10 Questions for Diagnosing Low Testosterone in Men
Low Testosterone, also called androgen deficiency, can be a scary thought for men. However, it shouldn't be. Older men often begin to see the signs of dipping testosterone or other hormone imbalances. In recent years, there have been great steps made in helping overcome these struggles.
Men's health clinics provide an excellent resource and help address these issues with various methods of hormone replacement therapy and testosterone supplementation. However, as the old commercial used to say, "The first step is to acknowledge that there may be a problem." Recognizing the problem is the first step to getting treatment for it.
Once a potential client visits a clinic, the medical professionals there put their specialized training to good use helping to diagnose the problems. They will then establish a personalized plan to help get your body health back into the best shape it can be.
First, we must figure out if there is a hormone deficiency.
The ADAM Test
Many clinics begin with a simple diagnostic tool called the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males or ADAM Test. Now, don't get too upset by the "aging men" part. This test is applicable for any age male, but is primarily designed for those who are over 40 and have started seeing signs of testosterone deficiency.
This brief questionnaire is easy to answer and can give you a good idea whether you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of low testosterone. Simply answer "Yes" or "No" to the questions below:
1. Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)?
2. Do you have a lack of energy?
3. Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance?
4. Have you lost height?
5. Have you noticed a decreased "enjoyment of life?"
6. Are you sad and/or grumpy?
7. Are your erections less strong?
8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?
9. Are you falling asleep after dinner?
10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?
RESULTS: If you Answer "Yes" to number 1 or 7 or if you answer "Yes" to more than 3 questions, you may have low Testosterone.
Don't Panic
Immediately, men may start to experience stress thinking about all of the potential side effects from prostate cancer to weak bones. If your brain didn't go there, good! Because the right treatments can help you avoid serious side effects of low T.
Of course, aging is natural, but that doesn't mean you have to give up the things you love because you are getting older. Keep reading to find out how clinics are helping men retain the vitality and stamina of their youth well past middle age.
After ADAM
After you've answered the ADAM test, a reputable clinic will follow up with blood tests. It is important to verify that the blood levels of testosterone are low and to check other hormone levels, as well. All of this is necessary before beginning hormone replacement therapy because the side effects of prescribing testosterone replacement therapy when it is unnecessary should be avoided.
Some clinics will also perform a physical exam on your initial visit to determine what other symptoms you may be experiencing that you haven't noticed yet. From reduced muscle mass and increased body fat to loss of head and body hair, some are pretty easy to spot. But some are less obvious and your health care practitioner can check these, as well.
HRT vs Over-The-Counter Supplements
Maybe you've seen the commercials and ads for testosterone supplements you can buy at your local fitness store. You may be wondering, "Why not just take those?" Men who are focused on healthy living are used to taking supplements of various sorts to help maintain a certain physique and to get through workouts.
However, there is a substantial benefit to visiting a men's health clinic to treat your testosterone deficiency. The first major benefit is the knowledge that you are receiving medical advice from someone who has specialized training in the treatment of this specific field. This holds a lot more value than taking supplements that aren't even regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Additionally, the experts at clinics like Elevation Men's clinic are highly trained in how to diagnose hormone imbalances and administer testosterone products. They are also well versed in patient education. There is much more to balancing hormone levels than showing up weekly for a pill or a shot.
We can help you ELEVATE your health.
Getting your hormones back in line is not difficult. It can be done safely and effectively. When you partner with Elevation Men's Clinic for your health, you can rest assured that you are receiving the best possible guidance from experts who will help you understand your situation and take the right steps to get back on track.
Why wait? Contact Elevation Men's Clinic today and elevate your health.