Do you feel like you’re “off your game” and just don’t have the energy you used to have?
Not as trim as you used to be and can’t seem to shake those extra pounds especially on your belly?
Have you lost some of your “get up and go” and feel less motivated to work out?
Maybe you’ve even lost some of your muscle tone as well?
These could all be symptoms of low testosterone and/or andropause
As men pass the age of 30, they begin producing less testosterone and may already start to feel the effects. This decline in hormone production (called andropause) is gradual, occurring over several decades. In fact, testosterone levels drop by about 1% per year or 10% per decade.
So if you’re noticing a general decline this can be expected but still needs medical attention. Additionally, when there is a sudden or quick decline, you may have some more serious symptoms and health risks that can also blind side your work life and personal life.
A nature, slow decline of testosterone especially as men age and are not longer in their prime reproductive years is normal (but not always optimal). This natural drop in testosterone is similar to the natural drop in estradiol in women. For men, we call this andropause and for women, we call this menopause. That said, in recent years we are seeing a steeper and more dramatic decline of testosterone for men, of all ages which is a serious health concern. Why?
Modern life takes a real toll on hormone balance, from working too many hours and mismanaged stress, to eating foods that can directly lower testosterone, to having a life that is too sedentary. While upgrading your lifestyle may help marginally there are still men that are good candidates for hormone replacement, especially those who are suffering from concerning symptoms, weight gain and low energy.
For years, testosterone has received much negative press because its use was abused in amateur and professional athletics. This negative rap made it difficult for healthcare professionals to comfortably prescribe it to men that could truly benefit from it. Doctors should never feel uncomfortable recommending testosterone for any man suffering from andropausal symptoms.
Testosterone is a male hormone that can be measured in the blood or urine. It is produced by the testicles and adrenal glands and secreted into the bloodstream by the Leydig cells of the testes. Testosterone circulates throughout the body as a sex hormone and plays an important role in sexual development. It also affects energy metabolism and is involved in skeletal growth, maintenance of muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production and conversion of sperm into eggs.
Many men experience low levels of testosterone due to aging, illness or injury; these conditions may require medical intervention (such as hormone replacement therapy). Testosterone replacement therapy can help restore normal levels of testosterone while improving performance and quality of life.
The first signs of Andropausal Syndrome include a decrease in sex drive (libido), testicular shrinkage, and loss of muscle mass.
Low testosterone levels can also be associated with poor mental clarity, increasing anxiety, poor sleep, inability to retain lean muscle mass, difficulty with losing weight, poor energy levels, increasing fatigue, loss of sense of well-being (decreased zest for life).
These are the classic Andropausal Symptoms.
Andropause is a natural part of aging that can cause many symptoms, such as low energy, decreased muscle mass and strength, weight gain, depression, and sexual dysfunction.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, chances are you may greatly benefit from testosterone replacement therapy.
The first step in doing this right is to undergo a consultation so that a complete medical history can be obtained. All consultations for hormone replacement therapy are scheduled with Dr. Langenderfer & Dr. Bailey.
The second step is to get blood work checked to verify low testosterone levels. Additional labs are also checked which can have an influence on the dosing of Testosterone Replacement.
Once we have established that you are indeed a good candidate for Andropause Treatment and have your lab results back from our physician assistant, we will follow up with you within one business day with the results of your blood work.
After we will discuss how it may impact your treatment plan along with what options may be available to you based on those results (such as whether or not you qualify for Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy).
We will also provide you with information regarding any potential risks associated with taking testosterone supplements and discuss other options should they not be appropriate for your situation at this time (such as surgery).
Your safety comes first. Testosterone therapy is only considered when you have symptoms and repeat low morning testosterone levels. We also look for reasons levels might be low (sleep apnea, certain medicines, thyroid issues) and rule out situations where testosterone is unsafe. Men planning a pregnancy, or with prostate or male breast cancer, untreated severe sleep apnea, very high hematocrit, uncontrolled heart failure, recent heart attack or stroke, or significant prostate concerns should not start testosterone therapy.
If pellets are a good fit, we’ll review what to expect. Pellets are inserted under the skin in a brief in-office procedure and slowly release testosterone over months. Possible side effects include a rise in red blood cell count (hematocrit), acne or oily skin, mild fluid retention, breast tenderness, mood changes, and in rare cases pellet site issues (bruising, infection, or pellet extrusion). We monitor hematocrit, PSA/prostate health when appropriate, blood pressure, lipids, and symptoms on a regular schedule. If fertility is a goal, we avoid testosterone because it can lower sperm counts.
A 2025 FDA class-wide labeling update clarified that, in approved use for true hypogonadism, large trials did not show higher major cardiovascular events; however, testosterone products can raise blood pressure, so routine BP checks are part of care. Pellet therapy shares the same systemic testosterone safety considerations as other forms.
Pellets provide steady levels for several months with no daily dosing. Gels offer easy dose changes but require daily application and skin precautions. Injections are flexible and less costly but can cause peaks and troughs if not carefully scheduled. We’ll match the method to your goals and history.
Most men need a procedure every 3–6 months, depending on dose, absorption, and symptoms. We fine-tune timing based on labs and how you feel.
Current evidence led the FDA to remove prior language suggesting increased cardiovascular risk from labels while adding a blood-pressure warning. We individualize care and monitor BP and other risks at each visit.
Generally no. Testosterone can suppress sperm production. If fertility matters now or soon, we’ll discuss alternatives.
Before starting: repeat morning testosterone, plus baseline safety labs. After starting: reviews at 3–6 months, then regularly to track symptoms, hematocrit, PSA/prostate health when appropriate, BP, and lipids.
Beyond general testosterone effects, local site issues (tenderness, bruising, infection, rare extrusion) can occur. Proper sterile technique and after-care lower these risks.
We review your goals and history and outline smart first steps. We can go over specific tests, treatments, and services as part of that call.
You may also want to read about Andropause, and Thyroid Imbalances, since these areas often interact with testosterone levels, energy, and body composition.
Medically Reviewed By: Lakeside Holistic