Around the age of 30, a man’s testosterone levels naturally start to decline. This can cause a number of symptoms such as decreased sex drive, weight gain, fatigue, and more. If you are experiencing these symptoms and think that you may be suffering from low testosterone levels, you may want to consider testosterone therapy. In this blog post, we will discuss what testosterone is, how it is used by the body, who would make a good candidate for therapy, and how therapy works. We hope this information helps you make an informed decision about whether or not testosterone therapy is right for you!
What is Testosterone and What Does it Do?
Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by the testicles. It is responsible for the development of male characteristics such as facial hair and a deep voice. Testosterone also plays a role in sperm production, sex drive, fat distribution, red blood cell production, bone density, and muscle mass.
What Happens to Testosterone with Age?
Testosterone levels are at their highest during adolescence and early adulthood. Then, around the age of 30 or 40, testosterone levels start to drop by about 1% every year. In addition to aging, low testosterone levels can be caused by a number of things such as injuries, infections, or medications. This can result in the symptoms such as:
• Fatigue
• Loss of muscle mass
• Weight gain
• Decreased sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may have low testosterone levels. However, these symptoms can also have other causes so it is important to have your testosterone levels checked before starting any type of testosterone therapy. In the case that your levels are normal, testosterone therapy can actually stop your body from producing testosterone.
Who Would Make a Good Candidate for Testosterone Therapy?
If you have low testosterone levels and are experiencing symptoms, you may be a good candidate for testosterone therapy. Generally speaking, your doctor may recommend testosterone therapy if your levels are below 300 ng/dL and you are experiencing symptoms. However, there are some risks associated with therapy that you should be aware of before making a decision. Some of the risks include:
• Sleep apnea
• Acne
• Increased red blood cell count
• Prostate enlargement
• Breast enlargement or tenderness
Before starting therapy, it is important to speak with your doctor about the risks and whether or not therapy is right for you.
How Does Testosterone Therapy Work?
If you and your doctor decide that testosterone therapy is right for you, there are a few different ways that therapy can be administered. The most common methods are through intramuscular injections, skin patches, or gels. Injections are typically given every two to four weeks while patches and gels are applied daily. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when applying or administering therapy.
The goal of testosterone therapy is to improve symptoms by bringing hormone levels back to normal. It can take a few weeks or months for you to start seeing and feeling the effects of therapy. Some of the common effects include:
• Increased sex drive
• Improved erectile function
• Increased muscle mass
• Decreased body fat
• Improved mood
If you are experiencing any negative effects from therapy, be sure to speak with your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or treatment plan.
In Conclusion
Testosterone therapy is a big decision. We hope that this blog post has helped you to better understand what testosterone is, how it affects the body, and what to expect from therapy. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact our office. We are here to help!
