Men find a decrease in their hormone levels as they grow older. The hormone testosterone, which maintains a healthy balance in the body, starts to lower with age. It is natural to experience the gradual reduction of the hormone in the male body.
However, it becomes a cause for concern when testosterone reaches unnaturally low levels. It can lead to certain health conditions and also cause dysfunction of the testicles. Read on to learn more about hormone replacement therapy for men.
Why is Testosterone Essential for Men?
Testosterone performs various essential functions in the male body. The hormone called testosterone is in charge of the maturation of male sexual features.
Testosterone hormones are chemicals that the body produces to bring changes during the lifecycle. Although female bodies also produce this hormone, it is often in lesser concentrations.
The pituitary gland and the brain are responsible for regulating the production of testosterone and maintaining its levels.
Once created, the hormone travels through the blood to perform its crucial tasks. It is a particular androgen that is mostly produced by Leydig cells in the testicles. Along with sperm generation, testosterone controls various other processes in males. Some of these functions include
- Promote sexual development
- Aids in Keeping up bone density and retaining strength
- Helps in bulking up the muscles.
- Maintains a healthy reproductive process.
- Controls the growth of facial and body hair.
- Sustaining normal red blood cell counts.
What are the Signs of a Low Testosterone in Men?
Extremely low levels of testosterone production in men can induce certain symptoms in the body. Some of these include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Shrinkage of testicles
- Highly reduced sperm count
- Diminished sex drive
- Shedding of pubic and armpit hair
- Experiencing low mood
- Weight gain in the recent past
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Concentration and memory problems.
How Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help Men?
Although men must maintain their testosterone levels, they inevitably fall with time. An active disease or condition may bring on the hormone shortage if signs of severe or chronic low testosterone are present.
Moreover, men become infertile when their testosterone levels are insufficient. This is so because testosterone helps mature sperm to grow.
Extremely low testosterone can compromise several bodily processes. Hormone Therapy For Men can prove beneficial in restoring the testosterone level. TRT mostly affects blood levels of hemoglobin and bone density, according to studies.
However, according to a new study, men who receive TRT and have their testosterone levels return to normal may also experience an additional advantage from TRT in terms of overall mortality and stroke.
Unnaturally low amounts of testosterone can result from the disorder of hypogonadism. The body cannot produce the appropriate testosterone level due to a testicular malfunction in this condition.
Even if a man has low testosterone levels, the Endocrine Society advises that doctors should not provide TRT to males younger than 65. TRT for guys younger than this is associated with unknown dangers and unproven benefits.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Men
If you have an exceedingly low level of testosterone or have hypogonadism, you may benefit from testosterone therapy in the following ways.
Helps in weight management: The therapy can help you regulate your weight by improving your metabolism. It helps reduce the accumulation of fats in the body.
Boosts energy levels: As fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of low testosterone, the therapy can help bring back vitality. You may feel more energetic and have a boost in endurance.
Increased muscular mass: When your testosterone levels are balanced, weightlifting and resistance activities provide superior outcomes.
Improved Sex Drive: Testosterone treatment has also consistently increased libido for males with low baseline testosterone levels.
Who Can Take Testosterone Therapy?
You may take up testosterone therapy to improve the levels if you have very low testosterone levels below the normal range of 300 ng/dL or hypogonadism.
Getting a blood test is the best way to find the levels of testosterone in the body. Since testosterone therapy may induce certain side effects in some men, it is best to consult a professional medical practitioner before undergoing any treatment.
Moreover, people with certain conditions should not undergo treatment as it can worsen their condition. Some of them include:
- Those who have breast cancer or prostate cancer.
- People with severe urinary tract issues.
- Suffering from untreated sleep apnea.
- Anyone with a heart condition.
What are the Different Types of Hormone Therapy for Men?
Testosterone therapy is available in different forms for men, as mentioned below. You may choose any of these according to affordability, convenience, and needs.
Intramuscular Testosterone Injections
Injections are administered under the skin or in a muscle, mostly of your buttocks. You need to take them every two to three weeks to maintain the testosterone level.
Nasal Gel
Nasal gels are available in the form of sprays that you pump into your nostrils. You must use the pump three times a day and spray it twice in each nostril.
Topical Testosterone Gel
You may apply the gel on your shoulder, upper arm, or inner things. You should leave it for several hours to allow it to absorb properly into the skin.
Testosterone Patches
Patches are for your arms, abdomen, back, and buttocks. You must ensure to keep the patches in rotation by applying them on various sites.
Gum and Cheek Testosterone
It is a little-putty-like material applied to the natural depression right above the front teeth at the junction of your inner lip and gums.
Your bloodstream absorbs the testosterone through the gums as the putty sticks to the gum line. You need to apply it to the gums three times a day for it to be effective.
Pallet Implants
A doctor implants the testosterone pallets surgically under the skin through an incision. The procedure is repeated once between three and six months.
Certain forms of testosterone therapy may have some adverse side effects, which you should discuss with your medical practitioner before deciding on one. Some of these include skin irritation, acne, the risk of a blood clot, and low sperm production, among others.
Wrapping Up
The sex hormone testosterone has significant physiological functions. It is considered to control the generation of red blood cells, muscle mass, fat distribution, production of sperm, and sex desire (libido) in males.
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