Testosterone therapy for Men
Testosterone therapy has been used successfully for years to treat men with abnormally low testosterone levels a medical condition called male hypogonadism. More recently, healthy, aging men have taken the hormone to boost waning testosterone levels.
The possibilities are enticing increase your muscle mass, sharpen your memory and mental focus, boost your libido, and improve your energy level. If you're an aging man, this may sound like the ultimate anti-aging formula. But such health benefits from testosterone therapy aren't quite so clear-cut.
Testosterone therapy is growing in popularity. Pharmacies filled 2.4 million testosterone prescriptions in 2004 more than twice the number filled in 2000, according to IMS Health, a company that tracks pharmaceutical sales.
Starting around age 40, and sometimes even earlier, a man's body produces less testosterone. Testosterone is the main male hormone that maintains muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass, sperm production, sex drive, and potency.
Many call this progressive decline of hormones "male menopause" or "andropause" and equate it to women's menopause.
For many men, testosterone levels naturally decline but may still remain within the normal range throughout their lifetimes, causing no significant problems. But many others have testosterone levels below the normal range (Andropause or testosterone deficiency).
Testosterone deficiency can have several effects on the body, including:
- Decreased energy
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Decreased cognitive function
- Less sexual interest or potency
- Depressed mood
If you experience these signs or symptoms, you may have testosterone deficiency.
Other medical conditions such as liver disease, hypothyroidism and depression can cause these effects as can certain medications, including beta blockers, painkillers and certain drugs for depression or anxiety. The thorough medical evaluation confirms or rules these out as cause of these symptoms.
In addition, some healthy men encounter these changes possibly because of Adrenal fatigue. The lab tests are important to check these out.
After a thorough medical evaluation, Testosterone is prescribed to be taken in either gel or injectable forms. Pellets are also available and may be good option for some men.