Alpha Medical takes into account the symptoms an individual is experiencing in combination with their respective lab values. After a comprehensive physical exam and history, we test both your total and free testosterone along with a full hormonal, metabolic and hematological profile for a complete picture of your health. If your symptoms and lab work are consistent with low T, treatment can begin immediately.
Alpha Medical looks at the complete picture, not just one lab value. Studies demonstrate that the "normal" testosterone ranges held within the standard medical community are inaccurate and many men suffer needlessly.
The normal total testosterone level is very broad and is between 300ng/dl to 1100ng/dl. These ranges differ between various labs and are based off population averages. So for example, a 30 year old male with a level of 350ng/dl is considered to be in the "normal range," yet this is the average testosterone level of an 85 year old! If this 30 year old male had symptoms consistent with low testosterone, then testosterone replacement therapy could be beneficial in improving their quality of life.
Another issue with testosterone levels are that the "total" testosterone number is typically used to begin treatment in many medical establishments. We take into consideration your "free" testosterone levels. The amount of testosterone available for use in your body can be affected by proteins that bind the testosterone in your blood stream. The amount of free plus the testosterone that is bound is considered your "total" testosterone. The amount that is unbound is considered your "free" testosterone and is what your body actually uses. Therefore, an astute clinician will look at the patients "free" testosterone, which is what we do at Alpha Medical.
During treatment we target men's testosterone levels to the middle-upper level of normal. This range is between 700ng/dl to 1100ng/dl. When a man has his testosterone levels brought into this optimal range, it can truly be a life changing experience if he is suffering from low T symptoms.
Optimal testosterone levels are associated with:
- Increased energy
- Greater mental clarity
- Increased motivation
- Increased muscle mass
- Enhanced sexual quality and libido
- Enhanced sexual performance
- Reduced body fat
- Increased lifespan
Goal of Treatment
During treatment we target men's testosterone levels to the middle-upper level of normal. This range is between 700ng/dl to 1100ng/dl. When a man has his testosterone levels brought into this optimal range, it can truly be a life changing experience if he is suffering from low testosterone symptoms.
Optimal testosterone levels are associated with:
- Increased energy
- Greater mental clarity
- Increased motivation
- Increased muscle mass
- Enhanced sexual quality and libido
- Enhanced sexual performance
- Reduced body fat
- Increased lifespan
Treatment Basics
Treatment is tailored to each individual based off presenting symptoms, testosterone levels, desired fertility, estrogen levels, and other factors that will be discussed during your initial and follow up visits.
Treatment options include testosterone replacement therapy, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) monotherapy, clomiphene citrate (clomid), and nutritional and exercise counseling. The risks and benefits of each type of testosterone optimization treatment modality will be discussed in detail prior to starting.
Also, depending on other factors, additional accessory treatment with TRT includes injectable hCG, DHEA, injectiable B12, and anastrozole to control your estrogen levels.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
For a majority of patients, testosterone replacement therapy is the treatment of choice. Testosterone replacement therapy can restore testosterone levels to the optimal range and help reverse common symptoms of aging men.
Testosterone is administered either through injections or topical creams based off patient preference, finances, and desired outcomes. Injections can be performed in the clinic until individuals feel comfortable injecting themselves at home.
Our treatment of choice is twice a week subcutaneous injections. These are typically injected into the abdominal fat. It is very easy and usually is painless! Many men learn how to do this during the first visit.
Throughout treatment, individuals will have routine lab work to ensure treatment efficacy and safety. We schedule follow up visits every 3 months until your levels are optimized. We also want to follow up regularly to ensure you are having no side effects. For example, estrogen levels can increase in some men during testosterone replacement. We address this type of issue before bothersome symptoms develop so we can optimize treatment and get you back to being your old self again!