Testosterone, a sex steroid, plays many roles in human health. Considered a masculine hormone, it also affects the reproductive fertility and emotional stability of women. Disease and aging decrease testosterone, creating deficiency-related syndromes. Nutritional supplements and prescription medications can enhance testosterone levels. This enhancement can have many benefits. Patients should, however, determine the underlying cause of the deficiency before beginning replacement therapy. Testosterone treatment remains effective and safe, but it can cause side effects.
Sugar Regulation
Diabetes remains prevalent around the world, and it affects many different types of people. Insulin regulates blood sugar through a complex relationship with testosterone, so replacement therapy may help treat this pervasive disease. A report by D. Kapoor and co-workers published in the June 2006 edition of "European Journal of Endocrinology" looked at the impact of testosterone replacement on insulin resistance. Diabetic men with low levels of circulating testosterone received either replacement hormones or a placebo every other week for three months. Following a one-month break, they then received the other treatment. Results indicated that testosterone intake reduced symptoms of diabetes. It reduced body weight and cholesterol count as well.
Bone Density
Older men remain at risk for bone breaks due to age-related changes in skeletal density. Testosterone, which also decreases with age, can enhance bone health by increasing mineral content. A study by A. M. Kenny and associates presented in the June 2010 issue of the "Journal of American Geriatrics Society" assessed testosterone-induced changes in bone health. Older, frail men with low levels of testosterone received replacement therapy for at least one year. Relative to a control group, testosterone use enhanced bone mineral density in the neck and spine. Replacement therapy also improved body composition by increasing lean mass.
Sexual Health
Men with testosterone deficiency usually receive their diagnosis as part of routine checkups. During these exams, they typically complain of reduced romantic drive and decreased sexual performance. Maintaining proper levels of testosterone is essential for reproductive health, so replacement therapy is often indicated. A survey by E. L. Rhoden and A. Morgentaler described in the January 2010 edition of "Journal of Sexual Medicine" evaluated the effects of testosterone treatment in older men with sexual complaints. Testosterone injections or skin patches improved sexual health for 70 percent of the men. Most patients reported positive changes within three months. Replacement therapy was in general safe, but one patient developed prostate cancer after one year of treatment.
Physical Strength
Testosterone, an anabolic steroid, remains abused by athletes seeking a competitive edge. Yet few studies have documented the alleged performance-enhancing effects of testosterone. A clinical trial by R. Szmulewitz and his team at the University of Chicago Medical Center looked at testosterone's effects in patients with prostate cancer. Preliminary data, published in the June 15, 2010 issue of "European Urology," indicated several positive results. Relative to baseline, daily testosterone injections for several weeks improved grip strength three percent. It also, in general, prevented the cancer from progressing. A single subject, however, developed testosterone-related heart problems.
References
- "European Journal of Endocrinology": Testosterone Replacement Therapy Improves Insulin Resistance, Glycaemic Control, Visceral Adiposity and Hypercholesterolaemia in Hypogonadal Men with Type 2 Diabetes
- "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society"; Effects of Transdermal Testosterone on Bone and Muscle in Older Men with Low Bioavailable Testosterone Levels, Low Bone Mass, and Physical Frailty; A. M. Kenny et al.; June 2010
- "Journal of Sexual Medicine"; Symptomatic Response Rates to Testosterone Therapy and the Likelihood of Completing 12 Months of Therapy in Clinical Practice; E. L. Rhoden & A. Morgentaler; January 2010
- "European Urology": A Randomized Phase I Study of Testosterone Replacement for Patients with Low Risk Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer
