Hormonal Health
Labs to Check for Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is only as good as the monitoring behind it. Symptoms matter, but labs are what let us confirm dose adequacy, reduce side effects, and identify cardiometabolic risk factors that often coexist with low testosterone.
TRT Delivery Options: Intramuscular Injections, Subcutaneous Injections, Pellets and Topical Creams
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can work very well, but the delivery method matters more than most people expect. The same dose can feel very different depending on how steadily it is absorbed, how high the peaks run after dosing, how low levels fall before the next dose, and how consistent day to day exposure is.
Different Types of Testosterone: Cypionate, Enanthate and Undecanoate
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is not a one size fits all treatment. Even when two products deliver the same hormone, the ester attached to testosterone changes how quickly it is released from the injection site, how smooth levels feel between doses, and how often you need to dose.
Testosterone Therapy for Women: A Critical Hormone for Energy, Libido, and Wellbeing
While testosterone is typically associated with men’s health, it also plays a critical role in the wellbeing of women. Produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands, testosterone contributes to libido, energy, muscle mass, bone density, and mood regulation. For many women, especially those approaching menopause or who have undergone surgical oophorectomy, testosterone levels decline significantly which leads to a constellation of symptoms that can be addressed with carefully monitored hormone replacement therapy.
Oral vs Topical Minoxidil for Hair Loss: A Closer Look at Effectiveness and Safety
Minoxidil is one of the most widely used medications for androgenic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). While most patients are familiar with the over-the-counter topical version, oral minoxidil has recently gained attention for its superior efficacy and ease of use. Originally developed as an antihypertensive, oral minoxidil has been repurposed at low doses to stimulate robust hair regrowth across the scalp with a favorable safety profile. Understanding the differences between oral and topical delivery can help patients and providers choose the right strategy for hair restoration.
Understanding Post-Finasteride Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Approaches
Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) is a poorly understood but increasingly recognized condition characterized by persistent physical, neurological, and sexual symptoms that continue long after discontinuing finasteride. Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor commonly prescribed for androgenic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Although effective in reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, its systemic effects can disrupt hormonal and neurosteroid balance, resulting in long-term adverse outcomes in a subset of users.
Long-Term Musculoskeletal Effects of HIV Medications and the Role of Metabolic Optimization
Advances in HIV treatment have transformed the condition from a fatal disease into a chronic, manageable illness. However, the long-term use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can lead to adverse effects on musculoskeletal health. These include loss of lean body mass, increased visceral adiposity, reduced bone mineral density, and sarcopenia. At the Performance Medicine Institute, we use an evidence-informed strategy that includes testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and metabolic optimization to preserve muscle, reduce fat, and support immune function.
Oxytocin for Erectile Dysfunction: A Breakthrough Treatment for Sexual Health
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition affecting men of various ages, often linked to vascular, neurological, and psychological factors. While phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors like sildenafil remain a primary treatment option, recent research has highlighted oxytocin as a promising alternative, particularly for its role in modulating emotional bonding, arousal, and erectile function.