Testosterone Therapy For Men
TRT or Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a treatment designed for men with low levels of the male hormone testosterone. Men who have what is known as “low T” often complain of fatigue, low sex drive, lethargy and feelings of depression among other symptoms. Low T has a variety of causes and is fairly common among older men.
Men who seek testosterone replacement therapy do so because of the absence of significant levels of naturally occurring testosterone that may have effects on their energy, libido, muscle mass, and concentration.
Testosterone is naturally produced in the testicles. As men age, less testosterone is produced. However before considering TRT, doctors will determine if a man’s testosterone levels are affected by age, disease or other factors this is very important to do so before moving forward with any program.
Men with low T related to disease or improperly functioning glands may be candidates for TRT. In such cases, patients have reported changes in sexual function, physical and emotional changes, and sleep patterns. Physical changes that occur with low T have included loss of muscle mass and increased body fat, tender breasts, and decreased bone density. Along with these symptoms, men may experience sadness, low confidence, depression, and memory loss. Lack of sleep and reduced erections may also be attributed to low testosterone.
These symptoms of low T can begin as early as the age of 30. With patients, we have often seen testosterone production begin to decrease and men lose testosterone through a process called andropause. These symptoms gradually develop over time, and are related to the decrease in your body producing testosterone and progesterone, while sometimes increasing in estrogen. This can vary patient to patient but typically symptoms follow a similar pattern.
In order to diagnose low T, a blood test must be conducted in order to determine if testosterone levels are lower than normal. This is a quick and effective process that takes no longer than a week to complete.
Once diagnosed with low T, a patient may be prescribed testosterone. TRT is a viable treatment option for men with low testosterone. Men who have symptoms of low T should discuss treatment options and the associated risks with their physicians. After weighing all the information, the patient and the doctor determine which treatment option is best. Depending on the patient’s lifestyle, the doctor can choose from gels, injections, or patches The patient should follow all recommendations and procedures as prescribed by their doctor.
If you would like to have more information about testosterone therapy for men, contact MetroMD today.
