As you become older, testosterone treatment may sound appealing. However, there are several myths regarding what the therapy can and cannot accomplish for you.
Testosterone therapy may appear to be the ultimate anti-aging treatment. However, the health advantages of testosterone treatment for age-related testosterone reduction remain unclear.
What Exactly Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone that is predominantly generated in the testicles. Testosterone contributes to men’s:
- Bone mineral density
- Distribution of fat
- Muscle mass and strength
- Body and facial hair
- Production of red blood cells
- Sex motivation
- Sperm generation
What Happens To Testosterone Levels As We Get Older?
Testosterone levels typically peak between the ages of puberty and early adulthood. Your testosterone level generally decreases as you age, often by 1% every year beyond the age of 30 or 40. Older men must establish whether a low testosterone level is related to natural aging or an illness (hypogonadism).
Hypogonadism impairs testosterone production owing to an issue with the testicles or the pituitary gland, which regulates the testicles. Testosterone replacement treatment in the form of injections, pellets, patches, or gels can help these men with the signs and symptoms of low testosterone.
Is It True That Aging Is Caused By A Naturally Diminishing Testosterone Level?
No, not always. As men age, they might develop a variety of indications and symptoms.
• Modifications In Sexual Function. This might include decreased sexual desire, fewer spontaneous erections (such as when sleeping), and infertility.
• Physical Modifications. Physical changes such as increased body fat, decreased muscular size and strength and decreased bone density are all conceivable. Swollen or sensitive breasts (gynecomastia) and hair loss on the body are both possible. You may have less energy than usual.
• Emotional Shifts. Low testosterone levels might contribute to a loss of drive or self-esteem. You may feel melancholy or depressed, or you may have difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
Other causes, such as drug side effects, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and depression, might cause some of these signs and symptoms. It is also conceivable that these illnesses induce low testosterone levels, in which case therapy may increase testosterone levels.
A blood test is done to determine testosterone levels.
Can Testosterone Treatment Help You Stay Young And Vital?
Although affordable testosterone replacement therapy can help cure the consequences of hypogonadism, it is uncertain if testosterone therapy would assist otherwise healthy older men.
Although some men believe that taking testosterone medicines makes them feel younger and more active, there is no evidence to support testosterone usage in otherwise healthy men.
What Are The Dangers Of Testosterone Replacement Treatment For Natural Aging?
Testosterone treatment carries several hazards, including:
- Exacerbating sleep apnea, a potentially fatal sleep disease in which breathing continuously stops and begins.
- Resulting in acne or other skin problems.
- Stimulating noncancerous prostate development (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and the progression of existing prostate cancer.
- Breast enlargement.
- Suppressing sperm production or causing testicles to atrophy
- Excessive red blood cell synthesis, which adds to an increased risk of blood clot formation. A clot might form, travel through your circulation, and become lodged in your lungs, obstructing blood flow (pulmonary embolism).
Furthermore, some studies suggest that testosterone treatment may raise your risk of heart disease. More investigation is required.
Should You Discuss Testosterone Treatment With Your Doctor?
If you’re not sure if testosterone therapy is good for you, talk to your doctor about the risks and advantages. Before considering testosterone therapy, your doctor will most likely assess your testosterone levels at least twice.
Normal aging should not be treated with testosterone treatment. If you don’t have a medical problem that’s causing your testosterone levels to drop, your doctor may recommend natural testosterone boosters like decreasing weight and boosting muscle strength through resistance training.
