Kaiser Permanente, on their policies from Northern and Southern California regarding prescription drugs, indicate that “Kaiser Permanente shall cover single-source drugs that are part of a prescribed therapy in effect immediately prior to an enrollee’s enrollment with the Health Plan, whether or not the drug is covered by Kaiser Permanente, until the therapy is no longer prescribed by a Plan Provider”.
So, there’s a good chance that your health insurance covers the TRT. It’s not disclosed if they provide coverage in other states, which is why it is highly recommended that you call your supplier to clear any doubts.
But let’s talk about testosterone replacement therapy and why it is important.
TRT is a method that uses processed testosterone to help men with the production of this hormone. Testosterone is the most important hormone for men since it helps to maintain (among others), sex drive, sperm and red blood cells productions, bone density, muscle strength and mass, facial and body hair, and fat distribution.
Testosterone is produced in the testicles by the Leydig cells, and they travel through the blood all over the body.
Testosterone replacement therapy is prescribed for men that suffer from hypogonadism, a condition where there’s not enough functional activity in the gonads (the organ that develops gametes), in this case, the testes. Hypogonadism can be developed in the fetus, in puberty or even in adulthood.
Who can suffer from low testosterone levels?
Male individuals in any phase of his life. Low levels of testosterone in the fetal phase can be seen when a male baby develops female genitalia, underdeveloped male genitals or even unclear genitalia (ambiguous).
In puberty, boys with low testosterone levels can experience lack of muscle development, cute voice, large breast, lack of body hair, and even underdeveloped genitalia.
Testosterone replacement therapy is highly recommended in both cases because it will help the baby and young boys to have a better development and will prepare them for adulthood.
When hypogonadism happens in adults, the worst consequence is infertility besides erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive, but these are not all the symptoms.
Low energy and poor muscle mass, hair loss or problems with hair growth, enlarged breast and loss of bone mass, mental instability, fatigue, and fogginess are some of the many issues a man can have if they suffer low T-levels.
It’s important to reach your doctor if you’re suffering from any of these symptoms. Make sure to ask your MD if you’re a candidate to get testosterone replacement therapy.
What causes hypogonadism?
This condition can be caused by inherited conditions, testicle damages or even some diseases. One of them is undescended testicles, which happens when your gonads don’t descend from your abdomen to your scrotum before birth.
Another genetic cause is the Klinefelter’s syndrome, which happens when a man is born with an extra chromosome. Male sex genetic code is XY and people with this syndrome get an extra X, becoming XXY.
Trivia: Speaking of genes, men are the ones who determine if a baby will be male (XY) or female (XX).
Male UltraCore Amazon Rating: 4.4 · 301 reviews
An excess of iron in blood causes pituitary and testicular damage. This condition is called hemochromatosis.
Disorder in your pituitary gland, caused by different factors, can lead to HG. If the hypothalamus functions abnormally, you will also suffer from this condition.
Inflammatory diseases that affect your hypothalamus and pituitary gland will cause troubles too, just like having AIDS/HIV.
There are also external factors that can jeopardize your testosterone production, like injuries in your testicles and even complications with mumps. Chemotherapy and radiation can damage your gonads as well.
Obesity, certain medical conditions, and medicines can cause testosterone deficiency, but it also happens naturally with men when they age.
What is testosterone replacement therapy about?
People who go through this treatment will get testosterone in different ways: through a shot, a patch or gel on the skin, and even a tablet that you put in your mouth between your gum and cheek.
Some pills don’t contain testosterone but components that improve its production such as Male UltraCore.
What patients who go through this therapy will experience is an improvement in their sexual desire, energy boost, higher levels of muscle mass, and better circulation.
These are some of the many reasons that sound attractive for old men who have low testosterone levels. But does it work for advanced aged men?
Tip: A study run by Kaiser Permanente found that men who suffer testosterone deficiency and undergo TRT, see a reduction in their cardiovascular risks.
Can aged men undergo testosterone replacement therapy?
It’s important to remark that testosterone levels drop when men get old. This process is called andropause, and it starts between your 30’s and 40’s because the body slows down the production of the hormone naturally.
To accurately know what your testosterone levels are, you only have to get a blood test. 240 to 950 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) is the normal testosterone range for men between 19 and 49 years old (keep in mind that your levels will diminish about 1% after your 30’s as your body will reduce its testosterone production). 193 to 740 ng/dL is the range for 50 years and older men.
It’s not clear if testosterone replacement therapy can actually help older men in the andropause process.
Consider talking to your doctor before making any decision. Your doctor will prescribe some tests and will discuss any risks you can have if you undergo this process.
Some risks of getting testosterone replacement therapy
TRT can cause acne or other skin reactions, large breasts, blood clot, sleep apnea, prostatic enlargement, and even troubles with your sperm production.
If you want to undergo this treatment, contact your insurance company and ask if they have coverage for the testosterone replacement therapy.
