Testosterone Replacement

Testosterone is a hormone necessary for a healthy life in both men and women. Without it you may experience decreased muscle mass, sex drive, mood and cognition. Fortunately, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is available for those who need to increase their testosterone levels. 

If you are considering testosterone replacement therapy, you may be overwhelmed by all of the choices. There are pills, injections, creams, and patches available. How can you know which one is best? One of the newest and best ways to receive testosterone therapy is through testosterone pellets. 

Testosterone pellets are tiny cylinders of crystalline testosterone that are smaller than a tic tac. These cylinders are inserted under your skin, usually in the hip because there is more fat there. The pellets then release testosterone in small doses and last for three to six months. 

So, what makes testosterone pellets better than other TRT options? Here are three reasons why testosterone pellets are the best choice. 

Simple and Safe

Testosterone pellets are placed under your skin in a quick, 10 minute procedure. Your doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and then the pellets will be placed under your skin. You will have no downtime and can continue normal activity with no complications. You will have a bandage for 3-7 days, depending on whether you are a man or woman. You will need to avoid vigorous activity, hot tubs and lakes while the bandage is on, but those are the only restrictions. Overall, the chances of the site getting infected or the pellets causing problems is incredibly small. 

Continuous Dosage

With injections, it is common to have a spike in testosterone and then have too little before your next injection. Creams, patches and pills have to be taken or used every day. With testosterone pellets, you receive a continuous, steady dose of testosterone without having to do anything. It also lasts for at least three months, so you do not need to go to the doctor too many times for the procedure. The lack of fluctuation in the dosage greatly reduces any side effects from excessive testosterone in the body. 

Best Delivery System

Some types of TRT cause problems because the testosterone is metabolized by the body before it can be distributed. This can lead to mood swings, increase in estrogen, enlarged breasts, acne, sleep apnea and testicle shrinkage. However, testosterone pellets are pure testosterone that will not be metabolized by the body. The hormone is delivered directly to your blood stream, so there is no chance of something happening to it before it can be used. The pellets are designed to release the testosterone into the blood system when it is needed, making it the perfect delivery system. 

Deciding to use testosterone replacement therapy is a big decision. You can ease your mind about the process by choosing testosterone pellets. The pellets are implanted in a quick, relatively painless procedure that will not interfere with your everyday life. With the continuous dosage and proper delivery system, there is a very small chance that you will experience side effects or complications. Instead, you can feel the benefits of increased testosterone levels as soon as 48 hours after your procedure. If you have any questions, please reach us at www.eliteinternsfrisco.com or call us at 469-269-0272.

Fatigue

Fatigue

Fatigue is more than just feeling sleepy or tired. When you feel fatigued, you are too exhausted and unmotivated to do anything. Even the simplest tasks seem too difficult. Fatigue affects nearly everyone at one time or another. It can be caused by stressful situations in your life that may affect your eating habits, exercise schedule and sleep quality. Other times, there seems to be no reason for your fatigue. Here are some common medical causes of fatigue, when to see your doctor and ways to fix it.

When to See a Doctor

Fatigue is often caused by non-medical issues like lack of sleep, poor diet and lack of exercise. If you have a cold or the flu, you will also feel fatigued. Going through a stressful time can also affect your energy levels. The first thing to do when you experience fatigue is to make changes to your lifestyle. Change your diet so that it is full of healthy, whole foods and drink plenty of water. Begin exercising regularly and focus on getting enough sleep. You may also need to take steps to reduce stress in your life, like practicing yoga, confronting a friend or coworker, or leaving a relationship. If you have taken these steps and still experience fatigue, then it is time to visit your doctor.

What to Expect from Your Doctor

When you see your doctor, they will ask you about your diet, exercise habits, sleep and stress levels. They will also want to know more about how you feel and if anything helps you feel less fatigued. Expect to have a full physical done and to answer many questions about your mental and physical wellbeing. Your doctor will probably also order blood work to help determine if there are any underlying diseases or conditions causing your fatigue. They will want to check for vitamin deficiencies, electrolyte levels, glucose levels, and get a complete blood cell count. Your blood may be also tested to check for signs of inflammation, thyroid hormones, and iron levels. Your doctor may also recommend a sleep test, cardio tests, and further testing, depending on your symptoms.

Common Medical Causes of Fatigue 

There are several medical causes of fatigue. Here are just a few diseases and complications your doctor will be checking for:

Anemia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Depression

Diabetes

Fibromyalgia

Heart Diseases

Infection or Inflammation

Multiple Sclerosis

Mononucleosis

Sleep Apnea

Thyroid Disorders

How Fatigue is Treated

Fortunately, there are many easily fixable issues that cause fatigue. If you have anemia, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements and recommend changes to your diet. For thyroid diseases (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), you can take medication and hormones to adjust your thyroid levels. If you have a vitamin deficiency, then your doctor can tell you the proper number of supplements you should take to increase your vitamin and mineral levels. Other treatments for fatigue include heart medication, antibiotics, and CPAP machines. Your doctor will be able to answer all your questions about the best treatment for your fatigue.

Fatigue can make you feel overwhelmed. You may feel like you will never have energy again. However, there is hope. The best way to fight fatigue is to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. Regular physical exams are also important in fighting fatigue. Your doctor can catch diseases or complications that can cause fatigue before your symptoms become difficult to manage. If you feel like you are suffering from fatigue and cannot figure out why, then call your doctor immediately. They can help you find relief so you can have energy and enjoy life again.

Tips for Summer Travel

Traveling is an exciting part of summer. Getting to see new places or visiting friends and family is an excellent way to spend your vacation. However, taking the proper precautions before you travel internationally is necessary. There are unique health risks involved in visiting other countries, so you should be prepared for any type of medical issues that may occur. Here are five things to remember before you travel this summer.

1. Have a Health Screening

Before you leave for your trip, visit a travel clinic or your family doctor 4-6 weeks before you leave. They will check you out to make sure you are healthy enough to travel. Make sure you give your doctor a full medical history and list any medications you may take. You may need to get an extra refill for any prescription medications you take daily. It is a good idea to get a copy of any prescriptions and a letter from your doctor to keep with you as travel.

2. Get Your Vaccines

You must be up to date on all of your vaccinations before you leave the country. Routine vaccines include MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), chicken pox, polio, and diptheria-tetanus-pertussis, plus a yearly flu shot. Depending on what country you are traveling to, you may also need to get a Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, polio booster or yellow fever shot. Be sure to schedule your appointment to get vaccinated 4-6 weeks before your trip because some vaccines take a few weeks before they begin working.

3. Buy Preventative Medications

If you are going to a country that has a risk of malaria, you may need to take malaria pills in addition to the previous vaccines. These should be taken before, during and after your trip and require a prescription from your doctor. You should also pack any over the counter medication that you normally use. These include pain medicine, anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines and motion sickness medication. Keep these in their original containers so you can easily identify them when you start to feel ill.

4. Pack Sunscreen

Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen for your trip. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside and then reapply every 2 hours. You may need to use more if you get wet or are very sweaty. Bringing a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses is also recommended for anyone who will be outside for long periods of time. The best clothing for sun protection are light, long sleeve shirts and pants. You can also minimize sun damage by taking regular breaks in shaded areas.

5. Learn about Food and Water Conditions

While you should be adventurous and enjoy local cuisine, use caution before eating or drinking anything. Avoid any food that is not well cooked, unpasteurized or raw. Also use caution when eating raw fruits and vegetables. Do not drink any water that is not in a sealed water bottle or has been treated. This also includes ice and fountain drinks! You can bring travel filters or chemical disinfectants if you will be hiking or camping and need to purify any water you find.

By following the five tips listed above, you will be set to have a great summer vacation. Always use caution and plan ahead so you can focus on having fun and not being sick. That way you can have a great time, learn new things and make wonderful memories.