Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is made in the testicles. Testosterone hormone levels are important to normal male sexual development and functions. Many of our male patients complain that life has lost some of its vibrancy over the years. Men ranging from their 30s to their 60s come to us wanting to know why they feel like something is missing, something they can’t necessarily put a finger on. During puberty, testosterone helps boys develop male features like body and facial hair, deeper voice, and muscle strength. Men need testosterone to make sperm. Testosterone levels generally decrease with age, so older men tend to have low blood testosterone levels. As you get older, your body will go through some changes that you might expect. Perhaps you won’t be as lively as you once were or you might put on some weight. You may even notice a gradual loss of sex drive.
Some men have low testosterone levels. This is called Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome or Low Testosterone. Testosterone deficiency means that the body does not have enough of a needed substance. Syndrome is a group of symptoms that, together, suggest a disease or health condition. Low testosterone can be caused by several conditions, but one of the most common reasons for low testosterone levels is the onset of andropause. Like menopause in women, andropause is a medical term for a transitional time in men that begins around the mid forties, or sometimes even earlier. There are many other possible reasons for these symptoms, such as: opioid use, some congenital conditions, loss of or harm to the testicles, diabetes, and obesity. See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
You may need testosterone therapy if you have Low Testosterone. Both the FDA and the AUA suggest that testosterone therapy be used to treat conditions you are born with, such as Klinefelter syndrome. Medically supervised bioidentical testosterone therapy has helped millions of men reverse the symptoms and health risks of low testosterone. You also may need testosterone therapy if you harm or lose your testicles. If your testicles are removed because of a sickness such as cancer, you may need. Most men with Low Testosterone will be treated if they have both symptoms of Low Testosterone and blood tests showing Low Testosterone levels. Talk with your doctor if you feel that you may need testosterone therapy.
Testosterone therapy may help you but it may have adverse results. Federal Drug Administration has said that testosterone drug labels should state that there is a risk for heart disease and stroke for some men using testosterone products. All men should be checked for heart disease and stroke before, and periodically while on, testosterone therapy. The AUA however, on careful review of evidence based peer review literature, has stated that there is no strong evidence that testosterone therapy either increases or decreases the risk of cardiovascular events. During therapy, men can also benefit from lifestyle changes, including stress management, improved sleep, regular exercise and a hormone healthy diet, as well as supplements that support the body as it gradually restores hormone balance.
The FDA also was concerned when they found that men were being treated for Low testosterone due only to aging. There is ongoing research to determine more about testosterone therapy in aging men. Your doctor will talk with you about the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy and carefully consider how to treat your symptoms. Testosterone replacement therapy can improve sexual interest, erections, mood and energy, body hair growth, bone density, and muscle mass. There are several ways to replace testosterone. Having any one of the specific or non specific symptoms may not mean that you have Testosterone deficiency. But if you have a mix of symptoms, for instance, if you start to feel very tired and sad over a period of time and this is a change for you, you may want to check for Testosterone deficiency.
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Publish Date : 01/01/1970
