Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age

Testosterone Therapy Treatment Types, Uses & Risks

Some experts recommend checking a peak testosterone level 2 days after an IM injection.[3] Checking levels should usually wait for 30 days after starting therapy to allow for full therapeutic stabilization. If a supernormal level is found, a smaller dosage is suggested. Then, the process is repeated until optimal levels are achieved. This will include a blood test taken in the morning between 7 and 9 a.m., during which your testosterone levels are typically the highest, along with a complete hormone lab workup if needed, he says. “If men harbor any of the hallmark symptoms of low T and hypogonadism, I advise they meet with an andrology specialist for a thorough history and physical exam and to have their testosterone levels checked,” says Dr. Muthigi.

Previously, interest in testosterone therapy rarely came up in appointments, she said. While the treatment may have an impact on muscle strength and how people feel, LaPook said there is limited evidence on the extent of potential benefits and potential dangers. Testosterone replacement therapy, which involves taking manufactured forms of testosterone, has surged in popularity. Prescriptions for the treatment rose from 7.3 million in 2019 to more than 11 million last year. “Injections of hCG are sometimes used as an alternative to testosterone products in men for low testosterone and to help improve fertility.”

Testosterone therapy can help reverse the effects of hypogonadism, but it’s unclear whether testosterone therapy would benefit older men who are otherwise healthy. The male hormone testosterone plays an important role in the development and maintenance of typical masculine physical characteristics, such as muscle mass and strength, and growth of facial and body hair. Considering testosterone therapy to help you feel younger and more vigorous as you age? Antiandrogens can cause diarrhea, breast tenderness, nausea, hot flashes, loss of libido, and erectile dysfunction. The antiandrogen flutamide may damage the liver, and enzalutamide and apalutamide may cause fractures. Darolutamide may avoid some central nervous system–related side effects seen with enzalutamide and apalutamide, such as seizures and falls. Androgens (male sex hormones) are a class of hormones that control the development and maintenance of male characteristics.

Any unauthorized or illegal use, copying or dissemination will be prosecuted. Please read our disclaimer for more information about our website. Review our editorial policy to learn more about our process for producing accurate, current and balanced content. Testosterone therapy can enhance athletic and physical performance. Athletes use it to boost strength and stamina, but it can also help men with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.

Want to use this content on your website or other digital platform? Androgen synthesis inhibitors approved in the United States include abiraterone (Yonsa, Zytiga) and ketoconazole. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and want an evaluation, give either our Lafayette or Hope Mills men’s health and wellness clinic a call today.

Levels of testosterone were measured at one, two, three, six, nine, and 12 months, with an extra year of follow-up. In addition to signs of androgen deficiency, or lower levels of male sex hormones, particularly testosterone, the presence of complaints such as reduced sexual desire, difficulty in walking, or low energy were a prerequisite for participation. Even if you put all those issues aside, many trials still find no effect of supplements on testosterone levels. In one review article, only 9 of 32 trials that tested various herbs and botanicals found a benefit.

Testosterone levels can decline for various reasons, including stress, aging, trauma, and infections. Once you start TRT, you’ll have regular appointments with your healthcare provider and routine blood tests. But it’s important to remember that TRT comes with potential risks and side effects. Ultimately, it can significantly impact your quality of life, both physically and emotionally. The investment in TRT can be worthwhile in preventing the long-term costs of health struggles and a drop in life satisfaction. The approval covers people whose cancer is at high risk of coming back.

Testosterone treatment is not advised for men with prostate or breast cancer. Additionally, testosterone therapy may worsen sleep apnea in older people. The effects of testosterone replacement therapy on mood can vary. Men with hypogonadism reported improved mood and well-being, and reduced fatigue and irritability. Research suggests that this treatment may also be an effective anti-depressant treatment. dim testosterone booster (speech-language-therapy.com) injection may cause a decrease in the number of sperm (male reproductive cells) produced, especially if it is used at high doses. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication if you are a man and would like to have children.