Aging takes a toll on the overall health of both men and women in different ways. For example, while women go through increased blood pressure, muscle pain, menopause, and more, men suffer from declined energy levels, fluctuating mood, etc.
This happens due to the decreasing levels of the testosterone hormone. While aging is a primary factor that leads to low levels of testosterone, young men also suffer from low testosterone due to medical conditions.
This article covers the potential of testosterone therapy in transforming the lives of aging men suffering from reduced testosterone levels.
What is testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy also called testosterone replacement therapy or androgen replacement therapy, is a remedy to treat low testosterone (T) levels arising due to medical conditions in young men or aging in middle-aged men.
This therapy is generally used to treat primary hypogonadism and secondary hypogonadism that occurs due to several reasons, including genetic disorders, connections, or injuries.
This therapy commonly involves oral medications, injections, transdermal patches, topical medications, gels and ointments, implants, and more.
Although the complete benefits of this therapy are yet to be verified by studies, it has the potential to work as an anti-aging remedy for poor testosterone levels that causes lower sexual drive, fatigue, depression, and reduced muscle capacity.
The primary goal of this hormone therapy is to boost testosterone degrees either by enhancing the body’s natural production or through the use of external remedies.
However, while there are potential benefits, some side effects are associated with this therapy that people need to be aware of.
Risks associated with higher doses of medications in testosterone therapy
People suffering from certain medical conditions need to avoid this therapy without recommendations from personal physicians as it may worsen the symptoms of associated diseases. There are several risks of testosterone replacement therapy, as mentioned below.
- Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related disorder in which breathing patterns fluctuate, making it difficult to sleep in comfort.
Insomnia, hypersomnia, loud snoring, and irritability are some sleep apnea symptoms. People suffering from obstructive sleep apnea should avoid testosterone therapy as it may worsen the symptom and lead to complex sleep apnea.
- Skin disorders
High levels of testosterone may cause skin disorders such as acne, hyperpigmentation, irritability, redness, itching, burning sensation, and many more. In addition, the skin patches and injection may lead to muscle pain in the affected area, rashes, hair loss, and many more.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
As it is commonly called, BHP is a medical condition connected to aging that affects the urinary system. Testosterone therapy may cause symptoms such as frequent urination, nocturia, blocked urinary passage, kidney infection, urinary tract infection, and more.
- Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism refers to a condition in which blood clots or similar substances block the arteries inside the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Testosterone replacement therapy boosts the production of red blood cells, which might become excess and form a clot. This blood clot may then become hazardous upon breaking.
- Other risks
Several other risks linked with this therapy include strokes, low sperm counts, chest discomfort, reduced good cholesterol, increased probability of heart attack, swollen limbs, shrinking testicles, and even blood cancer.
People suffering from any of these indications need to avoid this therapy.
How does aging affect testosterone levels?
It is common to observe reduced testosterone levels caused by aging. These hormones that boost during adolescence gradually start decreasing in the late 30s and after. Studies show that at least a 1% fall in testosterone levels is observed in men aging 30 or more each year.
Reduced hormones are caused either by regular aging or due to certain medical conditions such as hypogonadism. Moreover, various factors can affect testosterone levels, including nutritional deficiency, smoking, genetics, and many more.
Typically observed symptoms of reduced testosterone degrees include physical, emotional, and sexual indications. Physical alterations comprise a rise in body fats, a decline in muscle bulk and capacity, hair loss, a decline in bone density, and more.
Emotional and sexual symptoms include reduced sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, depression, low confidence, concentration, poor memory, etc.
Although these symptoms occur due to a decline in testosterone, it is to be noted that several other disorders, including thyroid, diabetes, sleep apnea, and depression, may also lead to the above-stated symptoms.
Hence a proper blood test and physician consultation are necessary before concluding any treatment.
How is testosterone replacement therapy transforming lives?
Although studies are yet to evaluate whether testosterone replacement therapy is more harmful or not, there are potential benefits observed by a few men having low testosterone levels.
Generally, medications such as enclomiphene are used as part of this therapy in addition to intramuscular injections and more. The concerned individuals have observed an improvement in their mental, emotional, and physical abilities.
People having low hormones of 300 Ng/dl or low have observed an increase in testosterone levels. Muscle growth, improved sexual functions, decreased fatigue, enhanced energy, improved focus, and memory retention were also observed by many individuals.
This therapy stimulates regular aging making concerned individuals feel younger, stronger, and healthier. In addition, people who were previously suffering from low confidence, depression, and stress have been said to improve their overall mental health post the therapy.
Other benefits of this therapy comprise an increase in muscle mass, gain in bone density, enhanced muscle capacity, calmness, promotion of red blood cell production (Erythropoiesis), gain in body mass, and more.
Although a wide range of benefits can be found in this therapy, expert doctors advise using the recommended dose of drugs or other treatment forms as failure to do so may cause severe health hazards leading to counter effects of the therapy.
Conclusion
It is best to consult an expert physician before following any medical treatment to better understand the alternatives. Always ensure proper tests and results are conducted before jumping to decisions.
Furthermore, it is advised to consult the best treatment provider with a good reputation and an overall higher rate of treating low testosterone conditions to avoid any side effects and health risks arising post-treatment.
