What is testosterone?

Why Testosterone Matters: A New Approach to Hormone Health

Testosterone is often misunderstood as simply the “male hormone,” but it plays a vital role in the health of both men and women. At Patients Medical in New York City, we take an integrative approach to hormone balance—looking beyond surface-level symptoms to identify and treat the underlying causes of testosterone imbalances.

We treat the whole person—not just the hormone levels.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced primarily in the testes in men and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. It is responsible for:

  • Muscle mass and strength
  • Libido and sexual function
  • Bone density
  • Mood and cognitive clarity
  • Energy levels
  • Red blood cell production

A healthy testosterone level supports optimal physical, emotional, and sexual health. Imbalances—either high or low—can disrupt many body systems.

Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone ("Low T")

Many people experience hormone imbalances without knowing it. Common symptoms of low testosterone include:

Root Causes: Why Is Testosterone Low?

Our functional medicine framework aims to uncover why testosterone is low or imbalanced. Some common root causes include:

  • Chronic stress: Elevates cortisol, which suppresses testosterone production.
  • Poor sleep: Reduces REM sleep, where hormone regeneration occurs.
  • Insulin resistance: Linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome.
  • Nutrient deficiencies: Zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins are essential for testosterone synthesis.
  • Environmental toxins: Endocrine disruptors in plastics and pesticides lower testosterone.
  • Aging: Natural declines often accelerate due to lifestyle and chronic inflammation.
  • Gut dysbiosis: Poor gut health affects hormone metabolism and detoxification.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we go beyond standard blood work to evaluate your complete hormone profile:

Total and Free Testosterone

Estradiol and Estrogen:Testosterone ratio

DHEA, Cortisol, and Adrenal Function

Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3)

SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin)

Comprehensive metabolic panel

Micronutrient and toxicity panels

Gut microbiome and leaky gut testing

Integrative Treatments for Low Testosterone

Nutritional Therapy

We guide patients through personalized, anti-inflammatory nutrition and movement plans to naturally support testosterone production.

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Evidence-based botanicals and supplements include:

  • Ashwagandha
  • Tongkat Ali
  • Tribulus terrestris
  • Zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D
  • DHEA (when indicated)

All are dosed carefully by our physician team.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

When clinically appropriate, we offer BHRT using natural, plant-derived testosterone. Delivery methods may include:

  • Topical creams or gels
  • Injections
  • Pellets

We customize dosage based on labs, symptoms, and your long-term goals.

Stress & Adrenal Support

We use adaptogenic herbs, acupuncture, and guided stress-reduction programs to calm the HPA axis and rebalance cortisol.

Gut & Detox Protocols

We restore gut health and support detoxification pathways that impact hormone conversion and clearance.

Real Case Study: Daniel’s Energy Reboot

Daniel, 46, came to us with low energy, poor libido, and weight gain. His primary doctor said his testosterone was “normal,” but further testing revealed low free testosterone, high SHBG, and adrenal fatigue.

Our 12-week integrative plan included:

  • High-protein, low-sugar meal plan
  • Ashwagandha and vitamin D supplementation
  • Gut repair protocol
  • Weekly B12 and glutathione IVs
  • Low-dose testosterone gel

Within 3 months, Daniel reported higher energy, improved mood, weight loss, and enhanced intimacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While levels decline with age, many contributing factors are preventable and reversible.

Yes. Lifestyle changes, stress management, targeted nutrition, and herbs can significantly boost natural testosterone.

Not always. We start with foundational therapies and only recommend BHRT when clinically indicated.

When monitored properly, bioidentical testosterone therapy is safe and effective. We regularly monitor labs to ensure balance.

Yes. Women need testosterone for libido, mood, bone strength, and energy. Imbalances can affect quality of life.

Yes, chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can suppress testosterone production and exacerbate symptoms of Low T.

Improving diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and losing excess weight are key lifestyle changes that can support healthy testosterone levels.

TRT is generally safe when monitored by a healthcare provider, but it may have risks, including cardiovascular issues or prostate enlargement. Regular check-ups are important during treatment.

Many men notice improvements in energy, mood, and sexual health within a few weeks of starting testosterone replacement therapy. Full benefits may take a few months.

If left untreated, low testosterone can lead to further complications such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Early intervention is key to preventing these issues.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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