Testosterone therapy is a medical treatment that is commonly used to treat hypogonadism, a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. Here are some key points to keep in mind if you are considering testosterone therapy for hypogonadism:
What is hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone, the hormone responsible for male sexual development and characteristics. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic disorders, injury to the testicles, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain medications.
Symptoms of hypogonadism can include:
How is hypogonadism diagnosed?
Hypogonadism is typically diagnosed through blood tests that measure testosterone levels. In addition to measuring total testosterone levels, other tests may be performed to measure free testosterone levels, which are not bound to proteins in the blood and are more readily available to the body’s tissues. Other tests may be performed to evaluate other hormone levels and to rule out other underlying medical conditions.
What is testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy is a medical treatment that involves the administration of testosterone to increase testosterone levels in the body. Testosterone can be administered in a variety of forms, including injections, skin patches, gels, and pellets. The choice of administration method depends on individual factors such as personal preference and medical history.
- Increased muscle mass and strength: Testosterone therapy can help to build and maintain muscle mass, leading to a leaner and more toned physique. This can improve overall physical function and reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as osteoporosis.
- Improved sexual function and libido: Testosterone therapy can help to improve sexual function and libido in men with hypogonadism.
- Improved bone density: Testosterone therapy can help to improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Improved mood and energy levels: Testosterone therapy has been shown to improve mood and energy levels in men with hypogonadism.
- Acne: Testosterone therapy can cause acne and other skin reactions.
- Increased risk of blood clots: Testosterone therapy may increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to serious health problems such as stroke or heart attack.
- Enlarged prostate: Testosterone therapy can cause the prostate gland to enlarge, which can cause problems with urination.
- Breast enlargement: Testosterone therapy can cause breast enlargement in some men.