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Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men

Writer's picture: Heather BurdoHeather Burdo

Testosterone is an essential hormone that plays a pivotal role in men's overall health and vitality. It involves various physiological functions like metabolism, sexual development, bone and muscle maintenance, and cognitive processing.


When testosterone levels dip below healthy ranges, either due to age or a clinical condition called hypogonadism, a constellation of undesirable symptoms can surface - low energy, diminished sex drive, decreased stamina, loss of muscle mass, impaired fertility, and more.


What is Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone therapy involves taking testosterone medications to treat low testosterone, or hypogonadism, in men. It can be given through injections, gels, patches, and other delivery methods to restore testosterone levels back to a healthy range. This helps alleviate low testosterone symptoms like low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and depleted energy levels.


Testosterone therapy is often used to treat secondary hypogonadism triggered by dysfunction in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Restoring proper testosterone levels can improve sexual, cognitive, muscular, and other functions impacted by hormone deficiency.


Why Men Use Testosterone Therapy

Men pursue testosterone therapy for several reasons. Most often, it is to find relief from uncomfortable signs and symptoms tied directly to low testosterone. This includes challenges like impaired sexual function, reduced muscle mass, high body fat, persistent fatigue, infertility issues, and mental fogginess. Some men use it to help counter age-associated testosterone decline.


However, research is still unclear about the effectiveness and prudence of age-related testosterone treatment, especially regarding heart health. Appropriate treatment is driven by the presence of a verifiable testosterone deficiency combined with negative effects on quality of life.


Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men

When properly administered to men with clinically low testosterone, the sex hormone, research shows testosterone therapy can offer potential benefits of testosterone therapy:


  • Reduced sex drive

  • Erectile function

  • Loss of lean muscle mass

  • Increase sperm production and sperm count

  • Reduced bone density

  • Improved sexual desire

The impacts on fertility, cognitive function, mood, and other aspects in testosterone-deficient men is still being explored. Evidence overall is mixed, subtle, or limited regarding these ancillary benefits.


Who Should Not Take TRT?

Testosterone therapy is not appropriate for all men as they may have adverse effects of testosterone replacement. Those with breast or prostate cancer face increased health risks from elevated testosterone. Careful assessment of cancer risk and monitoring of the prostate is essential. Treatment should also be avoided in those seeking solely anti-aging benefits given uncertainty around cardiovascular and prostate health.


Given potential impacts on fertility, some younger hypogonadal men may choose gonadotropin therapy instead to stimulate natural testosterone production. Your Louisiana men's health clinic can help you determine if you have a potential risk and if you would experience the risks of testosterone therapy.


How Long Do I Have to Take Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

There is no universal duration for testosterone therapy. The goal of treatment is to effectively raise testosterone levels long enough to manage symptoms impairing health and quality of life. This relief of low testosterone signs and symptoms dictates the length of time therapy should continue, along with close monitoring for efficacy and safety. Periodic attempts to taper testosterone therapy could assess whether an individual’s natural testosterone production recovers and remains at healthy levels.


How Do I Take Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Testosterone replacement medications come in multiple forms – injections, patches, gels, and more. Healthcare providers determine the preparation type and dosage regimen customized to the patient's individual needs. Transdermal patches and gels applied regularly to the skin are common delivery routes.


Injections of testosterone cypionate or enanthate directly into the muscle are another option, sustaining treatment over weeks or months between doses. Strict adherence to the prescribed therapy regimen and communicating any side effects to one’s provider are vital.


Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy Treat ED?

Testosterone therapy can effectively improve erectile dysfunction in hypogonadal men. Research indicates restoring testosterone levels to physiological concentrations often helps enhance sexual function, interest, and performance.


However, response varies based on age, duration of ED, metabolic syndrome, and the origin of the dysfunction – either hormonal or caused by vascular or nervous system issues. Sometimes, combining testosterone therapy with other ED treatments proves most effective. Working with one’s doctor is key to determining if TRT is appropriate and likely to treat one’s erectile challenges adequately.


Work With Our Compassionate Team for Erectile Dysfunction in Louisiana

You do not need to struggle alone if you are dealing with the effects of erectile dysfunction and Low T. Schedule a consultation at our men's health clinic in LA. We can't wait to help you.

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Laurie Stumpf, FNP-C LLC

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