Testosterone Therapy
What is testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy is a hormone therapy meant to increase testosterone levels in aging men. As men age, testosterone levels decrease, and as a result muscle mass is lost. Furthermore, a lack of testosterone can also cause hair loss, libido loss, mental fog, and even depression. This therapy has been used for years to treat hypogonadism (the shrinking of gonads and subsequent loss of hormones), but as the baby boomer generation has increased, more men are using this therapy as an anti-aging agent.
The therapy consists of the introduction of testosterone into the blood stream via injection, patch, gum, or gel. As the testosterone circulates, it mimics natural testosterone and has similar effects, fighting back against the results of a testosterone deficiency. Because many of the problems related to decreasing testosterone are normal parts of aging, some doctors prefer not to perform the therapy on men without gonadal problems. For some men, the risks of the therapy will outweigh the benefits (which for some are purely aesthetic).
How can I choose quality testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy is currently somewhat controversial because of its increased use for its anti-aging qualities. In order to be properly administered, the risks of the therapy must be balanced with its benefits. If a man has prostate problems, he is not a good candidate for this therapy, as it can cause further problems. Other risks to consider are risks of irritation at injection or administration sites, fluid retention, sleep problems, and secondary sexual problems such as enlarged breasts or testicular shrinkage.
The best way to determine whether testosterone therapy would work for you, and where to find quality therapy, is to consult with your doctor. He or she will be able to look at your medical history, determine the risk, and recommend an appropriate colleague who specializes in this type of treatment. Some doctors will also be qualified to perform this therapy themselves, but asking about their experience in administering testosterone therapy should be a part of your personal decision making process.
Who would benefit from testosterone therapy?
The best candidate for testosterone therapy is a person for whom the benefits outweigh the risks. Obviously, men suffering from hypogonadism are the best candidates, as it was for their condition that this therapy was developed. Other men who would make good candidates for testosterone therapy are generally healthy men that have no history of breast cancer, prostate problems, or other serious health problems. If a man fitting this profile is having difficulties with muscle tone loss, hair loss, or other testosterone-shortage related problems, he should consult his doctor to find whether testosterone therapy is for him.
