In adult males, hypogonadism may alter certain masculine physical characteristics and impair normal reproductive function. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Decrease body hair growth
- Decrease in muscle mass
- Development of breast tissue
- loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)
Hypogonadism can also cause mental and emotional changes. As testosterone decreases, some men may experience symptoms similar to those of menopausal women. These may include:
- Fatigue
- Decreased sex drive
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hot flashes
Male hypogonadism means the testicles don’t produce enough of the male sex hormone testosterone. There are two basic types of hypogonadism:
Primary- This type of hypogonadism also known as primary testicular failure originates from a problem in the testicles.
Secondary- This type of hypogonadism indicates a problem in the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland– parts of the brain that signal the testicles to produce testosterone.
Testopel is the only FDA-Approved testosterone pellet. Treatment can normalize testosterone levels for approximately three months per dose. The typical interval of Testopel placement is 3-4 times annually
Dr. Gary Bellman has been trained in the insertion of Testopel and has performed the procedure hundreds of times. The pellets themselves are very small (about the size of a grain of rice). Several pellets are placed under the skin of the buttock in an office procedure, lasting no more than a duration of 10 minutes. Once complete, Dr. Bellman will place a bandage on the site. The Testopel insertion procedure does not require a stitch. It is advisable not to swim, use a hot tub, or lift heavy weights for a few days following the procedure.
The pellets release testosterone and often can maintain healthy testosterone levels for 3-4 months. That means that there are 3-4 months where there is no need for daily application of messy gels, patches or weekly injections.
With every Testopel procedure, a follow-up hormone panel is ordered to carefully monitor a patient’s testosterone level alongside keeping overall health on base.
For prescribing information, the following link may be helpful.
http://www.testopel.com/site/assets/files/1026/testopel-prescribing-information.pdf
For an appointment or consultation with Dr. Gary Bellman, please contact the office or call 818-912-1899