Before you decide to increase your hormones indefinitely, be aware of the risks and explore other options.
As a form of testosterone replacement therapy, millions of men in America use prescription testosterone injections or gels to restore their normal levels. Low T therapy is being promoted by pharmaceutical companies as a way to make men more alert, productive, sharp and sexually active. There are legitimate safety concerns. Some older men who are on testosterone replacement therapy may be at greater risk of developing cardiac problems.
Dr. Carl Pallais is an endocrinologist at Harvard Medical School and assistant professor of medicine. He says that men have been bombarded with information about low testosterone but not the costs. Men should be more aware of the potential long-term consequences. Mens Journal provides amazing testosterone boosters.
Low testosterone signs
MIND
* Depression
* Low self-confidence
* Concentration difficulty
* Disturbed Sleep
BODY
* Decreased muscle and bone mass
* Higher body fat
* Fatigue
* Tender or swollen breasts
* Hot flashes or flushing
SEXUAL FUNCTION
* Lower sex drive
* Less spontaneous erections
* It is difficult to sustain erections
Booming low-T
Pharmaceutical marketers can use a loophole in FDA regulations to encourage men to speak to their doctors if there are “possible signs” that indicate they may need low-T treatment.
“Virtually everyone asks about it now because the direct to consumer marketing is so aggressive,” Dr. Michael O’Leary of Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital says. “Tons upon tons of men started asking me about this when they saw advertisements that said “Do you feel tired?”
It is not enough to be tired to seek testosterone replacement therapy. Dr. O’Leary states that general fatigue and malaise are not on my priority list. They will need to be tested for any significant symptoms. The testosterone level in most men is normal.
A man with testosterone levels below the normal range could be tempted to take TRT hormone supplements, often for life. Dr. Pallais said there is a “testerol trap”. Men start testosterone replacement because they feel better. But then, it can be difficult to stop.
The body stops producing testosterone after treatment. Because their testosterone production is still low, men can feel a significant difference after they stop treatment.
If we could be certain that long-term hormone therapy was safe, this wouldn’t be so important. However, some experts are concerned that low-T therapy may expose men to small risks that could lead to more harm in the future.
What are the potential risks associated with testosterone therapy?
Very few men experience side effects from testosterone treatment immediately. These include acne, sleep disturbances, breast tenderness or swelling, and swelling of the ankles. High red blood cell counts can increase the risk for clotting. Doctors are also on guard.
Long-term testosterone therapy may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in men who have been using it for a long time. In 2010, the Testosterone in Older Men Study was halted after early results revealed that testosterone replacement therapy caused more heart problems in men. Dr. Pallais states that “in older men, the theoretical cardiac side effects are a little more urgent.”
A few doctors are also concerned that testosterone therapy may stimulate the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. The evidence for the possible cardiac risks is mixed. Because prostate cancer is so common doctors are cautious about prescribing testosterone for men at high risk.
Hormone replacement therapy for men is often a good option for male patients who have low levels of testosterone. For most men, it is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. This gives men who are feeling bad a chance to feel better. However, this quick fix can distract from long-term risks. Dr. Pallais states that “I cannot tell you for sure that this increases your personal risk of prostate cancer and heart problems, or that it does.”
When considering testosterone therapy, or any other therapies, be aware of the risks. Dr. Pallais warns against it “especially if the man is borderline,”
Energy boosters that are easy to use
These steps will help you feel more active today, without the need for drugs or dietary supplements.
Pace yourself you can do different activities throughout the day.
Take a walk.It can give you a lift if you feel tired.
Take care of your snack:Between meals, eat a snack that contains fiber and protein.
Be cautious
It is yet to be completed a large and definitive trial of hormone treatment for men. Here’s how to approach testosterone therapy until then.
First, take stock of your health.
You may also be suffering from fatigue, low sex drive and other symptoms that are related to low testosterone. Do you eat a healthy, balanced diet? Are you a regular runner? Are you getting enough sleep? These are the factors to consider before you look into hormone replacement therapy for men.
Have you considered the possibility of psychological or relationship issues that might be contributing to your current sex life?
You may suspect that “low T” is the cause of erectile problems. However, cardiovascular disease can also be a factor.
Get an exact assessment
Test results that are not accurate or correctly interpreted can lead to false diagnosis or missed cases of testosterone deficiency. The peak time for testosterone testing is between 7 and 10 a.m. A second test should be done on another day to confirm a low reading. It might take multiple measurements and careful interpretation in order to determine bioavailable testosterone or the hormone’s effects on the body. Get a second opinion from an endocrinologist.
Follow-up visits with your doctor are recommended after starting therapy to ensure that you have regular testosterone tests and other lab checks to confirm that the therapy isn’t causing any health problems.
There are unknown risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy.
If you have a high risk of prostate cancer, severe symptoms from prostate enlargement, heart disease, or multiple risk factors, it is important to be cautious about testosterone therapy.
Ask your doctor about side effects of different testosterone formulations. There are three types of testosterone treatments: patches, gels, and injections. If something goes wrong, know what to do.
Be realistic about your expectations
It is not a miracle cure for all your problems. It is not proven to restore your physical or sexual fitness, prolong your life, prevent or treat heart disease, prostate cancer or improve your memory and mental sharpness. These expectations should not be a reason to seek TRT therapy.
Testosterone therapy may not be able to fix a problem with erectile dysfunction. It may increase your sex drive, but it will not make it possible to take action. For erection problems, you may need medication or another therapy.