1. Is Testosterone Replacement for You?
If you have a low level of the male hormone testosterone, your doctor might prescribe testosterone replacement therapy. There are several reasons why the testosterone could plummet, ranging from damaged testes to defects in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located in the head and secretes a variety of hormones that are critical for life functions. Damage to any portion of the pituitary gland can render other endocrine organs susceptible to functional defects.
2. Know Your Doctor's Orders
Your doctor should be able to determine if testosterone therapy can prove beneficial. Based on your physical symptoms and medical test results, your physician may be able to tell if the low testosterone levels are due to testicular, pituitary or hypothalamic ailments. Once the underlying cause is resolved, your doctor may offer a vast choice of testosterone supplements. You decide along with your doctor what is best for you: pills, injections, oral and skin-based testosterone delivery. There are patches, injections or topical gels.
3. Know the Benefits
You can expect improved function with therapy: increased sexual interest and an increased number of spontaneous erections. Unless you have other ailments, such as blood vessel or nerve disorders, testosterone therapy can restore your erectile function. You may notice less depression, anger or fatigue. You may also see an increase in lean muscle mass and bone density and improved grip and leg strength. It should not be long before you regain your muscle and bone strength and feel an increased sex drive.
4. Know What Is Best
Safety and efficacy go hand in hand with supplements such as testosterone. If you are looking for a prolonged and continuous delivery, your physician might suggest gels or patches. Or your physician may prescribe deep muscle injections weekly or once every 3 weeks. Let your doctor know of any changes in mood or psychological well-being. Oral tablets twice daily can provide controlled and sustained release without any serious side effects.
5. Risks and Pitfalls
As with any other medication, testosterone supplements are not without risk. Ask your doctor about adverse effects. Pills such as methyl testosterone may have serious adverse effects on the liver and lipids. When given in large doses for therapeutic effect, you can expect side effects on blood fats and liver. Experts at the United States National Institute of Aging warn that testosterone is not for preventing any physical and psychological changes associated with aging. Testosterone therapy is not for men with breast cancer or known or suspected prostate cancer. It also may promote the growth of existing cancer of the prostate. Studies have shown that testosterone taken without medical supervision can increase the risk of stroke, heart, kidney or liver disease. Women should keep off the patch and gel products. So unless it is absolutely necessary, it's better to keep off this hormone.
