As men age, their bodies and testosterone levels decline. Testosterone is the most potent androgen, translated as “man-maker.” It contributes to osteoporosis, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, and cognitive decline. It also lowers the count of red blood cells. Most men become less active and energetic. Consequently, testosterone levels drop.
The total testosterone level decreases by about 1% a year around age 30, while testosterone replacement therapy online, the hormone that replaces the hormone, decreases by about 2% per year.
Subtle signs of low testosterone
A low testosterone level can cause both obvious and subtle symptoms. A man’s testosterone level declines as he ages. However, certain conditions may result in a low testosterone level. These include:
-Low libido (low sex drive)
-Impotence
-Fatigue and low energy
-Physique loss
-Loss of body and facial hair
-Concentration difficulties
-Deficiency
-Irritability
-Unhappy with life
A doctor may recommend treatment if a man exhibits symptoms of low testosterone and tests show an abnormally low level of testosterone.
Currently, there is no treatment for millions of men with low testosterone levels, but no symptoms due to aging are also not eligible to receive this drug.
Testosterone supplements in various forms
Transdermal patch: An Androderm patch is worn on the arm or upper body. It is applied once daily.
Packets of clear testosterone gel are supplied with AndroGel and Testim. You can absorb testosterone through your skin by applying the gel once a day. The testosterone products AndroGel, Axiron, and Fortesta also come in pumps that deliver the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Natasto is an inside-the-nose gel.
The Striant mouth patch adheres to the gums just above the incisor, the tooth just behind the front teeth. Through the oral tissues, it continuously releases testosterone into the blood.
Testosterone injection can also be injected directly into the muscles or a testosterone pellet implanted into the soft tissues. Testosterone is absorbed slowly by the body.
Testosterone treatment Benefits
How can testosterone treatment benefit you? Because every man is unique, it is impossible to predict. Some men report an improvement in sex drive, energy level, and erection quality. In some men, testosterone increases bone density, muscle mass, and insulin sensitivity.
Often, testosterone replacement also improves the mood of men. These effects can be barely noticeable or can have a major impact, depending on the individual.
Testosterone Treatments: Risks
The most common side-effects of testosterone replacement therapy include irritation, rash, and itching, at the application site.
However, testosterone use has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is impossible to determine the risks and benefits of long-term testosterone therapy due to the lack of large clinical trials
Experts say testosterone therapy may worsen the following health conditions:
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH): The prostate naturally grows when testosterone is stimulated. Men’s prostates grow larger as they age, squeezing their urinary tubes (urethras). It makes urination more difficult. Testosterone treatment can exacerbate benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Testosterone stimulates prostate cancer growth. Before starting testosterone replacement, most experts recommend testing for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer patients and men with elevated PSA levels should probably avoid testosterone therapy.
An increase in testosterone levels can worsen sleep apnea. Men may not be able to detect this on their own, but their sleeping companions can. To make a diagnosis, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be necessary.
An FDA warning about blood clots is included with testosterone replacement products. It could result in deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which are clots in the lungs that pose a potentially life-threatening risk. A warning about polycythemia, an abnormal increase in red blood cells caused by testosterone treatment, is already on the product label. It now includes men without polycythemia in the warning.
The replacement of testosterone therapy can worsen congestive heart failure, which is usually not recommended for men with severe congestive heart failure.
It is up to you and your doctor to decide whether the possible benefits of taking medicine outweigh any risks.