TRT Basics

Testosterone, Total and Free

The majority of testosterone that our bodies produce are bound two proteins: sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. The very little (2%) free and unbound testosterone is circulating in the bloodstream and ready to be used by the system on demand.

Total equals free testosterone plus the amount of hormone bound to the proteins albumin and (SHBG). Free and albumin-bound hormone are "bioavailable" and thus active in the body.

Free testosterone enables cell functionality.

Free hormone is responsible for numerous functions including the development of male features, muscle mass - IE, cell function in bones and muscles.

It is important to measure the levels of total and free testosterone since the free levels shows proper functions carried on by these unbound hormones.

Testosterone levels decrease naturally as we age. According to the American Urological Association, about 2 out of 10 men older than 60 years have Low T (aka Hypogonadism or Andropause). That ratio increases a bit to 3 out of 10 in men 70 to 80 years of age. There has also been a steady increase in cases of Low T in men from 40-50 over the last decade. Some younger men have low testosterone independent of this age-related decline (genetics, diet, lack of sleep, autoimmune, alcohol abuse). Low testosterone is a medical condition that should be treated with the guidance of our healthcare professionals.

Low testosterone affects physical processes in the body like mood and mental capacity occur. One of the most common symptoms of Low T is decreased energy and fatigue. You may experience a decrease in your desire to have sex or having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. You might notice an increase in body fat and decrease in muscle mass. Muscle mass means dense, healthier muscle tissue, which helps you look better (abs, tone arms, etc) and reduces the risk for pulled muscles.

According to guidelines from the American Urological Association - A man with a testosterone level below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) should be diagnosed with low testosterone. Most insurances cover treatment when below 300 ng/dL or below the labs reference range where the blood is tested.

If you feel like you have low testosterone, one of our providers will order a testosterone levels to be drawn on separate days before 10am at our in-office lab or one of our partner labs. Insurance requires two separate labs before 10am because we must get a stable sample before outside factors start impacting your body. You do not have to fast before.

Yes, by following our personalized treatment schedule will insure that you are risk-averse to any potential side-effects. We require quarterly blood work to make sure you are comfortable with the treatments to get your levels where they should be.

It is very common for Testosterone Replacement Therapy to be incorrectly associated with anabolic steroids, which are illegally used often at extremely high levels in order to produce a greater degree of muscle mass and athletic ability. While they may have a similar compound chemically, they do not have the same denotation as their purposes, health outcomes, doses, and risks are incredibly different. Rise Men's Health will not administer TRT to a patient unless their labs demonstrate a need for this hormone. 

Boosters lack medical evidence and are not approved by the FDA. There are no known proofs of it being able to help boost your testosterone levels – apart from the usual testosterone boost you get from high intensity workouts – no matter how much that’s used in the products’ sales copies. All reports about testosterone boosters being able to help increase motivation seems unfounded and lacking in authenticity.

Your body will return to its original testosterone levels before you started treatment if you stop TRT, which will also result in the return of your original symptoms associated with your low levels. If you wish to stop treatment at anytime, we can work with you to slowly lower your dosage in order to alleviate your side effects. 

Learn more about our treatment options on our home page. We accept all major insurance and have competitive subscription self-pay pricing.