Testosterone, a hormone is produced by the gonads (Leydig cells in testes of men and by the ovaries in women) and is responsible in maintaining a man’s adequate level of red blood cells, muscle bulk, bone density, sperm production, and overall manly well-being. It is the hormone that gives a man his male sexual characteristics and boosts his sexual drive and sexual function. Testosterone level (T level) fluctuates over a man’s lifespan, highest at the age 30 and starts to decline as he ages after then. As the T level dips, men tend to experience decreased sexual desire or may not perform as well as they would like and may notice symptoms that accompany low T levels. This is a natural, physiological course in any man’s life.
So, how can you determine if you have low T levels? The symptoms differ from one man to another, and these symptoms may or may not be noticeable. Some of these symptoms include:
- Decreased muscle mass and bone density
- Libido or decreased sexual drive
- Malaise or fatigue
- Hair loss
- Erectile dysfunction
- Difficulty in concentration
- Depression
- Irritability
- Low sense of well-being
Before jumping to conclusions that you have low T levels, lab tests should be conducted. Get an accurate assessment first and consider other aspects as to why you may be having any of these symptoms. It cannot be emphasized enough that a doctor–patient discussion is key to confirming whether or not you have this condition and if taking T supplements will be beneficial.
When is testosterone supplementation recommended?
A low T level does not always mean that it should be treated. There are millions of men who have low T levels but are not experiencing its symptoms. In these cases, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or T supplementation is not needed. If lab tests show that a man has an abnormally low T level, then his doctor may recommend treatment.
According to Mayo Clinic, in cases of hypogonadism –a condition that occurs when the body cannot produce adequate T levels on its own – TRT can help in its treatment.
T supplementation or TRT presents benefits; however, this also poses great risks that should be considered. Experts emphasize the still unknown and unsupported benefits and risks of long-term or indefinite TRT because sufficiently large clinical trials have not yet been conducted for it.
If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of low T level, it is highly recommended that you talk to your doctor about it. This is the only way to confirm whether or not you need TRT and if it is right for you.
Forms of Testosterone Supplements
There are several forms of TRT, and all have received positive reports as having improved T levels. Some of these forms include:
- Gels – These are packets of clear testosterone gels which allow testosterone to be absorbed directly through the skin once applied topically. There is also the kind that is applied inside the nose. This is applied only once a day.
- Skin patch – This is worn either on the upper body or on the arm. It is applied only once a day.
- Mouth patch – This is a tablet that is stuck to the upper gums to the left or right of your two front teeth. Testosterone is continuously released into the blood through this oral tissue. A mouth patch is applied twice a day.
- Implants and injections – Testosterone can either be implanted in the soft tissues as pellets or injected directly into the muscles. This form of treatment allows the body to slowly absorb the testosterone into the bloodstream.
Oral testosterone is available; however, experts believe that this might have adverse negative effects on the liver. The above mentioned forms of treatments by-pass the liver and are therefore preferred.
Benefits of the Treatment
T supplementation and TRT have been linked to a boost in energy and improved sexual function. For a number of men, these are enough reasons for them to take the plunge and undergo treatment. Even so, there are other benefits to the treatment that go beyond the bedroom. Such health issues as obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and metabolic syndrome are positively impacted by the treatment. Testosterone increases bone density, insulin sensitivity, and muscle mass in men. Furthermore, there are reports that men who have undergone the treatment are experiencing an improvement in their mood.
Risks of the Treatment
It is recommended that you approach the treatment with caution especially if you are at high risk of prostate and heart problems.
Some health conditions that experts believe will worsen during or after TRT are:
- Benign prostate hypertrophy: This condition comes as men age. It results from the natural process of testosterone stimulating the prostate and making it grow. The prostate can become large enough to squeeze the urethra thereby making it difficult for the male individual to urinate.
- Prostate cancer: Men with prostate cancer or are predisposed to this condition are recommended to avoid the treatment.
- Blood clots: Most treatment products carry the warning for increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as well as blood clots due to polycythemia which is the abnormal rise in the number of red blood cells.
- Congestive heart failure: Men who have been diagnosed with heart problems or have had a heart attack are also advised to weigh the risks and benefits carefully.
- Sleep apnea
Large clinical studies have not yet been conducted to provide strong evidence of the benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy and might not happen in the near future.
As a man ages, there is the natural decline in energy that he has to face and adjust to. There are, however, easy energy boosters that you can do without undergoing T supplementation or treatment. Consider these three steps:
Step 1: Pace yourself and arrange activities to do throughout the day.
Step 2: Take a walk. The benefits from this very basic and simple exercise are all-encompassing regardless of age, gender, or health issues.
Step 3: Take healthy snacks in-between meals. You can never go wrong with food snack that is rich in fiber and protein.
If you do decide to undergo the treatment, keep your expectations in check. The results are not the same for every individual, and not all symptoms of low testosterone levels may be fixed by the treatment.
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