
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.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy in McLean, VA
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 McLean, VA, 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 McLean, VA, 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 McLean, VA, 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 McLean, VA, 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 McLean, VA

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 McLean, VA
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 McLean, VA, 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 McLean, VA
New Elevated Menu Introduced At Matchbox McLean
patch.comhttps://patch.com/virginia/mclean/matchbox-introduces-new-elevated-menu-mclean-location
Matchbox introduces a new elevated menu based on feedback from its customers in McLean, according to Thompson Hospitality.Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff|Updated Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 12:26 pm ETMCLEAN, VA — Matchbox recently rolled out a new elevated menu at its McLean location, featuring a selection of premium steak and seafood dishes catered to the tastes of its customers in McLean.“The great th...
Matchbox introduces a new elevated menu based on feedback from its customers in McLean, according to Thompson Hospitality.
Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff
|Updated Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 12:26 pm ET
MCLEAN, VA — Matchbox recently rolled out a new elevated menu at its McLean location, featuring a selection of premium steak and seafood dishes catered to the tastes of its customers in McLean.
“The great thing about Matchbox as a brand is that even though we have 12 restaurants, we want to be uniquely different in every neighborhood,” said Mumia Fatiu, vice president of operations at Matchbox.
Since its beginning as a neighborhood restaurant in 2003, Matchbox tries to listen to the community and find out what type of menu they’re craving, according to Fatiu.
“Throughout the day, we asked customers, ‘How are you enjoying your meal? Is there anything else on the menu that you would love to see?’” he said. “Without a doubt, steaks and seafood were two of the items they wanted to see.”
The new Matchbox Prime menu includes Lobster Cobb Salad, Chimichurri Steak, Atlantic Halibut, Truffle & Wild Mushroom Pizza, Branzino, and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail.
Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“USDA Prime cuts, expertly seasoned and finished with the brand’s signature garlic butter,” according to a Thompson Hospitality release. “Each steak is served with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and grilled asparagus, creating a perfectly balanced and indulgent meal.”
“We've listened to our guests and we came to a realization that although we have 12 Matchboxes, each one of them has a little bit of their own nuance in the community,” said Alex Berentzen, Thompson’s chief operating officer, during a new menu tasting on Thursday night. “We wanted to introduce Matchbox Prime to offer a little bit more elevated menu items. You've got Matchbox favorites along with some prime seafood, prime steak and truffle pizza.”
In addition to Matchbox, Thompson owns 18 brand concepts and operates 65 restaurants in the DMV, including Milk & Honey, Makers Union, Wiseguy Pizza and Big Buns. The company typically introduces two menus a year at each of its restaurant locations.
“There's always something going on in our restaurants, usually seasonal, and then we have special menus around the holidays — St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day,” Berentzen said.
During the second week in April, Thompson is rolling out a universal loyalty program across all of its brands.
“You can start earning points by going to all of our different brands with different layers of unlocked benefits,” Berentzen said. “Towards the end of the year, we're launching a paid membership program, so we're very excited about that.”
Patrons can try the new prime menu at the Matchbox located at 1340 Chain Bridge Road in McLean. The restaurant is open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
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Celebrate Latin American Culture At MCC's Third Annual Fiesta del Sol
patch.comhttps://patch.com/virginia/mclean/celebrate-latin-american-culture-mccs-third-annual-fiesta-del-sol
McLean Community Center's vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, music, food and dancing, returns for a third year on March 22.Michael O'Connell, Patch StaffMarch 4, 2025 - McLean Community Center Press ReleaseMCLEAN, VA — Fiesta del Sol, McLean Community Center’s (MCC) vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, music, food and dancing, returns for a third year on S...
McLean Community Center's vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, music, food and dancing, returns for a third year on March 22.
Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff
March 4, 2025 - McLean Community Center Press Release
MCLEAN, VA — Fiesta del Sol, McLean Community Center’s (MCC) vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, music, food and dancing, returns for a third year on Saturday, March 22. The festival will be held from 5-10 p.m. and the event is free and open to the public. Tickets for food and drinks will be available for purchase onsite. Patrons must be 21 years or older to purchase alcohol. MCC, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.
The event kicks off with Salsa Guy Richmond, who will teach a few basic salsa, merengue and cumbia dance moves—just in time to enjoy a live performance by Izis La Enfermera de la Salsa, a popular performer and Army nurse, who will be debuting her latest album, “A Mi Manera” (My Way). The celebration continues with the bandPablo Antonio y La Firma, which brings a rich history of musical excellence to the vibrant Latin music scene. The band will perform favorites, including “Acariciame.”
Fiesta del Sol is proudly produced by the McLean Community Center, with the assistance of VIP Impressions LLC. “Fiesta del Sol is a celebration of the rich and diverse traditions of the Latin community," said Beatriz Paz, Owner of VIP Impressions LLC. “This year’s festival will reflect the spirit of unity and joy found in the McLean community.”
Event highlights include:
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For more information, call MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711 or visit mcleancenter.org.
The McLean Community Center, an agency of Fairfax County Government, is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all programs, services and activities. We will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. To request special accommodations, call the Center 14 working days in advance of the event. To request this information in an alternate format, call 711.
STEM Essay Contest Winners Recognized By AAUW McLean Area Branch
patch.comhttps://patch.com/virginia/mclean/stem-essay-contest-winners-recognized-aauw-mclean-area-branch
The McLean Area Branch of AAUW sent this press release on March 19.MCLEAN, VA — The winners of the 2025 STEM Essay Contest sponsored by the McLean Area Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) were announced and recognized during the Branch potluck dinner held on March 18th at the McLean Community Center. The contest was open to 7th and 8th grade students (girls and boys) at six local public and private schools. The students were asked to discover and publicize women including women of color, who made a...
The McLean Area Branch of AAUW sent this press release on March 19.
MCLEAN, VA — The winners of the 2025 STEM Essay Contest sponsored by the McLean Area Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) were announced and recognized during the Branch potluck dinner held on March 18th at the McLean Community Center. The contest was open to 7th and 8th grade students (girls and boys) at six local public and private schools. The students were asked to discover and publicize women including women of color, who made a difference in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, but who received little or no recognition for their contributions while they were alive. Strong preference was given to essays about women who are not well known even today. Each essay described one woman’s contribution and its impact, as well as why the student selected the woman.
The winners of the contest are:
1st Place: Aanya Palit, Cooper Middle School (8th Grade) Honorable Mention: Claire Broderdorf, Longfellow Middle School (7th Grade) Honorable Mention: Ridheema Dusange, Luther Jackson Middle School (7th Grade) Honorable Mention: Clara Kosoff, Cooper Middle School (7th Grade) Honorable Mention: Yonatan Nikolich, Longfellow Middle School (7th Grade)
As part of the awards ceremony, the 1st place winner, Aany Palit, read her essay on Rajeshwari Chatterjee. She was one of India’s first female engineers, who was a pioneer in microwave engineering, a field that revolutionized modern telecommunications and defense systems. Other women who were the subjects of the winning essays were Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, Gladys West, Esther Lederberg, and Eleanor Griffin Dickson.
Fourteen volunteers from our branch served as judges: Janet Alejandro, Pam Bacher, Lynn Gutter, Christina Hamilton, Myrtle Hendricks-Corrales, Sherry Joslin, Mafalda Marrocco, Nina McVeigh, Tom McVeigh, Judy Page, Ruth Nowjack-Raymer, Diana Parsell, Caroline Pickens, and Cheryl Williams. The essay contest was managed by a steering committee, consisting of Myrtle Hendricks and Diana Parsell together with Judy Page, STEM Chair.
Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
For more information on the McLean Area Branch, visit the branch website at http://mclean-va.aauw.net.
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