FAQs

Frequently Asked Question's

Testosterone is a hormone made by the body that is responsible for the normal growth and development of the male sex organs and for maintenance of other sexual characteristics. In men, testosterone is produced in the testes, the reproductive glands that also produce sperm. The amount of testosterone produced by the testes is regulated by the hypothalamus and the
pituitary gland. Testosterone can affect the following:

Changes in body muscle mass and strength and fat distribution
Sex drive and sexual function
Mood and energy level
Growth and maturation of prostate and other male sex organs
Development of male hair distribution such as facial hair
Bone strength

In healthy men, testosterone levels between 350 ng/dL and 1000 ng/dL are referred to as “normal.” Normal physiology allows the brain and the testes to work together to keep testosterone in this range. The brain produces “signal” hormones that are responsible for stimulating testosterone production. These signals are periodically released, which in turn stimulates testosterone production. When levels of testosterone are in an acceptable range, the production of the signal hormones are slowed, which in turn allows the testosterone levels to decrease.

Hypogonadism, in a male, refers to a decrease in either testosterone production, sperm production, or both. The medical professionals at AMP Wellness and Performance address the testosterone aspect of this condition. Decreased sperm production requires a careful, thorough evaluation by a fellowship-trained specialist.

To determine a diagnosis of hypogonadism, the medical professionals at AMP Wellness and Performance will first confirm your symptoms, and then perform a simple blood test. If your total or free testosterone is below the normal range, you may be diagnosed as hypogonadal.

Testosterone\ treatment is the practice of diagnosing hypogonadism (low testosterone) through a combination of symptoms and testosterone blood values below the lower limit of normal and treating with testosterone injections, gels, patches, surgically implanted pellets, or oral applications. AMP Wellness and Performance uses injections or topicals to treat low testosterone in hypogonadal men.

Benefits of testosterone replacement therapy vary based upon the pre-therapy symptoms and other factors, but they can include the following:
● Improved muscle mass and strength
● Increased energy
● Higher motivation
● Decreased irritability and depression
● Improved sexual desire
● Possible improvement in erectile function
● Improved visuospatial cognitive function and verbal memory
● Decreased body fat (optimal results received through accompaniment of a diligent diet and exercise regimen)
● Thicker skin

Some patients could experience one or more of the following side effects from testosterone replacement therapy:

● Increase in red blood cells. This can be beneficial if you have anemia. However, it can be potentially dangerous because an increase in red blood cells can lead to blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
● Prostate effects. If you have an enlarged prostate, testosterone may worsen your symptoms, particularly if you are more than 50 years of age. If you have a history of prostate cancer, you cannot receive testosterone therapy without prior clearance from the urologist who is overseeing your care.
● Skin reactions. Acne, oily skin, increased body hair, and flushing have been reported. These side effects are not very common, but if they occur, often they are transient.
● Infertility. Testosterone therapy down regulates production of a man’s sperm. Be upfront with your medical provider about your desire for children, and be sure to discuss the situation with your spouse or partner, if appropriate.
● Sleep apnea. This is a condition that disrupts breathing during sleep, and if already present, may be worsened by the use of testosterone therapy. If you snore or suspect you may have sleep apnea, be sure to talk to your medical provider about the situation. Considering a sleep study for further evaluation may be appropriate prior to starting therapy.
● Fluid retention. Although uncommon, you must use caution if you have a history of heart failure or kidney disease.

Only your physician can fully answer this question; however, in general, testosterone replacement therapy is not recommended for, or should be avoided by, patients with the following conditions:

● Breast or prostate cancer
● Unexplained PSA elevation
● Severe benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms (AUA prostate symptom score > 19)
● Severe lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy
● A palpable prostate nodule
● Erythrocytosis
● Hyperviscosity
● Untreated obstructive sleep apnea
● Uncontrolled severe heart failure
● Unstable severe congestive heart failure (class III or IV)

The proper method of testosterone delivery for you is a matter for your physician to determine; however, many find that some gels tend to be messy and less convenient than other treatment modalities. In addition, there can be a risk of unintentional transmittal to children or others with whom you may have physical contact.

Testosterone patches can create a significant rash at the site of application. They also don’t stick well, especially during the summer months.

Experience has shown that gels and patches may require dosage adjustments to obtain medically appropriate blood concentrations, and some patients may never absorb enough testosterone from gels or patches to improve symptoms. These modalities often have a higher conversion to less desirable hormones in the process of transfer through the skin.

Learn more about adverse reactions and side effects of low testosterone injections, including inflammation and pain at the site of the intramuscular injection.

At your first appointment, we will conduct a comprehensive health assessment. This evaluation helps us understand your medical history, any symptoms you are experiencing, and how you are feeling. The health assessment also includes blood work and other vitals.

It is possible you may need to fast, but we will let you know beforehand. We do recommend that you drink plenty of water prior to your appointment, to make sure you are hydrated.

Peptides are very tiny proteins made up of short chains of amino acids. They signal the cells in your body to act in certain ways. As a result, peptides are esponsible for how you function, feel, look and live overall. Since different peptides affect different cells and functions, they can be highly tailored and targeted to treat a full spectrum of health, wellness, fitness, aging and cognitive conditions.

Peptides are beneficial for any man or woman who wants to look, feel, live and perform their very best. If you maintain an active life and are seeking a simpler way to improve your health, weight or fitness concerns, peptides may be perfect for you. Your doctor can help you find the best peptides for your lifestyle and personal goals. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have a medical condition, it’s important to discuss these conditions with your doctor before proceeding with peptide therapy.

Since peptides are pure amino acids, the body easily breaks them down and there are few adverse reactions. Be aware that the safety of your peptide therapy all depends on the source of your peptides. It’s important to only get peptide treatments from an experienced and trained medical professional. Peptides ordered online or from less trustworthy sources may include harmful additives, and the dosing could be too high or too low.

Peptides can be administered in a number of ways based on their formulation. Most of the time, peptides are administered intradermally, yet they can also come in the form of nasal sprays, transdermal creams and oral tablets.

There isn’t any need to alter your daily routine when proceeding with peptide therapy. Yet you may choose to enhance their many benefits by maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, getting plenty of sleep and reducing stress. We will work with you to help you make these lifestyle changes and support your healthy goals.

If you have any health conditions, are undergoing any treatments or taking any medication, it’s important to discuss these with your doctor or a specialist before proceeding with peptide therapy.

When you start peptide therapy, you may notice results within a matter of weeks. That said, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months before you begin to notice the full benefits of your treatments.

With peptide therapy, you can reverse signs of aging, keep extra weight off, manage chronic health conditions and much more. If you think that peptide therapy could be a good option for you, schedule an appointment with AMP Wellness and Performance.

There are a number of conditions that can lead to erectile dysfunction in men, some of which include:

● Age: Even in the absence of the other health conditions, age becomes an independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction. The age that doctors usually consider to be a risk factor for erectile dysfunction is about 50. However, it is not uncommon for men in their 30s and 40s to have erectile dysfunction.
● Medications: Certain medications can cause erectile dysfunction. For example, those patients who have been prescribed beta blockers or other medications to lower their blood pressure will notice that these medications may also lower the blood pressure to their penis, which can interfere with their ability to get and maintain an erection.
● Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for almost every medical problem that we encounter today, and erectile dysfunction is no exception.
● Other Medical Conditions: Often, general medical conditions that bring patients into the doctor, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, mental health, or diabetes, can also bring patients in to see a provider about erectile dysfunction.

There are a multitude of treatment options available to treat patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. These treatment options at AMP Wellness and Performance include:

● Medications: There are three different medications available to treat patients’ mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. The first pill is Viagra, which was the first medication released on the market to treat this condition. The other two medications are Levitra and Cialis. All three of these medications are very safe and very effective.

There are some minor side effects associated with medications developed to treat erectile dysfunction. These side effects can include headaches, facial blushing and upset stomach. A very small percentage of men who take these medications may also experience temporary vision disturbances, such as seeing blue or a blue discoloration in the background.

Men who have coronary artery disease, particularly those who take nitrates or nitroglycerine, should not take these medications. These medications can cause a very unsafe drop in blood pressure for those individuals.