Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone Therapy

Restoring Strength, Vitality, and Balance – Dr. Brenda Marshall, MD

Testosterone is more than a “male hormone.” In both men and women, it plays a vital role in energy, mood, muscle tone, motivation, libido, and overall resilience. When levels drop—due to age, stress, toxins, or chronic illness—the effects can ripple through the body.

Dr. Brenda Marshall takes a personalized, functional medicine approach to testosterone therapy, uncovering the root cause of imbalances and offering tailored support to restore optimal hormone levels safely and naturally.

Signs of Low Testosterone

In Men:

• Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue or loss of motivation
• Weight gain (especially around the midsection)
• Decreased muscle mass and strength
• Brain fog or irritability
• Depression or sleep issues

In Women:

• Low libido or sexual dissatisfaction
• Fatigue or burnout
• Loss of muscle tone or stamina
• Mood swings or reduced confidence
• Bone loss or thinning hair

What Causes Low Testosterone?

• Chronic stress and high cortisol
• Aging and hormone decline (especially after 40)
• Environmental toxins (e.g., BPA, phthalates)
• Inflammation or insulin resistance
• Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, DHEA, vitamin D)
• Medications or underlying health conditions

Dr. Marshall’s Approach to Testosterone Therapy

1. Comprehensive Testing
Dr. Marshall starts with a full hormone panel—not just total testosterone, but also free testosterone, DHEA, estrogen, SHBG, and cortisol levels. This helps her assess the complete hormonal picture.

2. Root-Cause Restoration
If low testosterone is secondary to other issues (like stress, sleep, toxins, or gut dysfunction), she addresses those first—improving your body’s natural production before considering bioidentical therapy.

3. Thoughtful Bioidentical Therapy
For those who need direct support, Dr. Marshall offers bioidentical testosterone therapy tailored to each person’s biology and goals. This may include:

• Topical creams or gels
• Subcutaneous injections
• Supplement support (e.g., DHEA, adaptogens)
• Lifestyle shifts to support natural production

“Testosterone therapy isn’t just about restoring numbers—it’s about restoring you. My job is to understand what’s blocking your vitality and help you reclaim it.” – Dr. Brenda Marshall

🧪 Root-Cause Testing: Going Beyond the Basics

Dr. Marshall uses a comprehensive array of functional medicine tests to understand why testosterone may be low—especially if you're not getting answers elsewhere. Common diagnostics may include:

• Full Hormone Panel: Free and total testosterone, estrogen, DHEA, SHBG, and progesterone
• Adrenal Function Testing: Cortisol rhythm (saliva or urine-based), ACTH, and stress hormones
• Thyroid Panel: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies—thyroid issues often overlap with low testosterone
• Micronutrient Testing: Zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, all essential for testosterone production
• Inflammatory Markers: CRP, homocysteine, or other markers of systemic inflammation
• Metabolic Profile: Insulin, blood sugar, fasting insulin, and HbA1c to assess metabolic or insulin resistance links
• Toxin or Heavy Metal Testing: Mercury, lead, or endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure may be interfering with hormone balance

This deeper approach helps Dr. Marshall determine whether hormone therapy is necessary—or if correcting the underlying imbalance may allow your body to rebound on its own.

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🔄 Lifestyle Strategies to Support Testosterone Naturally

Whether or not you begin bioidentical therapy, optimizing your lifestyle is key to improving testosterone balance and sustaining long-term vitality. Dr. Marshall guides patients through powerful daily habits that support natural hormone production:

🧠 Stress Reduction
Chronic stress raises cortisol—which directly suppresses testosterone. Dr. Marshall helps patients implement nervous system regulation tools such as:

• Breathwork or mindfulness meditation
• Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
• Gentle yoga or walking in nature

🛌 Prioritize Sleep
Testosterone production peaks during deep sleep. Dr. Marshall evaluates for insomnia, apnea, or circadian disruption—and helps patients rebuild restorative sleep patterns.

🏋️ Strength Training
Resistance exercise boosts testosterone naturally. Programs are tailored to each patient’s energy level and physical capacity—no extreme regimens needed.

🥗 Nutrition for Hormone Health
She emphasizes nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods rich in:

• Zinc (pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef)
• Healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts)
• Cruciferous veggies to support estrogen metabolism
• Adequate protein and blood sugar balance

🚫 Minimize Endocrine Disruptors
Dr. Marshall educates patients on reducing exposure to testosterone-lowering chemicals like:

• BPA (plastic containers, canned foods)
• Phthalates (fragranced personal care products)
• Heavy metals or pesticides in non-organic foods

“Testosterone balance is a lifestyle—not just a prescription. Small, consistent shifts can have a profound impact on energy, strength, and well-being.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I know if I have low testosterone?
A: Symptoms like low libido, fatigue, brain fog, or weight gain are common indicators—but a thorough hormone panel is the only way to confirm. Dr. Marshall uses advanced lab testing to assess both testosterone levels and related systems.

Q: Do women need testosterone therapy too?
A: Yes. Women produce smaller amounts of testosterone, but it still plays a vital role in energy, mood, and sexual health. Dr. Marshall evaluates each woman individually to determine if therapy is appropriate.

Q: Is testosterone therapy safe?
A: When medically supervised and properly dosed using bioidentical hormones, testosterone therapy is generally safe. Dr. Marshall monitors levels and symptoms closely to ensure balance and minimize risks.

Q: Will I have to be on testosterone forever?
A: Not necessarily. Some patients use testosterone short-term while addressing root causes, while others need ongoing support. Dr. Marshall focuses on restoring your body’s own hormone production whenever possible.

Q: What forms of testosterone are used?
A: Dr. Marshall may prescribe topical creams, injections, or supportive supplements—depending on your levels, goals, and preferences.

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