
There's a common misconception that elderly men are the only ones with low testosterone or imbalanced hormones. According to the Cleveland Clinic, however, data shows that many men including men in their 40s and 50s suffer from low testosterone and sub-optimal testosterone around the world.. The truth is you don't have to be on your "last legs" to suffer from low testosterone.
In reality, as men get closer to 30, it's common for their testosterone levels to drop. When that happens, their lives and bodies change. Life may not seem as colorful or as exciting. Getting out of bed without aches and pains is rare. Finding the motivation to get up, go to work, and come home with a pep in your step is easier said than done. And for many men, the ultimate embarrassment occurs - they lose the ability to perform intimately in the bedroom.
If you're one of the millions of men with unexplained fatigue, weight gain especially abdominal fat, inability to put on muscle in the gym, decreased mental sharpness, increased anxiety or even erectile dysfunction, you may think that all hope is lost. But nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to decades of trials and research, male health centers like Proactive Wellness are equipped with cutting-edge, FDA-approved medications and procedures to restore your hormones to optimal levels. It's called testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT for short, and it's giving men around the country renewed hope for a normal, meaningful life.
But to understand the incredible benefits of TRT in Columbia, MD, it's important to know about testosterone and how it works in your body.
About Understanding Testosterone
What comes to mind when you think about the word "testosterone"? For many people, testosterone is associated with men who are overtly aggressive or macho. And while testosterone has an effect on a male's vigor and motivation, it plays a much more important role than the average person thinks. The truth about testosterone is that it is a crucial hormone for male development that affects men from the time they go through puberty to the time they pass away.
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As their primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop common male characteristics and is essential in the production of sperm. Controlled by your body's pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testosterone helps develop and maintain:

Muscle Mass

Facial and Body Hair

Sex Organs

Healthy Libido

Bone Density

Sexual Function

Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels
When low testosterone or hypogonadism occurs, however, males begin to notice concerning symptoms that often affect their everyday lives and romantic relationships.
Causes What Causes Low Testosterone?
Also called low T, lower testosterone levels are most often caused by aging. When testosterone levels deplete in this manner, it occurs naturally - just about every man will experience lower levels of testosterone as they get older. However, other causes of low T also exist, including drug abuse, obesity, prescribed meds, testicle injuries and even taking certain bodybuilding supplements.
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When men lose significant amounts of testosterone, it alters their body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. Lower T levels usually result in abdominal fat, which in turn causes estrogen synthetize levels to increase, creating even higher levels of estrogen in the body. With more estrogen and less testosterone, a number of concerning issues begin to surface. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Lowered Libido
- Lowered Sperm Count
- More Body Fat
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Issues with Concentration
- Male Breast Development
- Less Muscle Mass
- Motivation Issues
If you're a man struggling with one or more of the symptoms above, it could be because you have low testosterone. But the only way you can find out for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested by a wellness center like Proactive Wellness. If your testosterone levels are low, TRT in Columbia, MD, may be the answer to your low-T problems.
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Understanding The Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Are you starting to notice that you don't feel like "you" when you're at home or at work? Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even in your free time away from the office? Many men mistake these symptoms for being too sleepy or too busy. But the truth is, they're suffering from low testosterone. Since no two males will have the same symptoms of low T, it's prudent to recognize and understand some of the most common signs:

Erectile Dysfunction
If there were two words that all men wish to avoid, it's these two. Being unable to perform in the most intimate moments isn't just embarrassing - it can affect long-term relationships and mental health. It's a difficult topic to talk about. But it doesn't have to be. Our experts are ready to help you re-light that special spark.

Low Libido
When you have low testosterone, sometimes the thought of having sex just isn't appealing. If you're one of the many men in the U.S. who lacks sex drive, it might not be you. I could be low testosterone. Don't settle for a mediocre sex drive - reclaim your vigor at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Lack of Sleep
Do you work hard every day and come home exhausted, only to find that you toss and turn all night long? Whether you have undiagnosed insomnia or another sleep disorder, it could be linked to low T.



Less Strength and Muscle Mass
When testosterone levels deplete as we age, men lose their ability to lift heavy items, even with weightlifting routines in the gym. If you're making a concerted effort to maintain your muscle mass and strength but aren't making gains, it could be due to low T.

Depression
Your brain is home to many testosterone receptors, but when your body has low T, it can affect your mood. With time, poor spirits can lead to serious psychological issues, like depression. However, studies show that TRT in Columbia, MD, can rebalance your hormones, which can help relieve depression and improve your mood.

Lack of Concentration
Do you find it hard to complete normal tasks when you're at work? Does it seem like your memory is fading? Does your spouse or significant other complain that you're not paying attention to them? The effects of low testosterone don't just affect your body - they can affect your mind and memory, too. When your testosterone levels are within normal range, brain fog and other concentration issues have been shown to go away.

What are the Risks of Living with Low Testosterone?
At Proactive Wellness Centers, we understand what men must go through daily when they have low testosterone. They suffer from fatigue and lack motivation and often don't feel like their usual selves. But as bad as those symptoms sound, living with low T can have more severe health risks that that put vital organs at risk. Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:
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Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:


Heart Health
If you've been told by a doctor that you have high blood pressure, you're probably wondering what it stems from. Is it aging? Is it hereditary? Is it something else? According to academic research, men with low T have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell reproduction suffers. When that happens, plaque buildup in your arteries may be accelerated. With time, plaque building can lead to very serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

Anemia
When you have anemia, your body has a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, meaning your organs have less oxygen with which to function. Because testosterone has a role in healthy red blood cell production, it makes sense that men with low t have a higher risk of anemia. In fact, a 2009 study found that older men with low T are 5x more likely to be anemic than men with healthy levels of testosterone. While TRT in Columbia, MD, isn't a cure for anemia, it will help produce more red blood cells in your body, which can prevent anemia.

Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, and you're trying to figure out why, it may be linked to your T levels. That's because men with low testosterone have a greater chance of developing diabetes as they age. Similarly, men with diabetes are much more likely to have low testosterone, establishing a relationship between diabetes and testosterone. This relationship is further solidified by the fact that men with low T have a more challenging time resisting insulin. Though TRT won't cure diabetes, studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels also have healthier blood sugar levels and are often less obese.

Obesity
If you look in the mirror in the morning and can't stand how much body fat you've gained since getting older, you're not alone. Many aging men have problems with their waistlines. If you eat well and exercise regularly but still can't get rid of that unsightly stomach or body fat, the culprit may be low testosterone. Multiple studies have shown the link between obesity and low T. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in food metabolism by regulating insulin, glucose, and fat. Fortunately, when combined with diet and exercise, men who undergo TRT can often lose weight and enjoy improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.
Enjoy Life to the Fullest with TRT in Columbia, MD

Testosterone replacement therapy does precisely what it sounds like: It is a science-backed therapy that replaces low testosterone levels in men. The ultimate goal of TRT is to improve your life and well-being by balancing your hormones. Also referred to as androgen replacement therapy, TRT helps many men deal with and overcome the debilitating side effects of low T.
Originally developed by scientists in the 1930s, TRT has grown substantially in popularity over the years. Today, it is one of the most common and promising treatments for males with low testosterone.
How Does TRT Work?
Without getting too scientific, TRT works by providing your body with the testosterone it needs to function properly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, the male body can't maintain the natural processes it needs for overall health. In fact, men with low testosterone levels are more prone to serious health problems like type-2 diabetes and even heart disease. Until their T levels are restored to normal, most men suffer until they find a solution.
That's where TRT comes into play. With balanced hormones, your body can finally begin to heal, causing most symptoms of low t to diminish greatly.
The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in Columbia, MD
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team utilizes a three-pronged approach to healing and treatment:
Patient Education. We equip you with the knowledge needed to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being in your life.
Prevention. We focus on preventing diseases by providing you with a thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive diagnostics and the information you provide on your health history form.
Rejuvenation. Lastly, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of several science-based treatments that aim to promote tissue regeneration, reduce cellular degeneration, foster healing, and slow your aging process.
Because no two patients ever have the exact same needs and treatment, your journey to journey to optimal health will be unique and tailored to your body.
However, to give you a brief snapshot of the average patient's TRT timeline may look like this:
Getting Started:
You contact our TRT clinic in Virginia. Based on your schedule, we'll arrange for a time for you to come in for your initial assessment.
Diagnostics and Evaluation:
One of our diagnostic experts will complete comprehensive testing to discover your testosterone and related hormone levels and your best treatment options.
Review Testing:
We'll sit with you one-on-one to discuss the results of your lab tests. During this session, a medical practitioner will also answer any questions you have about low T and testosterone replacement therapy.
Begin Your Custom TRT Regimen:
Based on your lifestyle, goals, and test results, we'll craft a custom TRT plan exclusively for you.
Success Coaching:
When you undergo TRT at Proactive Wellness Centers, you're never alone. We'll be by your side the entire way to ensure your treatment is going well and you're hitting your benchmarks. We'll keep track of your progress, and if there are areas that need improvement, we'll work with you to accomplish the goals you haven't achieved yet. Because, at the end of the day, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way.
Enjoy the Results:
This is the best part! With time and care, you'll begin to notice the effects of TRT and will be well on your way to enjoying balanced hormones.

Trust The Proactive Wellness Difference
Did you know that 13 million males suffer from low T, but a whopping 90% go untreated by doctors? The reason is that conventional doctors believe that unless your Testosterone level is below the low lab reference range level, that your are "OK". At Proactive Wellness, we help you to optimize and be the best you can be, not just OK. Why be OK, when with the help of the right Testosterone dose, you can feel better, be healthier, stronger and more vibrant. If you believe that your testosterone levels are at unhealthy levels, it's time to contact Proactive Wellness Centers for testing. Living with low testosterone is a risk, but with personalized TRT in Columbia, MD, you can minimize the harmful effects on your body.
Unlike other TRT clinics, we utilize a more complete and personalized approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our approach considers the role of DHEA, another very important hormone that needs to be balanced. And we look at Estradiol conversion, the unwanted effect where some men convert too much Testosterone to estradiol. In this case, these men (about 10%) need a medication to block this conversion, called an aromatase inhibitor. But notice that I mentioned that only 10% of men need this, but at many men's clinics, all men automatically get an aromatase inhibitor whether they need it or not. This drives Estradiol too low, causing other issues. Yes, Men need Estradiol also, but they need it in the proper proportion. Bottom line, our personalized approach ensures that you get exactly what you need, no more and no less.
Further, Proactive Wellness offers the widest range of Testosterone Replacement options so that men can choose the best for their particular lifestyle. Choose from pellets that are inserted just under the skin and last for 4-5 months, or the most popular option, Test Cypionate injections that are typically done weekly, or specialized transdermal cream or even a specialized intranasal application that mimics natural testosterone levels. Any of these methods are available at Proactive Wellness Centers so that you can get the option that is right for you.
Is testosterone replacement therapy enough? Maybe, it all depends on your goals and your lab results. Many men are also deficient in growth hormone (GH) and this hormone can also contribute to you not being your best. If this one is low, Proactive Wellness offers a range of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) peptides to increase your GH levels. Many men combine this with TRT to feel their absolute best.
If you're ready to reclaim your confidence and return to loving life on your own terms, our physicians and medical team are ready to help. Don't be one of those men who constantly complain about their health but don't do anything about it. Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today to make a difference in your life!

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Latest News in Columbia, MD
Public Garden Details Released In Report Include Pollinator Garden
Columbia, MD Patchhttps://patch.com/maryland/columbia/public-garden-details-released-report-include-pollinator-garden
A newly released report offers a glimpse at the vision for Howard County's first public garden.Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch StaffHOWARD COUNTY, MD — A report detailing plans for the first public garden to be created in Howard County has been released and calls for the creation of herb and vegetable gardens, pollinator gardens, lawn alternative gardens, container gardens and conservation landscapes among other s...
A newly released report offers a glimpse at the vision for Howard County's first public garden.
Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch Staff
HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A report detailing plans for the first public garden to be created in Howard County has been released and calls for the creation of herb and vegetable gardens, pollinator gardens, lawn alternative gardens, container gardens and conservation landscapes among other special features.
The land, which is the former site of the Longwood property in Glenwood, sits at the intersection of Route 97 (Roxbury Mills Road) and Burntwood’s Road. The land includes 29 acres of woods and 71 acres of fields including actively farmed hay ground, open meadows, a black walnut grove, a pine grove, wetlands, a pond, streams, springs and covered slopes.
“This premier destination public garden will be a place of cultivated beauty where residents and visitors of all ages and abilities can come together to embrace Mother Earth and improve their physical and mental well-being in a peaceful setting,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “In its beauty, we also recognize the significance of the Longwood property’s past as a place where human enslavement once occurred. With the support of our community, we hope to determine the most respectful and appropriate way in which we can display this history.”
Structures on the property include the historic house, a smoke house, a doctor's office and the cemetery, believed to be the original features of the farm from the early 1800s, as well as a cinderblock storage shed with a metal roof, a cinderblock horse stable, a cinderblock horse birthing barn, a cinderblock horse bathing barn, a cinder block basement post and a collapsed bean barn.
The report, A Public Garden for Howard County, Maryland, details the recommendations made by the focus group assigned with developing a preliminary concept plan.
Wegmans, Uber Eats To Offer Grocery Deliveries In MD
Columbia, MD Patchhttps://patch.com/maryland/columbia/wegmans-uber-eats-offer-grocery-deliveries-md
Customers of the Wegmans Food Markets in Maryland can now have their grocery orders delivered directly to their doors via Uber Eats.Deb Belt, Patch Staff|Updated Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 12:19 pm ETMARYLAND — Customers of the Wegmans Food Markets in Maryland can now have their grocery orders delivered directly to their doors via a new partnership with Uber Eats.Starting this month, Uber Eats users can browse the app...
Customers of the Wegmans Food Markets in Maryland can now have their grocery orders delivered directly to their doors via Uber Eats.
Deb Belt, Patch Staff
|Updated Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 12:19 pm ET
MARYLAND — Customers of the Wegmans Food Markets in Maryland can now have their grocery orders delivered directly to their doors via a new partnership with Uber Eats.
Starting this month, Uber Eats users can browse the app to order from Wegmans locations in Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Customers can shop on the Uber Eats and Uber apps for products from restaurant-quality meals and artisan breads to fresh produce, cheese sourced from around the world, and grocery staples.
Uber One members pay no delivery fee and will receive a 5% discount on all Wegmans orders with a $35 minimum purchase. All new Wegmans' consumers will receive up to 40% off their next order of $60 or more until Feb. 5.
The grocery chain has eight stores in Maryland:
"We're thrilled to welcome Wegmans to the Uber Eats app this January," said Hashim Amin, head of North American Grocery and Retail Delivery at Uber, in a news release. "Wegmans is synonymous with high-quality food and exceptional service, and now customers can easily order everything they need for game day entertaining — from fresh produce to prepared meals and snacks — delivered right to their door."
Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
By joining forces with Uber Eats, Wegmans officials said the company aims to bring more options to its customers, allowing them to shop when and how they want.
"Our goal is to make meals easy and help our customers live healthier, better lives through exceptional food," said Erica Tickle, Wegmans Vice President of Marketing and Digital Growth.
Wegmans customers can build group orders with family members, place orders any time of day, and select replacement items with real-time tracking.
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a regional supermarket chain with 111 stores located along the East Coast. The family company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the '100 Best Companies to Work For' by FORTUNE magazine for 27 consecutive years, ranking No. 6 in 2024.
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Where To Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 In Columbia
Columbia, MD Patchhttps://patch.com/maryland/columbia/where-celebrate-new-year-s-eve-2024-columbia
On New Year's Eve, Merriweather Symphony of Lights will host the "Midnight at 7" event complete with fireworks, music and food trucks.Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch StaffCOLUMBIA, MD — Ring in the New Year at one of several events being held across Howard County.The Merriweather Symphony of Lights in Columbia offers...
On New Year's Eve, Merriweather Symphony of Lights will host the "Midnight at 7" event complete with fireworks, music and food trucks.
Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch Staff
COLUMBIA, MD — Ring in the New Year at one of several events being held across Howard County.
The Merriweather Symphony of Lights in Columbia offers a one-mile course of scenic colored lights visitors can drive through to experience the holiday season. The experience opened on Nov. 29 and goes until Jan.4; however, visitors can walk through the light show on select dates.
On New Year’s Eve, the venue will host the “Midnight at 7” event, giving guests the chance to walk through the course one last time this holiday season. Fireworks will be set off at 7 p.m. followed by music and food trucks.
Here is a look at some additional events happening in and around Columbia:
Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In the United States, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is the dropping of the giant ball in New York City’s Times Square. Other U.S. cities have their own versions of this celebration, such as the Peeps Chick Drop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the giant Potato Drop in Boise, Idaho.
The transition from one year to the next is often marked by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scottish folk song whose title roughly translates to “days gone by,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica and History.com.
The tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates back 8,000 years to ancient Babylonians, who made promises to return borrowed items and repay debts at the beginning of the new year, which was in mid-March when they planted their crops.
According to legend, if people kept their word, the pagan gods would grant them favor in the coming year. However, if they broke their promises, they would lose favor with the gods.
Many secular New Year’s resolutions focus on imagining new, improved versions of ourselves.
The failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is about 80 percent, according to U.S. News & World Report. There are many reasons, but a big one is they’re made out of remorse — for gaining weight, for example — and aren’t accompanied by a shift in attitude or a plan for coping with the stress and discomfort that comes with changing a habit or condition.
Hailing from Columbia, the American Girl Doll of the Year mirrors what’s important to kids today
Abby Zimmardihttps://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/local-news/american-girl-doll-2025-columbia-maryland-RN2EIA5HCNCFJCRKAIDNFZG2OM/
Columbia has a new “it girl.” At 10 years old, she has a dog-walking and treat-making business and teaches other young girls how to work through obstacles, patience and how to treat people and pets as individuals — only she’s 18 inches tall and has limbs made of vinyl.Summer McKinny, sporting a rainbow tie-dye dress and pink glasses to go with matching bracelets and colorful sandals, is the doll that was crowned the ...
Columbia has a new “it girl.” At 10 years old, she has a dog-walking and treat-making business and teaches other young girls how to work through obstacles, patience and how to treat people and pets as individuals — only she’s 18 inches tall and has limbs made of vinyl.
Summer McKinny, sporting a rainbow tie-dye dress and pink glasses to go with matching bracelets and colorful sandals, is the doll that was crowned the 2025 American Girl of the Year. She’s the first American Girl of the Year from Maryland after making her debut in September.
Since Pleasant T. Rowland founded American Girl in 1986, the brand has become a touchstone for millennials and generations after who grew up with the dolls. More than 36 million of the dolls, which typically cost around $125, have been sold in the last four decades, according to American Girl.
Mary Mahoney, a historian and co-host of the popular “Dolls of Our Lives” podcast that retells the stories of each American Girl Doll, said McKinny’s story is defined by her turning her passion into a business, which mirrors what is important to generations today.
“Now we have a Girl of the Year whose dream is to be an entrepreneur. … The girls in the early periods were just pursuing things because they were interested in them. They weren’t trying to make a living,” Mahoney said. “And now it’s interesting that it’s kind of a reflection of our own times that Summer isn’t just interested in making dog treats or loving animals, which is wonderful, but also wants to make a business about it.”
She said Girl of the Year is an attempt to speak to kids, and that every doll’s story can stand as a yearbook or litmus test for the values that Mattel, the company that owns American Girl, thinks are important to children at a certain point.
Sep 18, 2024
Sep 19, 2024
McKinny’s story is told through two books called “My Journal by Summer McKinny” and “Summer Gets to Work,” both written by Clare Hutton, a Columbia native.
Hutton consulted Katie Flory, the community care and advocacy director for the Maryland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Janear Garrus, founder of Chesapeake Educational Alliance, to make McKinny’s story as accurate and authentic as possible, according to American Girl.
Along with McKinny’s baking and dog-walking business, her story features her dog, Crescent, and her Aunt Olivia’s cat, Fettuccine, that bring moments of chaos into McKinny’s life. She learns how to navigate her business venture with her home life, and Hutton hopes readers see themselves in McKinny’s story.
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“While Summer’s not perfect, she is willing to admit when she’s wrong, talk about her feelings, and do what it takes to get a friendship back on track,” Hutton said in an American Girl blog. “I hope that girls will recognize their own relationships in the ones that Summer values and realize that they too can resolve conflicts just as she does.”
McKinny has real emotions that many readers may relate to, and Mahoney said that is what American Girl Dolls and their stories are meant to do.
“I think it’s a really special brand because everything they do is about instilling confidence in girls to love themselves, to explore who they are, to pursue their passions and be unapologetically interested in the world,” she said.
American Girl treats girls as empowered, important people, without rushing them to grow up or rushing them to be defined by a relationship to a boy, Mahoney said.
The dolls are also a way to connect girls to other generations in their families and encourage storytelling and shared play. “And I think all of that is really special,” she said.
abby.zimmardi@thebaltimorebanner.com
Abby Zimmardi is a reporter covering Howard County for The Baltimore Banner. Zimmardi earned her master’s degree from the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism in December 2022.
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