There is a debate regarding this subject and maybe it would not hurt to remember that women thought the hormone therapy was the perfect solution�until they realized that no one can predict the long time effects, even if it seemed to be of tremendous help in menopause. Research show now that there are serious risks involved.
Right, but let�s get back to men. Indeed, testosterone is the primary androgenic hormone responsible for normal growth and development of male sex organs and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt, M.D. from Mayo Clinic Rochester said: "We just can't predict all the potential harmful effects of taking hormones even though on the surface they may seem beneficial."
The classical Testosterone therapy has been administrated as treatment to men with low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) but lately healthy aging men have taken the hormone with the sole purpose to increase their testosterone levels assuming that the other benefits of youth so to speak, will follow.
Although this has a sound logic, there have not been extensive long term studies on this subject, therefore the testosterone therapy must be looked at taking into consideration that behind the mask of the evident positive effects, there can be hidden some serious possible risks.
Even if there in not enough research on this subject, the possible risks of testosterone therapy include prostate problems and infertility.
The only accurate way to determine if your testosterone level is lower then normal is to have it tested by your doctor within a blood test. There are some symptoms that show a possible low testosterone level but they can be misinterpreted if the tests are not performed, so it is recommended that you have your doctor tell you whether you need this kind of therapy or not.
Let�s see the changes that occur in the body due to testosterone deficiency:
1. Decrease in muscle mass and strength, with an increase in body fat.
2. Changes in cholesterol levels.
3. Decrease in hemoglobin and possibly mild anemia.
4. Fragile bones (osteoporosis).
5. Decrease in body hair.
6. Changes in cholesterol levels and lipid levels.
7. Decreased energy
8. Less sexual interest or potency
9. Depressed mood
If you're experiencing these signs and symptoms, talk to your doctor. This way you can get the proper help and he/she can determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best treatment plan.
Let�s look now at the benefits of testosterone therapy as well as at the possible hidden risks involved.
Pros:
-restore sexual function
-prevent bone loss increasing bone mineral density
-protect against heart disease (atherosclerosis)
-improve muscle mass and strength
-thicken body hair and skin
-improve sexual desire
-boost energy
-decrease irritability and depression
-improve cognitive function
To increase the level of testosterone in older and healthy men is said to provide the same benefits - according to the opinions of some testosterone therapy enthusiasts. For these reasons this therapy seems ideal, however it doesn�t mean it doesn�t have any risks. I will enlist them below:
Cons:
- stimulate noncancerous (benign) growth of the prostate and cause or worsen urinary symptoms
- stimulate growth of prostate cancer that's already present
- enlarge breasts (gynecomastia)
- stimulate growth of breast cancer that's already present
- cause testicle shrinkage (testicular atrophy)
- limit sperm production (infertility)
- stimulate excess blood production (polycythemia that can lead to stroke)
- cause skin reactions
- cause fluid retention
- cause baldness
- cause or aggravate sleep apnea (brief, repeated cessation of breathing during sleep)
- cause acne
The debate continues and even if no significant scientific studies have been made, the number of testosterone therapy prescriptions appears to be growing, the popularity of testosterone therap
