Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone is a male sex hormone, or androgen, responsible for most male characteristics. It is produced in the testicles and regulated by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, which is located inside the brain. Hypogonadism is a disorder in which the body is incapable of maintaining normal male testosterone levels.
Common symptoms of low testosterone or ‘low T’ include decreased sex drive, body hair loss, fatigue, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, insomnia or altered sleep patterns, depression, loss of muscle mass, low semen volume, changes in body fat distribution, lower red blood cell production, and a loss of bone density. Low T levels may also be related to heart disease, although the results are currently unclear. Since many of the symptoms can be caused by other underlying medical conditions, a blood test is necessary to diagnose low testosterone.
In recent years there has been a dramatic rise in the number of men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to reduce the signs and symptoms of low testosterone. It may renew sex drive, increase muscle mass and enhance sleep patterns. Testosterone replacement therapy may also play a role in longevity, however at this time, it is not fully known.
Adding testosterone may actually add additional years to your life. It may help with other important health issues such as decreasing your risk for diabetes and improving your bone health. When testosterone levels are higher, there tends to be a decrease in fat and a corresponding increase in muscle mass which is an overall health boost.
Risks of Low T Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy may be right for you. There are, however, some concerns that patients need to discuss with their physicians before beginning testosterone replacement therapy. For instance, testosterone replacement therapy may increase your risk for blood clots. It is possible that it can also enlarge your breasts, also known as gynecomastia. Testosterone therapy may increase non-cancerous prostrate growth, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or accelerate prostate cancer.
There are both potential risks and benefits with almost any medical therapy. The safest course of action is to have an honest discussion with your doctor about what therapies are right for you. Your doctor can measure your hormone levels and recommend a course of treatment that may include diet, exercise and hormone replacement therapy. More studies are needed in order to fully establish the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy as well as the possible risks. Your doctor can explain the current medical understanding of any course of treatment.
To learn more about low T treatment and testosterone replacement therapy in the Phoenix area, visit Dr. Desiderio Avila at Ironwood Urology, a specialist in men’s health. If you, or a loved one have questions about men’s health, please contact Dr. Avila at (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment online today.
