TRT for Men

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Las Vegas and Henderson, NV

TRT, short for testosterone replacement therapy, is a type of hormonal supplementation that relieves men’s symptoms of low testosterone. The aging process can cause unwanted effects like erectile dysfunction, chronic fatigue, depressed moods, muscle loss, decreased sex drive, and even bone density loss in severe cases. 

If you are experiencing any of the above, you could be going through andropause, often referred to as “male menopause”. So long as you regularly monitor your testosterone levels in your blood, you can safely implement TRT to help restore the vigor and energy you had in your youth. 

At Southern Nevada Bariatrics, we offer TRT in the form of minimally invasive pellets and injections– convenient solutions that can resolve your hormonal imbalances and help you feel like yourself once again. 

Our practice is led by the knowledge and experience of Dr. Mustafa Ahmed, a board-certified surgeon with a specialization in bariatric treatments and procedures. As a doctor who strives to help patients achieve a healthy, ideal body, Dr. Ahmed will walk you through the necessary steps to find the testosterone replacement therapy most tailored to your needs. To get started today, contact his office in Las Vegas, NV at (702) 626-0499. 

To explore the many options available at Southern Nevada Bariatrics, browse through our blog– we believe that staying informed is key to making a good decision for your health and well-being. 

What is Testosterone? 

Testosterone is often misunderstood, but it is an essential hormone for both male and female health, especially regarding muscle building, bone density, and sexual development. Men have more testosterone within their endocrine system– their hormonal system- than women, making it a much more critical hormone for them. As a man, testosterone is the main substance that determines your male secondary sex characteristics like increased facial and body hair and a deeper voice. The hormone helps with energy and mood regulation and has many other physiological functions. 

Low testosterone in middle age and beyond is not always easily identifiable or diagnosed; many clinicians interpret symptoms of low testosterone as symptoms of other conditions. This is why it’s so important that your provider makes an effort to monitor your hormone levels while undergoing TRT. 

What is Andropause?

Research has proven that beginning as soon as your mid-30s, testosterone that is bound to protein decreases by 1% with every year that passes. This means that andropause can begin as early as age 40! This “male menopause” is also characterized by less “free” testosterone, the testosterone present in your blood. Studies have found that late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), a condition related to free testosterone, affects around 3.1 to 7% of men between 30 and 69 years old. As mentioned before, since it is a condition easy to misinterpret and misdiagnose, the number of men affected may be much higher. (1)   

Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Patients seeking help for their testosterone deficiency will notice a clear change in their minds and bodies after getting the treatment they need. After starting a therapy plan, many experience:

  • Enhanced sexual performance
  • Better muscle definition with less body fat 
  • Increased energy levels 
  • Better quality and more consistent sleeping patterns 
  • Better cognitive performance and memory 
  • Denser, stronger bones 
  • Mood stabilization 
  • Increased red blood cell production (1)

Who is a Good Candidate for TRT? 

TRT is a customizable treatment that can be tailored to any man with a diagnosable condition related to testosterone deficiency. To see if you qualify for treatment, Dr. Ahmed will conduct blood tests or review your medical history to see if there are proven signs of low T. He will also listen to your unexplained symptoms that could be attributed to a hormonal issue. 

Men of any age can receive TRT, but the ideal candidate is someone who has been experiencing symptoms since before the age of 40. TRT will also be most effective for those who have more severe symptoms. Dr. Ahmed will ensure you are generally healthy and have a blood pressure well within the normal range before starting your treatment plan.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Ahmed, you can expect a well-rounded, comprehensive examination of your overall health. He will inquire about your symptoms, your existing conditions, and the treatments and medications that you currently take. If he feels that you are well-suited for TRT, he will suggest a particular dosage of hormonally identical testosterone and inform you of the pros and cons of both pellet and injection therapy. If you feel ready to take the next steps toward revitalized health and energy, call for a consultation with Dr. Ahmed at (702) 626-0499 or visit his Las Vegas practice. A member of his staff will gladly guide you through the consultation process and schedule your appointment at your earliest convenience. 

Testosterone Treatment Options 

Depending on your exact needs and the nature of your low T, Dr. Ahmed will determine the best method of treatment: pellet or injection therapy. 

Pellets 

A testosterone pellet is an implant that Dr. Ahmed will place just under the skin. A popular form of this type of pellet- Testopel®- is only 3 x 8 mm in size, so these implants are extremely small, and you won’t be able to feel it just under your skin. (2) For the minimally invasive pellet procedure, Dr. Ahmed will administer local anesthetic to an area of the upper buttock. Then, he will use a scalpel to make one tiny puncture within the skin. For the final step, he will load the pellet into an instrument that will enter under the skin, ensuring that he places the pellet in between the fat and muscle layers of tissue. He may load one or more pellets at a time, depending on your testosterone requirements. If he places multiple pellets- an aspect of the procedure that would be discussed during consultation- he will be sure to use the loading instrument in a way that places the pellets separate from one another. To wrap up this minor procedure, he will place pressure on the incision site and close it with surgical tape- sutures aren’t needed. 

Typically, pellets dissolve slowly within the body over the course of 4 to 6 months; your body will take as much testosterone as it needs during this time. 

Injection Therapy 

Research has found that testosterone injections are much more effective than oral pills or topical gels/creams. Dr. Ahmed will determine what dosage you need: this usually ranges from 50 to 400 mg per dose. He will prescribe a dose every 1 to 4 weeks, depending on your supplementation needs. 

Caution About Over-the-Counter Testosterone 

Over-the-counter “testosterone” treatments do not contain testosterone itself, but they often contain compounds that supposedly support testosterone production. Most often OTC “testosterone” supplements are considered testosterone boosters that come in a powdered form. Many of these products’ ingredients are herbal and haven’t been studied for their capability to increase testosterone. As supplements, these are not regulated as medications, but they are regulated as food products, so they don’t undergo the same testing. Many of these products have also been associated with the development of liver problems, so they can pose a health hazard. (3) 

Results 

In the first 3 to 6 weeks of treatment, you will begin to notice an improvement in your overall mood- one of the first signs that TRT is working. However, improvements in insulin sensitivity will begin within just a few days. Approximately 3 months into treatment, you will experience increased red blood cell production, but this production will peak at around 9 months to a year.  About 3 to 4 months after starting therapy, you will notice significant changes in body composition, including an increase in muscle mass and loss of body fat. Within roughly 6 months to a year, these bodily changes will stabilize, and you will likely be able to maintain this for several years. Improvements in bone density take a little longer; noticeable changes will begin at 6 months after your first TRT dosage. (4) 

Cost of TRT in Las Vegas 

The cost of your TRT will depend on the severity of your condition, the dosages required, and your treatment method. Other factors such as follow-up appointments and blood tests can contribute to the overall cost. At the time of your consultation with Dr. Ahmed, he will give you a total cost estimate with all factors considered. Southern Nevada Bariatrics offers financing options for those seeking to make affordable payments for their treatment. Dr. Ahmed and the professionals at his practice in Las Vegas will use their exceptional care and medical skills to ensure you get the best possible experience with TRT. 

Get in touch with us and discuss TRT further by calling (702) 626-0499 or by filling out this form.

FAQ

Are there side effects to TRT? 

Some common side effects men can experience with TRT are irritability, fertility problems, and more body hair. If these signs and symptoms occur, your doctor should adjust your dose. These changes are reversible. 

Is TRT safe for men of any age? 

TRT is safe for men of all ages who have undergone puberty, but they must have an identifiable hormonal imbalance. 

Is TRT safe for long-term use? 

TRT can be a lifelong treatment if you choose. If the therapy is benefitting you in some way, you can continue it for as long as you would like. 

References

  1. Singh P. Andropause: Current concepts. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2013;17(9):621. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.123552 
  2. McCullough A. A Review of Testosterone Pellets in the Treatment of Hypogonadism. Current Sexual Health Reports. 2014;6(4):265-269. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-014-0033-7 
  3. Shoskes, Jennifer J., et al. “Pharmacology of Testosterone Replacement Therapy Preparations.” Translational Andrology and Urology, vol. 5, no. 6, Dec. 2016, pp. 834–843, https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2016.07.10. 
  4. Saad F, Aversa A, Isidori AM, Zafalon L, Zitzmann M, Gooren L. Onset of effects of testosterone treatment and time span until maximum effects are achieved. European Journal of Endocrinology. 2011;165(5):675-685. doi:https://doi.org/10.1530/eje-11-0221