Testosterone replacement therapy, also known as androgen replacement therapy, is a medical treatment that involves providing supplemental testosterone to men whose bodies do not produce enough of the hormone. Testosterone plays an important role in male development and health so using testosterone therapy can help treat a variety of health issues associated with low testosterone levels. This article provides an overview of testosterone replacement therapy including what conditions it treats, how it works, potential benefits and risks.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It is produced primarily in the testes in men and is responsible for the development of male sex organs and secondary sex characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and facial and body hair. Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, usually starting after age 30. Having low testosterone levels can negatively impact health and quality of life.
Conditions Treated with Testosterone Therapy
The main health condition treated with testosterone therapy is hypogonadism, a medical term for low testosterone. There are two main types of hypogonadism – primary and secondary. Primary hypogonadism is caused by problems with the testes and secondary hypogonadism is caused by problems with the brain's control over the testes. Other conditions sometimes treated with testosterone therapy include symptoms of aging, bone loss, depression and erectile dysfunction.
How Testosterone Therapy Works
There are several different methods for administering testosterone therapy depending on the individual's needs and preferences. The most common forms of testosterone replacement therapy include injections, skin patches, gels, creams or solutions applied to the skin or underarm, and pills. These different methods are used to normalize testosterone levels in the blood to the normal range for healthy young men. They work by raising and maintaining testosterone levels in the body.
Skin Patches
Adhesive patches are applied daily or a few times a week directly to clean dry skin, most often on the back, stomach or upper arms. The patches slowly release testosterone through the skin into circulation over 24 hours before needing replacement. Patches avoid daily application but can potentially irritate the skin of the user and others through contact.
Pills
Oral tablets are a less commonly prescribed option as much of the testosterone administered this way passes through the digestive system and liver without being absorbed. Pills need to be taken one to two times per day. Oral testosterone is not recommended for certain medical conditions due to increased risk of liver damage.
Benefits of Testosterone Therapy
Some potential benefits observed in studies and patient reports include:
– Increased energy, stamina and sense of well-being
– Reduced body fat and increased muscle mass
– Stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
– Improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression
– Enhanced libido and sexual function
– Reduction in risk or severity of erectile dysfunction
Testosterone therapy may also help reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease in hypogonadal men by lowering levels of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising good HDL cholesterol. It may potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline in older men. Overall quality of life is improved for many patients undergoing testosterone replacement.
Risks and Side Effects
While largely safe for most men, testosterone therapy does involve risks that are important to discuss with your doctor:
– Worsening of sleep apnea or promoting growth of an existing prostate cancer tumor. Men with these conditions aren't candidates for testosterone therapy.
– Fluid retention which can cause high blood pressure or exacerbation of congestive heart failure.
Conclusion
In summary, testosterone replacement therapy provides an effective treatment option for hypogonadal men suffering from low energy, declining health, reduced quality of life and other symptoms associated with low testosterone. When prescribed and monitored appropriately, testosterone therapy can help normalize levels and reverse deficiencies, providing benefits both physically and mentally. As with any medical treatment, both the risks and benefits of testosterone replacement should be thoroughly discussed with a healthcare provider.