Testosterone therapy is a therapeutic option used by men who suffer from low testosterone levels. It has been found to help improve different conditions such as fatigue, depression, and erectile dysfunction.
Testosterone is the hormone that stimulates hair growth in men, and it also helps regulate bone density, mental state, muscle mass, and sex drive. Testosterone therapy can be a life-changing treatment for some people and give dramatic improvements in different areas of their lives.
How to know if you have low T?
The symptoms of low testosterone vary from person to person. Some people may notice a change in their sex drive, while others will not experience this symptom at all. If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, your testosterone levels may be low:
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Decreased libido and sex drive
- Depression and mood swings
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Erectile dysfunction and decreased frequency of erections
How to test your testosterone levels?
There are many tests that your doctor can run to measure testosterone levels. The most common methods include blood tests, urine samples, saliva tests, and other advanced measurements like bio-impedance analysis (BIA). If you feel that these symptoms may be due to low testosterone, make an appointment with your primary care physician or endocrinologist for the best course of action.
What are the most common treatment options?
The most effective way that testosterone can be administered is through injections. A man will need to attend regular appointments with a healthcare provider to issue this type of treatment for him. Alternatively, you can give yourself a testosterone injection if you feel like you can do so without the help of a healthcare provider.
Testosterone gel is another route that men have been using recently because it has fewer side effects than other forms of administration, such as oral capsules or shots into various muscles. These options do not work out well for some people because they cannot remember when their next appointment is scheduled or if the pharmacy delivers daily items.
Another option that is becoming popular for testosterone therapy is a pellet implant. This treatment involves the insertion of a pellet under the skin by a healthcare provider, and it can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on how many shots are inserted.
This form of therapy also has fewer side effects than other methods because you don’t have to remember when your next appointment with a doctor will be scheduled. In addition, some people cannot handle getting shots in muscles every few weeks, so this route works well for them too.
What results to expect from testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy has been found to help improve different conditions such as fatigue, depression, and erectile dysfunction. The results expected from this treatment depend on a person’s age, among other factors, so you should discuss your situation with your doctor.
Long-term effects of testosterone replacement therapy
The long-term effects of testosterone therapy are not fully known. Some studies have shown that there may be increased risks for cardiovascular disease, while other reports indicated no difference in risk between men on this type of treatment and those who were not taking it.
Although researches are still ongoing about testosterone treatments, some doctors will prescribe them if they believe it could benefit their patient’s health status or lower their chances of developing certain conditions like osteoporosis or anemia.
Why testosterone therapy is not for everyone
People with severe heart failure should avoid these types of treatments due to the increased risk of worsening cardiovascular disease and other serious complications. If you have recently had a heart attack or stroke, your doctor will most likely recommend against starting any hormone replacement therapy.
Testosterone therapy can even be dangerous for men over 65 years old, so they would need to weigh their potential benefits versus risks before taking any supplement like these.
What are the most common side effects?
The main concern that people have about testosterone therapy and its association with prostate cancer. Men who take these treatments can develop an enlarged prostate or even worsen any existing cases of benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate).
Although there may be some adverse side effects associated with testosterone treatment, most do not occur in all individuals taking the medication. In addition, once you stop taking this medication, the side effects dissipate.
Visible side effects include:
- Enlargement of breast tissue
- High red blood cell count (polycythemia)
- Acne
Side effects that are not usually visible include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain or inflammation
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Increased risk for heart disease