When we hear about testosterone replacement therapy, more often than not we associate it with women in their menopausal stage. Nevertheless, in the present, it has become a prevalent new treatment in men’s health, and studies show that it has a number of health benefits for men. Some of these benefits include an increase in sex drive, improvement in reproductive functions, improved bone density, and increased energy level, maintenance of a healthy level of red blood cells and increase in body and facial hair.
There is an increase of number of testosterone replacement therapy clinics that are emerging across the country due to the increase in demand for its services. Here is a guide of the ins and outs of this kind of therapy for men.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Men
A hormonal imbalance may transpire at any stage in one’s life. Risk factors that usually causes male hormone imbalance usually include the following:
- Age
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Acute injury or illness.
There is a complex balance between all the glands that comprises the endocrine system. Just one gland performing poorly can set things horribly wrong all over the body which then causes symptoms that can be hard to detect and diagnose.
Hormone imbalance symptoms are usually unclear, which means they are often just ignored and also usually misdiagnosed. The best way to determine if your hormone levels are within normal levels is to have them checked.
Men often ignore the most common signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance until they have a serious enough effect on their quality of life that they already need therapy for it.
Some common symptoms for men’s hormone imbalance are the following:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Decrease in sexual desire and performance
- The inability to maintain muscle mass.
Testosterone Levels by Age
The production of the body’s natural testosterone decreases as the age increases. A study conducted by the American Urological Association shows that twenty percent (20%) of the male population who are older than sixty (60) and thirty percent (30%) of those over seventy (70) have low testosterone levels. Usually, when a man is in his twenties, his testosterone level is at its highest peak and then it will slowly decrease as the man ages. Studies have found that a decrease of 1.5% percent in a man’s testosterone every year is quite normal for those over the age of thirty. Even though some men might not always start noticing this decline, others may experience substantial changes beginning in their middle-aged years or when they hit 60.
What is Low Testosterone?
A man has low testosterone when his level falls below 300 nanograms per decilitre (ng/dL). The normal levels of testosterone ranges from 300 to 1,000 ng/dL. To evaluate your circulating testosterone level, a blood test known as a serum testosterone test is to be used.
It is best to start monitoring your testosterone level as soon as possible and then regularly check on it per your doctor’s advice and also based on how you feel. If your testosterone levels stars to drop significantly or if you are experiencing the signs of symptoms of having low testosterone, it is advised that you check with your doctor and ask about testosterone replacement therapy.
Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
One in every four (1:4) males over thirty (30) years old can benefit from getting a testosterone replacement therapy. Some positive effects include:
Healthy Heart
Recent findings have shown that males with consistently low levels of testosterone have a significantly higher risk of sudden death due to a heart disease. Studies have shown that, during the testing period, twice as many males with low testosterone died compared to those with normal levels of testosterone. Testosterone therapy can improve your cardiovascular system by bringing your testosterone level back to its normal range.
Increased Muscle Mass
It has been shown that testosterone increases muscle mass. Testosterone enables the synthesis of proteins which then allows the faster recovery time for those torn muscle fibers. You will need to combine testosterone therapy with strength training to add more muscle mass.
Stronger Bones
Testosterone plays an enormous role when it comes to bone density. As a man ages, the testosterone levels and bone density also decrease. These decreases pose a higher risk in having weak bones and osteoporosis.
Research reveals that when the hormone levels are restored to normal ranges, bone density increases. Testosterone treatment can also improve the mineral density of the bone and lessen fractures and injuries. It may decrease osteoclastogenesis, a health condition wherein there is a breakdown of bone tissues. Men are at risk for fracture and severe injury when their bones become more brittle.
Increase Libido
Studies have found that with men who have a condition known as hypogonadism who receives testosterone replacement therapy see a significant increase in their libido. Researches have shown that libido levels are their highest if testosterone levels are within the normal range.
Improved Mood
The impact in mood when doing replacement therapy with testosterone may vary. Hypogonadic men reported having improved mood and well-being as well as lowered tiredness and irritability. Research also suggests that the use of this therapy treatment can be effective for those who are suffering from depression.
Risks Related to Testosterone therapy
Reduced Testicle Size and Sperm Count
This is the most common testosterone replacement therapy’s side effect. Normally, the pituitary gland is the one who sends signals to the testes to generate more testosterone and sperm if it feels that there is not enough testosterone in the bloodstream. If you take additional hormones, your pituitary gland gets a message that your system already contains sufficient testosterone, so it stops sending signals. The testicles will then stop producing sperm, thus inhibiting fertility.
Acne Breakout
Acne breakouts happen if there is too much oil. Testosterone increases sebum supply, which may increase the chances of acne production.
Cancer Cell Development
Even though there is no conclusive proof that exists, some experts still believe that doing a long-term testosterone therapy may end up causing prostate cancer cells to grow.
