended to treat low testosterone levels in men.

What are the benefits of TRT?

Men who receive TRT may experience a range of health benefits, including:

• Increased energy & vitality
• Improved libido & sexual function
• Better mental clarity
• Greater muscle mass & strength
• More confidence & mood stability
• Fat-burning metabolism
• Improved sleep quality and recovery
• Long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health (when optimized correctly)

Dr. Kapoor understands that TRT is just a single factor in managing your health and wellness. She offers other services that can improve your health and wellness, including:

• Diabetes & insulin resistance reversal
• Blood pressure optimization
• Cholesterol and cardiovascular risk reduction
• Kidney protection and metabolic prevention
• Weight management and body recomposition
• Sleep optimization
• Stress reduction and burnout recovery

Low testosterone levels can make you feel groggy, depressed, and simply not like yourself.

If you’re ready to get tested and begin testosterone therapy, call ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.