When a man's testosterone levels are low, he may feel inadequate, fatigued and stressed. Other symptoms of this condition include:

• Reduced sex drive

• Depression

• Increased body fat

• Joint pain

• Mood swings

• Hair loss

• Loss of muscle mass and bone strength

Low testosterone management and treatment

At Invictus Men's Health, we will conduct a series of blood tests and physical examinations to determine the best treatment for low testosterone levels in men. We also determine the level of "free-testosterone" in the blood for a better understanding of likely causes. Our tests help us rule out underlying medical issues that may be mimicking the symptoms of low testosterone levels.

Depending on each patient's medical history, low testosterone levels can be improved with depo-injection therapy as well as long-acting or short-acting injection therapy, implant therapy and gels, patches or oral medicines to preserve fertility.

With depo-injection therapy, an injection containing testosterone is administered every 1-4 weeks to help the hormone levels remain stable.

Long-acting injection therapy involves injections that deliver testosterone directly into the gluteus/ buttock muscle. After your first loading dose, the injection is required every three months to ensure that testosterone levels remain stable.

Implant therapy is similar to long-acting injection therapy; however, it is administered through a pellet that is implanted into the body and requires minor surgery. Implant therapy can last up to 6 months.

Gels and patches are also an option for daily use. This treatment involves wearing a patch or rubbing on a gel that contains testosterone. The hormone is then absorbed into the blood via the skin over the course of the day. Gels can get your testosterone levels up quickly but require daily application. Patches also require daily application, but might not be as effective as other treatments.

The Invictus Men's Health Clinic offers oral medication, gels, patches, depo-injection therapy, and implant therapy as treatments for low testosterone levels.