The Science Behind Testosterone Replacement Therapy
by Action Men's Health | July 17, 2018 | Testosterone |
Testosterone in Healthy Men
- It is produced in the testicles.
- Regulates: bone density, muscle mass, sex drive, and sperm production.
- Peaks in early adulthood and begins to decline around 40 years.
- Normal range: 300 to 1000-1200 nanograms per deciliter
Low Testosterone
- Levels lower than 300ng/dl need to be assessed to make sure they aren’t due to simple aging.
- Low T is the underproduction or lack of testosterone production
- Causes can be diabetes, infection, obesity, chronic medical conditions like liver or kidney disease, or other hormonal conditions.
- Symptoms are: change in sleep patterns, reduced sex drive, sexual dysfunction, infertility, emotional changes, decreased strength, loss of bone density, weight gain.
- Diagnosis: includes comprehensive physical, blood work, health history.
Low Testosterone Treatments
- Testosterone injections are the recommended treatment to avoid the transfer and to maximize efficiency.
- hCG and estrogen blockers are also prescribed
- There are also gels, patches, and putty — however, their efficacy is suspect and gels can be accidentally transferred to family members or loved ones on contact.