Low testosterone levels can occur in men at any age, but are most commonly a natural part of ageing. Natural or not, a lack of testosterone can cause a range of debilitating symptoms that may have a serious impact on a man’s daily life. The impacts of low levels of male hormones include poor sleep, mood disturbances, reduced sex drive and reduced energy.
Increasing numbers of men are turning to testosterone therapy TRT to restore their zest for life.
Read on to discover more about this popular treatment and whether TRT would be safe for you.
What is testosterone replacement therapy?
TRT or testosterone replacement therapy is a popular supplementary therapy to increase levels of the male hormone, testosterone.
The treatment boosts circulating testosterone. It may be delivered via testosterone injections, oral testosterone or testosterone gel for topical use.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Testosterone deficiency can cause a range of symptoms. Many men become aware that something is not right when they start to experience the following:
- low libido
- fewer spontaneous erections and erectile dysfunction
- swollen or tender breasts
- reduced muscle mass
- increased body fat
- tiredness
- difficulty in concentrating
- disturbed sleep
If you are suffering from these symptoms, you can book an assessment at The Menopause Clinic here.
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
When a man presents to his doctor or other health professional with the above symptoms, he is likely to be offered blood tests.
If a blood test indicates low testosterone levels in an otherwise healthy man, your health professional may suggest testosterone treatment.
Potential risks: Is testosterone replacement therapy safe?
Like all medical treatments, testosterone therapy may have side effects.
Recorded side effects of testosterone treatment include:
- weight gain
- an increased risk of blood clots due to a raised red blood cell count
- worsening sleep apnea
However, close monitoring and regular blood tests will ensure that hormone levels remain within the normal range. For most men, the benefits of testosterone therapy outweigh the risks.
Prostate health and TRT
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may not be a good candidate for testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone appears to stimulate prostate cancer growth in men who have the condition.
However, testosterone therapy doesn’t cause prostate cancer in healthy men.
How quickly does testosterone treatment work?
Most men find that they notice an improvement in energy and sexual function a few weeks after they start testosterone replacement therapy.
It may take longer to see an impact on muscle mass and body shape.
What are the other benefits of treating testosterone deficiency?
TRT will alleviate the above symptoms of low testosterone, but may have other benefits too.
Research shows that maintaining normal testosterone levels with TRT can improve insulin sensitivity, helping protect against diabetes.
Men with low testosterone levels are at increased risk of poor bone density, the cause of osteoporosis. Testosterone therapy may boost bone health, protecting against fractures.
Men’s Health and Testosterone Therapy at Face Medical
We provide all patients with a comprehensive health screening, including blood tests, before recommending testosterone replacement therapy.
A bespoke treatment plan will be created for you, and your response to it will be closely monitored during regular appointments at The Menopause Clinic.
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