Medically reviewed by Dr. Robert Rubin, MD. Last reviewed August 2026.
As men age, testosterone levels naturally begin to decline. When testosterone production drops below certain levels, men can begin to experience low-testosterone symptoms ranging from decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction to reduced muscle mass or bone density.
At Improving Your Health in Tampa, we take a Functional Medicine approach to male sexual health that is designed to correct underlying cause(s) of chronic conditions or symptoms like low testosterone. Discover the difference Testosterone Replacement Therapy can make in your sexual health, as well as your overall health and wellbeing.
To revolutionize your sexual and overall physical and mental health, call our Tampa office at (813) 499-1440 or book online today for in-person or telemedicine options.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a treatment that restores hormonal balance by replacing testosterone in men exhibiting symptoms of low testosterone.
Testosterone is an anabolic steroid and a vital male sex hormone that performs a critical role in the development of male reproductive organs (e.g., prostate and testes). It also triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics like increased muscle mass, bone density, and body hair growth.
Testosterone is essential for male sexual health, energy, strength and vitality. Low testosterone can lead to an array of troubling symptoms. Restoring normal testosterone levels can restore male sexual drive and improve erectile function. It also promotes good bone health, improving bone density and protecting against bone fractures. Testosterone also impacts overall well-being by influencing behavior and mood.
A reduced sex drive, or low libido, is usually the most characteristic and often the first presenting symptom of low testosterone. Testosterone Replacement Therapy can help address an array of related symptoms, including:
Some of these symptoms of low testosterone can overlap with other conditions men experience like:
This potential overlap is why low testosterone should not be diagnosed, nor Testosterone Replacement Therapy initiated based on symptoms alone. Consistently low morning testosterone levels measured with appropriate testing methods should be considered alongside the symptom profile for a definitive diagnosis.
A functional medicine approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy focuses on identifying root causes of your decline in testosterone and utilizing individualized lifestyle and medical intervention like:
Comprehensive testing and diagnosis: We may use extended hormone panels, measuring total, free and bioavailable testosterone alongside sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, DHEA-S, and prolactin. We also may check metabolic and inflammatory markers, assessing fasting insulin, cortisol rhythms or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to find hidden drivers of low testosterone like inflammation or insulin resistance.
We also seek to identify other conditions that may be contributing factors or causes of low testosterone like thyroid dysfunction or hypogonadism due to testicular injury.
Lifestyle interventions: Medical weight loss, reducing body fat through diet, exercise and appropriate weight loss medications, can help lower aromatase activity, which otherwise often converts testosterone into estrogen. Nutritional and stress support can also help correct deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, magnesium or zinc. Managing cortisol through stress reduction and improved sleep is another effective lifestyle intervention.
Gut health: Addressing gut dysfunction and balances the gut microbiome can be effective in helping to maintain balanced hormones. We evaluate overall microbiome health, digestive function, low stomach acid, gut motility and markers for inflammation.
Reducing environmental toxins: Minimizing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics and personal care products can be incredibly effective.
Hormone Replacement: Testosterone Replacement Therapy utilizes bioidentical testosterone designed to match physiologic pathways when replacement therapy is necessary.
Customized hormone delivery: Customizing delivery methods—such as low-dose injections, gels or sub-dermal pellets—means the right treatment approach is fine-tuned to your lifestyle and needs.
Tracking progress: Staying abreast of your symptoms, overall health, metabolic function, and related hormones like DHT and estrogen is all part of ensuring your hormonal balance and health.
From improved mood and cognitive function to increased libido, Testosterone Replacement Therapy can lead to not only symptom reduction but improved overall wellness within weeks or sometimes even days after beginning treatment. Some benefits require a longer period to take effect, but benefits generally include:
With an integrated approach to health, we prioritize long-lasting health, not just short-term results. At Improving Your Health, Dr. Rubin creates personalized plans based on each client’s unique assessment. He recognizes the nuanced differences among his clients, with the understanding that no two treatment plans should ever be the same – because every human being is unique.
An initial health consultation involves examining all aspects of how your body is functioning. Dr. Rubin evaluates issues like whether your symptom(s) could be a side effect of medication or chronic health conditions. Our functional medicine approach means the goal is to understand the root cause of any health-challenging issues you may be experiencing, as opposed to simply treating symptoms. Dr. Rubin then works with you to create an individualized medical plan tailored to your overall and gut health goals.
Before your first Testosterone Replacement Therapy session, we always take a medical history and review any medications, supplements or herbal medications you’re taking, as well as assess any particular allergies, contraindications or medical needs you may have.
If you choose injections for Testosterone Replacement Therapy – rather than the patch, gel, modern oral capsules or nasal gels - we offer traditional injection techniques that deliver the solution directly into the muscle. During your session, the injection site will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, then a small needle will be used to inject testosterone into your treatment area.
Together, you and Dr. Rubin will discuss whether Testosterone Replacement Therapy is the right path to address your particular health concerns. If our Testosterone Replacement Therapy at Improving Your Health is right for your condition, your treatment plan may simply include Testosterone Replacement Therapy alone or in combination with other treatments. From acupuncture to IV Therapy, we have a myriad of therapies that may complement Testosterone Replacement Therapy in treating your specific medical condition(s).
That’s why it’s important to work with a functional medicine doctor who seeks to understand the underlying root causes of your health issues. In that way, therapies and treatments like Testosterone Replacement Therapy can be fine-tuned to address your specific health needs.
Call our Tampa office at (813) 499-1440 or book online today for in-person or telemedicine options.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is generally considered safe when used appropriately in men with low testosterone levels. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits. We will discuss all of your safety concerns at your first session, after considering your medical history and any risk factors.
Testosterone replacement therapy sessions take a few minutes to administer, but a consultation may last longer if it is your initial consultation, or if we need to discuss concerns, review bloodwork, or adjust dosage.
Depending on the delivery method (injection, gel, patch, etc.), the frequency of sessions can range from every week to every few months.
Most men experience little to no discomfort.
Results vary among individuals. You may see a difference within days – or not for weeks, months or years. The effects you’re seeking matter – as does your treatment plan, age and genetics. You can expect it to take three to six months to see redistribution of body fat, more facial and body hair, less sleep deprivation or changes in mental state. Improvements in mood may occur as early as three to six weeks into treatment, increased energy after three months. But it may take six to twelve months to see increased muscle mass and strength.
A single injection can bring results that last anywhere from a few weeks to up to 10-12 weeks, with some long-acting formulations allowing for injections every 10-12 weeks between doses. Duration varies, however, based on individual metabolism and the dosage prescribed for your needs.
You may remain on Testosterone Replacement Therapy for as long as it improves your symptoms and does not cause any health concerns. It is designed to be a long-term therapy. If you stop taking replacement hormones like testosterone, your levels will return to baseline.
Dr. Robert D. Rubin specializes in functional medicine, bioidentical hormones, weight loss therapy, and sexual health treatments. Dr. Rubin is a widely respected functional medicine practitioner in Florida with offices in Naples and Tampa, as well as a convenient telemedicine treatment program. He has extensive experience treating patients who are struggling with longevity and health concerns.
As an Advanced Fellow in the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, who is also AMA Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Medicine, Dr. Rubin is a dedicated medical professional with an exceptional track record. He spent the first 25 years of his medical career working in internal and geriatric medicine, successfully becoming one of Palm Beach County’s top-rated physicians. For four years, Castle Connolly Medical, Ltd. recognized him as one of the “Top Doctors” in South Florida.
After further specialized training, he shifted his practice to a functional medicine approach to better serve the needs of his patients. Over the last 15 years, Dr. Rubin has honed his focus, creating a practice rooted in evidence-based healthcare that addresses the root causes of your symptoms.
Combining this with his expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, he provides a comprehensive approach to your health. Dr. Rubin always takes an individualized approach to treatment, recognizing that each patient has a different medical history, symptoms, and underlying issues. Listening attentively to your concerns, Dr. Rubin personalizes a treatment protocol to meet your needs, guiding you confidently on your lifelong health journey.
Whether you're near our offices or far away, we offer in-person and telemedicine appointments for your convenience. Schedule an evaluation in our Tampa clinic, located at 405 N Reo Street, Suite 162, Tampa, FL, convenient to the Westshore District and South Tampa.
If you are coming in from out of town or out of state, we’re near the Tampa International Airport – only minutes away.
Be sure to inquire about our telemedicine options from anywhere in the Tampa Bay Area or the state of Florida! For safe, sustainable Testosterone Replacement Therapy that can revolutionize your longevity, overall health and sexual performance, contact us today at our Tampa location by calling (813) 499-1440 or book online for in-person or telemedicine options.
