redefined health clinic Archives – Redefined Health Clinic

Unraveling the Link: How Testosterone Impacts Men’s Mental Health

Unraveling the Link: How Testosterone Impacts Men's Mental Health

When discussing mental health, it is important to recognize that it can be influenced by a multitude of factors. Genetics, environment, and social circumstances play significant roles. But hormones, especially testosterone, can also have a big impact on a man’s mental health. In this blog post, we’re going to explore the complex relationship between testosterone and mental health, shedding light on how fluctuations in this hormone can affect various aspects of a man’s psychological state.

Understanding Testosterone

Testosterone is primarily associated with masculinity, influencing the development of male reproductive tissues. However, its effects extend beyond the physical realm, reaching into the cognitive and emotional domains. Produced primarily in the testes, testosterone levels vary throughout a man’s life, peaking during adolescence and early adulthood, and gradually declining with age – on average 1% per year.

Testosterone and Mood

The influence of testosterone on mood is a subject of ongoing research, however, studies have established a connection between low testosterone levels and an increased risk of developing mood disorders such as apathy and depression. I should preface this and say that while not all cases of depression are related to low testosterone, evidence suggests that low levels of this hormone can contribute to the development of depressive symptoms in some men. Vitamin D3 levels can also influence mood.

Testosterone deficiency has been associated with other mood-related issues, including irritability, fatigue, and decreased motivation. Conversely, higher testosterone levels have been linked to enhanced mood, increased self-confidence, and a more positive outlook on life.

Cognitive Function and Testosterone

In addition to mood, testosterone plays a role in cognitive function. Research shows that testosterone levels can influence spatial abilities, memory, and verbal fluency. Higher testosterone levels have been associated with improved spatial cognition, aiding tasks such as navigation and mental rotation. Lower testosterone levels have been linked to cognitive decline, particularly in the domains of memory and verbal fluency.

It is worth noting that the relationship between testosterone and cognitive function is complex and can be influenced by several factors, including age, health conditions, and lifestyle choices.

Stress & Anxiety

Another aspect of men’s mental health influenced by testosterone is stress and anxiety. Testosterone has been found to affect the stress response by regulating the production and action of stress hormones like cortisol. Optimal testosterone levels can aid in resilience to stress, helping individuals cope with challenging situations more effectively. Low testosterone levels have been associated with increased stress and anxiety, and susceptibility to developing anxiety disorders. Finding self-coping mechanisms, such as relying on alcohol, only worsens the balance.

Chronic stress can also impact testosterone production, creating a negative feedback loop. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones can suppress testosterone production, potentially worsening mental health issues. This play between testosterone and stress highlights the importance of a balanced hormonal environment for overall psychological well-being.

Conclusion

While the impact of testosterone on men’s mental health is undeniable, it is crucial to view it as one piece of a complex puzzle. Mental health is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Testosterone interacts with various aspects of mental health, including mood, cognitive function, and stress response. However, it is essential to approach mental health holistically, considering the broader context in which testosterone operates.

Recognizing the significance of testosterone in mental health can aid in early identification and intervention for men experiencing hormonal imbalances. By promoting a comprehensive understanding between hormones and mental well-being, here at Redefined Health Clinic we can support and develop tailored treatments for each of our clients.

Testosterone Cypionate vs. Testosterone Enanthate

Testosterone Cypionate vs. Testosterone Enanthate – Which One is Better?

Call it timing, coincidence, or whatever, but we’ve been getting a lot of questions recently about the different types of TRT. Choosing between the different types of testosterone replacement therapy can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to this treatment method. Today, we’re going to compare the two common forms of testosterone replacement therapy: testosterone cypionate vs testosterone enanthate. By the end, you should have a better understanding of which one might be better for you.

Chemical Structure

Testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate are both forms of esterified testosterone. What this means is that they both have a similar chemical structure that allows them to be more slowly absorbed giving a longer duration of action in the body. However, there is a slight difference in their chemical structures. Testosterone cypionate has 8 carbon atoms in its ester chain, while testosterone enanthate has 7. This slight difference can affect how they are absorbed and metabolized in the body.

Half Life & Dosage

One of the main differences between testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate is their half-lives. Testosterone cypionate has a half-life of around 8 days, while testosterone enanthate has a half-life of around 7-9 days. This means that testosterone enanthate may stay in your system slightly longer than cypionate. However, this difference isn’t significant enough to affect how often you need to take your dosage. Both cypionate and enanthate are usually injected once every 7 days, depending on your prescribed dosage.

Benefits & Side Effects

Both testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate have similar benefits and side effects since they are both forms of testosterone. The most common benefits include increased muscle mass and strength, improved bone density, and improved libido. Possible side effects may include acne, hair loss, mood changes, and potential long-term risks such as prostate enlargement or increased risk of heart disease. However, the risk of these side effects can be minimized by following your doctor’s prescribed dosage and monitoring labs regularly. (Jeez I sound like one of those television commercials).

Availability & Cost

Testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate are both widely available and FDA-approved for TRT. However, the cost may vary depending on where you live and availability. Generally, generic brands of testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate are more affordable than brand-name versions. However, the cost is not the most important factor when it comes to choosing between these two types of testosterone. It’s essential to work with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment method for your individual needs.

Overall, Which One Is Better?

Well, it all depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some men may find that testosterone enanthate works better for them, while others may prefer cypionate. Ultimately, it’s essential to work with your doctor and monitor your progress to determine which type of testosterone replacement therapy is best for you. A lot of factors exist, such as your medical history and any existing health conditions when making a factual based medical decision.

Testosterone replacement therapy can be an effective treatment method for men experiencing low testosterone levels. Testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate are two common forms of this treatment. While they have minor differences in their chemical structure and half-lives, they are both effective at delivering the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy. Ultimately, the best type of testosterone for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and health situation. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you. Make an appointment today if you have any questions.

redefined health clinic Testosterone replacement therapy TRT

Semaglutide – The Medical Weight Loss Breakthrough You Haven’t Heard of Yet.

Semaglutide: The Medical Weight Loss Breakthrough You Haven't Heard Of Yet

More and more people are discovering the benefits of medical weight loss treatments these days, but there’s one option you may not have heard of yet – Semaglutide. This prescription medication has been around for a while, but it is only now really gaining traction as an effective tool for weight management. Read on to learn what makes this treatment so special, and how it can help you reach your weight loss goals.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is technically a peptide. More specifically a GLP-1 inhibitor. It was originally a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, time has shown that it also increases weight loss. Research suggests that it can reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness after meals, thus helping individuals manage their calorie intake more effectively. It is now FDA-approved for medical weight loss. Further, Semaglutide does not appear to produce serious side effects when taken as medically prescribed.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors in the brain and intestines; this triggers a cascade of events that ultimately leads to increased production of insulin and decreased appetite. As such, taking Semaglutide can help you lose weight in two ways – by aiding digestion and reducing cravings for high-calorie foods. Some studies even suggest that this medication can increase metabolism to help your body burn fat – even at rest.

Who Can Take It?

Since semaglutide is considered a “medication-assisted therapy” (MAT), Semaglutide should be prescribed only under the supervision of a qualified medical provider who understands its risks and benefits. Generally speaking, the medication is intended for adults who are obese or overweight with a BMI greater than 25; however, doctors may also consider prescribing it off-label to patients who don’t meet these criteria if they feel that doing so would benefit them medically or psychologically.

Is It Really That Easy?

All in all, Semaglutide is an exciting new medical breakthrough that could revolutionize the way we think about weight loss treatments forever – as it appears to be both safe and effective! However, its use should always be supervised by your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider; only then can you ensure that any potential risks are minimized while reaping maximum benefit from the treatment itself.

Now, I don’t want to paint the picture that this is all easy. There is still hard work that you have to do. Taking semaglutide while eating McDonalds every day for lunch won’t get the job done. However, choosing to eat healthy meals and snacks, while working out at the gym, running, swimming, or biking will certainly help you reach your weight loss goals.

If you have struggled with weight management in the past – regardless of whether or not you meet the criteria outlined above – talk to a provider about whether this breakthrough might be right for you!

medical weight loss men's health redefined health clinic

How Peptide Therapy Can Help Improve Your Health & Wellbeing

As a busy man, husband and father, you often juggle many responsibilities that can take a toll on your health and wellbeing. If this sounds familiar to you then peptide therapy could be the answer to helping you get back on the road to feeling energized and ready for whatever life throws at you. Peptide therapy has been gaining in popularity lately due to its ability to relieve symptoms of chronic pains as well as boost overall energy levels. In this blog post we’ll explore what peptide therapy is, how it works, various types of peptides available, and how applying them will improve your mental and physical health.

What Is Peptide Therapy?

Peptide therapy is gaining traction as the go-to men’s health treatment for rejuvenation and exercise recovery. Put simply, peptide therapy is an analog to your own natural production of human growth hormone (HGH) that is produced from the pituitary gland in the brain. As we get older, we begin to have less production of HGH.

Peptides tell your body to produce hormones, proteins, and enzymes necessary for better functioning. Whether it’s faster muscle growth due to better recovery rates after a gym session or increased energy production from cells in the brain, the advantages of peptide therapy for men’s health are far-reaching, often game-changing, and help you to get back on track with your fitness goals.

How Does Peptide Therapy Work?

Peptide therapy is a prevalent form of men’s health treatment due to its ability to accelerate exercise recovery and improve overall well-being. While it was initially developed to treat chronic illnesses, men have recognized its vital role in men’s health as they age. With peptide therapy becoming increasingly accessible, men all over the world have been seeking out these treatments and reaching an entirely new level of well-being.

By increasing communication between cells, peptides help men unlock new potential and perform at greater levels than ever before. Plus, peptide therapy has been proven to strengthen the immune system and promote healthy tissue regeneration – giving men a new lease on life!

What Types of Peptides are Available?

Popular peptides include sermorelin, ipamorelin, PT-141, and CJC 1295, each of which offers different benefits.

Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing peptide designed to stimulate the body’s own production of growth hormones.

Ipamorelin is a peptide that helps regulate hunger and stimulates the release of natural growth hormones in patients.

PT-141 peptide helps increase libido in both men and women, while CJC 1295 stimulates biological activities related to human growth factors.

With these peptides available, individuals have access to a variety of options when it comes to improving their overall health and well-being.

What Can Peptides Do for You?

Peptides are an important part of human biology and are involved in many biological processes. The benefits of peptides can be seen in terms of strengthening the immune system, restoring tissue, and fighting aging. Peptides have also been used to regulate metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Peptide benefits are further enhanced by their ability to increase collagen, which is needed for skin regeneration. Moreover, they help with muscle building, recovery time after exercise, and energy levels throughout the day, and may also act as anti-aging agents. Ultimately peptides can help you look and feel your best while providing benefits beyond just physical health benefits.

In conclusion, peptide therapy can offer a plethora of benefits when used correctly and in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Peptides can be safely used to optimize muscle growth and fat loss, aid in recovery and reduce inflammation, treat other chronic illnesses, treat depression, improve sexual problems, normalize endocrine function, slow the aging process, and much more. As with anything else related to health and well-being, it is best to consult with a certified medical professional before attempting to use peptides or any other kind of supplement.

Everyone’s body is different, so it’s important that you have all the necessary information before self-administering anything you’re not fully familiar with. With all this said, we hope you now know a bit more about what peptide therapy has to offer.

What are your thoughts on peptide therapy? Let us know in the comments below!

men's health peptide therapy peptides redefined health clinic

What Are the Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

“What ARE the Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?” We get this question a lot from men!

To answer this, we need to realize that testosterone is what makes men, “men.” Without it, we wouldn’t have the typical male Physical characteristics we have: facial and body hair, prominent brow ridge, larger muscles, and deep voices.

Physiologically it also affects the production of red blood cells and increases fertility, libido, and erections.

Mentally & Emotionally, it aids our cognition and mood.

All of this despite what Director James Cameron says.

Why Do We Sometimes Need Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Most commonly, as we age, the biological process of producing testosterone becomes less efficient. Around age 30-35, testosterone levels generally drop by 1% each year. As we get older, we begin to experience more signs & symptoms of low testosterone.

Here’s the most typical symptoms:

Early afternoon fatigue
Reduced sex drive (libido)
Reduced muscle mass
Loss of body hair
Slower beard growth
Obesity – especially around the abdomen
Poor mood/depression
Reduced endurance & physical strength
Poor focus
Poor work performance

"...men with optimized testosterone levels have a 36% decreased risk of a stroke and 24% decreased risk of a heart attack."

What are the Benefits of Testosterone Therapy?

1. Cardiovascular Health

Testosterone can improve red blood cell production for physical exertion and performance as well as aid in maintaining a strong healthy heart.

A study published by the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that men with optimized testosterone levels have a 36% decreased risk of a stroke and 24% decreased risk of a heart attack.

2. More Muscle Mass

This DOESN’T mean jacked or ripped. Men with optimized testosterone levels PLUS regular exercise can experience less fat, increasing lean muscle, strength, and endurance.

3. Increased Bone Density

Just like women, our bone density decreases as we age. Low T is one of the leading causes. This leads to an increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis over time.

4. Improved Cognition and Memory

Research now shows that lower testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. There is also convincing evidence that optimized testosterone levels improve memory, rate of recall, and cognition.

5. Increased Libido

A man’s sex drive is tied to testosterone. The higher the level = increased desire. Low testosterone can also affect the ability to achieve and maintain an erection, as well as the quality of the erection.

6. Improved Mood and Sense of Well-Being

Low testosterone has been linked to fatigue, irritability, and depression. Improved testosterone levels can help with both anxiety and depression. The best results are achieved by those who participate in regular exercise weekly.

If You're Wondering More about TRT...

Redefined Health Clinic has helped countless men like yourself assess their testosterone levels and achieve an optimal hormonal balance.

Redefined Health clinic is located in Richland, WA, but primarily via Telemedicine. If you want to learn more about TRT or have other questions about our clinic schedule your complimentary consultation online with Redefined Health Clinic.

men's health redefined health clinic Testosterone replacement therapy TRT

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Penis

5 Things You Didn't Know About Your Penis

The great male “love muscle.” We have marveled at what it can do for generations. Relaxed or erect it serves so many functions. The ability to empty urine from the bladder when full. Or when aroused, it becomes an erect organ meant for intercourse and delivery sperm for fertilization. We joke about it in society. We contemplate it’s uses in the bedroom. For an organ that is needed by both men and women, there’s a lot that some people don’t know. Let’s take a closer look at 5 things you didn’t know about your penis.

It's A Larger Penis that Most Mammals

Compared to all of the other mammals, the human penis is one of the largest when compared in proportion to body size. The largest penis-to-body ratio is a predatory cat in Madagascar.

For humans, the largest erect penis length to body length is in men from the nation of Ecuador. On average a typical male is 5′ 5″ (1.67 meters) in height. Their penis length is 6.93″ (17.67 cm). Compared to Americans, we come in at an average height of 5′ 10″ with an erect penis size of 5.34″ (13.58 cm) in length.

It's Not a Bone

Despite what some people think, humans have no bone in their penis. Further did you know that most other mammals do? The common theory is that as humans shifted from a polygamous to monogamous society, bone filled penises were no longer needed. Penises containing bones stay in the female reproductive tract longer, keeping other penises away.

Without a bone we can still “fracture” a human penis. It’s not easy to do, but it happens when an increased downward force comes down suddenly on a semi-erect or fully erect penis. It will make a snapping sound followed by sudden and intense pain. It then turns black and blue, and typically requires medical intervention.

Nighttime Wood

Erections occur commonly at night. But why? Because when you are asleep, your body relaxes. The valves that allow blood into the erectile tissue relax allowing blood to flow into the penis after being tightly clamped down when you’re awake. This happens on average 3 times per night mostly in your deep REM sleep and you probably don’t even know it happens, except for that early “morning wood” that we will sometimes recognize.

It's Like A Gun

Ejaculation is a reflex that is 2 stages that once turned on have no ability to shut off.

The first stage is emission,” which happens during foreplay and arousal. Sperm is pumped to the prostate from the testicles like loading a bullet in the gun’s chamber and is described as a pulsation feeling.

Next is the “ejaculation phase.” A lot is happening here. The seminal vesicles contract, the bladder neck closes, and the urinary sphincter opens, allowing semen to surge through the penis and out. Pelvic muscles pulsate every 0.9 secs to help force fluid through the penis.

Stress Kills Erections

For a good erection, the body can’t be stressed. Men that are under chronic stress with work, health, family, etc. have a harder time achieving erections. But if achieved and maintained, climax will follow. Afterwards, the erection falls and cannot be regained for some time.

Sure, there are other factors that play into erectile deficiency: high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, but stress is the most common cause.

ED Erectile dysfunction men's health redefined health clinic TRT

Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Be Done via Telemedicine?

When we first opened Redefined Health Clinic it was in the fall of 2021. At the time, the world was approaching almost 2 years since we had first heard of COVID-19. State and federal regulations of who can or can’t show up at a clinic were changing all the time and were honestly frustrating to keep track of.

The question became: Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Be Done via Telemedicine?

A year prior much of the healthcare world had already switched over to providing telemedicine via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. We knew this was an avenue for providing quality care. We started providing men’s health and hormone replacement therapy through Telemedicine in September 2021.

The Covid-19 pandemic has all but ensured that telemedicine will remain an important aspect of patient care – including hormone and testosterone replacement therapy

Enter Emergency Protocols

Because of all of the emergency COVID protocols that popped up, a lot of rules that previously limited what we could or could not do for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were temporarily or permanently wiped away, including providing HRT prescriptions via telemedicine.

Because of these rule changes, we were able to initiate HRT therapies like we hadn’t before:

FDA-controlled medications, like testosterone, could be sent to pharmacies across the state.
If a provider was licensed in another state, such as Montana like we are with Redefined Health Clinic, you can also send medications to patients across state lines.
Telemedicine visits counted as legitimate as an in-clinic visit.
Medication refills could be sent electronically instead of sending printed hard copies to a patient.

"Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is likely the next frontier for telemedicine in men’s health."

Access to Care

As with anything, there are always positives and negatives. This includes providing care via telemedicine, but especially with TRT. Providing care to brand new, or established, patients through telemedicine improves overall access to care.

Eliminating geographic barriers and improving convenience to patients improves patient outcomes.

Overcoming Stigmas

Telemedicine provides a way for men who may feel uncomfortable traveling to a doctor’s office to discuss their health issues in a more private setting. Symptoms of reduced energy, loss of body hair and beard growth, reduced muscle mass, depressed mood symptoms, reduced sex drive, and reduced erectile function are difficult to talk about.

The more access there is, the better the chances of treating these patients.

Patient Costs

Telemedicine reduces costs for both patients and providers. Considering the costs of travel, time off work, and the inconvenience of going to a clinic, telemedicine can provide financial savings of $124 for each virtual encounter

Patient & Provider Satisfaction

A recently published national survey of 38,000 patients with 620 video visits found that satisfaction scores were significantly higher for video visits compared to in-person visits.

Providers are also highly satisfied with telemedicine. The Telehealth Impact Study, of over 1500 providers, revealed high satisfaction rates with telemedicine.

Possible Pitfalls

As with any positive, there are possible negatives. Here are just a few that we’ve identified as possible pitfalls:

Lack of physical exam – we’re already working on this with plans for Mobile medicine, and a brick & mortar location.
Can’t administer medications – some men simply prefer to receive medication/injections in the clinic.
Technology barriers – just because you own a smart device doesn’t mean it’s set up to use for telemedicine.
Data breech/cyber security.

Redefined Health Clinic Workflow

Telemedicine offers so many possibilities for treating low testosterone. The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have ensured that telemedicine will remain an important part not only in general healthcare but also in men’s health and TRT.

Redefined Health Clinic, and many other men’s health clinics, remain committed to serving their patients with streamlined, convenient, and safe workflows to bring their patients the treatments they need with a convenience not experienced in any period of time. To see more of how Redefined Health Clinic works, visit our detailed workflow on: How the Process Works.

Connect with Redefined Health Clinic:

men's health redefined health clinic Testosterone replacement therapy TRT

Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Right for You?

Have you ever wondered if Testosterone Replacement Therapy is right for you? I’m not sure how you can’t. Testosterone replacement ads are everywhere: TV, social media, radio, etc. You’d think we’re in some sort of low testosterone epidemic based off the marketing campaigns alone.

But the campaigns are working. If you’ve heard any of these ads you’ve probably wondered, especially if you’re a man aged 35-65, “Do I have low T?” It’s entirely possible. If you’re experiencing loss of your sex drive, fatigue – especially in the afternoon, losing muscle, have ED, can’t concentrate, feel irritable, or just never feel all that great— you’ve probably wondered, could Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) really help? Here’s how to find out:

1. Get Your Testosterone Levels Checked

It’s an obvious first step, right? But as many as a quarter of the men who are on TRT do it blindly. They feel “off,” so they find some black market compounding hormone lab, and they start a regimen without testing whether they actually have low T! This is a potentially dangerous situation and may actually counteract what you think you need to fix.

If you begin supplementing with testosterone on your own, you actually run the risk of turning off your natural production of testosterone. This can make things much worse for the patient.

Your pituitary is designed to monitor Testosterone levels in the blood. If the testosterone levels is too high (from supplementation) then it stops producing Leutenizing hormone that tells the testicles to make more testosterone.

Visit your primary care provider, and ask for a testosterone test, preferably in the morning when the hormone’s levels peak. Repeat the test at least once, with the second test 2-3 days after the first. Two low morning readings indicate testosterone deficiency – male hypogonadism.

“If you begin supplementing with testosterone on your own, you actually run the risk of turning off your natural production of testosterone.”

2. Rule Out other Causes

If your T levels are a little low, don’t just blame it on your age. Yes, on average men begin to lose 1% of their testosterone starting at age 35. But that’s not true for all men.

A 35-year-old man in poor health is more likely to have low T than a fit 45-year-old man.
Some medications can cause Low T. Opioid pain medications, for example, are notorious for causing low testosterone.
Men with previously undiagnosed thyroid problems may also have low testosterone production.
Sleep apnea is another known cause for low testosterone.
Obesity also causes Low T. Dropping 5-7% of your body weight can increase your testosterone levels 10-15%. This may bring your T level into the normal range. (Insurance calls Total Testosterone levels of 300 ng/dL normal – but that’s a topic for a whole other post.).

3. Risks vs. Benefits

With any good thing, there can be drawbacks.

If you and your wife are trying to have kids, you don’t want to start testosterone replacement therapy. TRT will cause the pituitary to shut down it’s natural hormone production that will decrease your natural sperm production.

There are also side effects of TRT therapy that include an increased risk of:

Forming blood clots
Prostate enlargement
Increased estrogen levels
Acne production
Hair loss

Check your symptoms with our Free Low Testosterone Quiz Now.

4. Should I Make the Jump?

After talking things over with your primary care provider, they may write you an Rx for testosterone. At Redefined Health Clinic, we prescribe injections, topical creams/gels, and oral medications.

In men with low Total T levels below 300 ng/dL – and/or the symptoms of…

Fatigue (especially in the afternoon)
Low libido
Poor sleep
Loss of muscle mass
Fat gain
Apathetic mood

…TRT can do a fantastic job of increasing your mood, energy, libido, physical abilities, sleep, and vitality.

Remember, TRT is not a light switch. You don’t feel the beneficial effects immediately after your first dose. It can take 2-3 months (minimum) before you begin to feel the positive effects.

Since you’re interested in learning more if Testosterone Replacement Therapy is right for you, contact Redefined Health Clinic for a Complimentary Consultation.