Testosterone replacement therapy may be an option if you are experiencing symptoms of a low testosterone level, or hypogonadism, including depression, decreased libido and difficulty concentrating. If you are experiencing these symptoms in addition to other body changes, your doctor may test your serum testosterone level, and suggest restoring your testosterone level by replacing it through one of several methods.
Increased Sense of Well-being
Because hypogonadism may be a cause of fatigue and muscle weakness, a decreased sense of well-being and depression, restoring testosterone levels to normal may relieve or eliminate these symptoms. If you are experiencing these changes, and your doctor suggests testosterone replacement therapy, you can expect to see results within 3 to 6 months of therapy initiation, depending on how low your starting testosterone level is.
Increased Libido and Sexual Functioning
Many who are experiencing a low testosterone level may describe concerns with a low, or nonexistent, sex drive. They may also describe a degree of sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction. Those undergoing testosterone replacement will notice the return of a more healthy libido, or desire for sex. If you experience erectile dysfunction that is related to hypogonadism and not another underlying disorder, you can expect to see an improvement in this symptom over time.
Increased Hemoglobin
If you experience fatigue, it is possible that the fatigue can be attributed to anemia that is associated with a low testosterone level. Raising the hormone level will have a direct effect on erythropoiesis, or the body's production of red blood cells. Your energy level should increase accordingly.
Increase in Bone Mineral Density
A low bone mineral density can lead to osteoporosis, which may put you at risk for bone fractures. According to a review published in the April 2005 issue of the journal "Human reproductive Update," hypogonadism is the leading cause of non-idiopathic osteoporosis in men. The relationship of testosterone to the production of bone is complex; however, if your doctor discovers lowered bone mineral density, this should start to improve around 6 months after the initiation of testosterone replacement therapy.
Increase in Lean Body Mass
Hypogonadism can cause muscle weakness, a decrease in the body's muscle mass and an increase in body fat. Introduction of testosterone replacement therapy should not only result in an increase in lean body mass, but also an increase in the energy required to maintain a healthy body mass index.
