Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times
Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times
He explained that if patients are feeling bad, you want them to feel better right away, and you can always adjust the dose down the line. When we previously talked about menopausal hormone replacement therapy with our guest, Dr Monica Christmas, she gave similar guidance. Primary hypogonadism refers to a testicular injury or malfunction of some kind that causes a disruption of your testicles’ ability to produce testosterone. These causes can be genetic or acquired later in life through viral or bacterial infections, direct injuries or by other means like chemotherapy or radiation. A certain amount of testosterone may be necessary for healthy arteries because it’s converted into estrogen, which protects arteries from damage. As yet, no studies show that testosterone replacement protects the heart or prevents heart attacks.
For example, if you have pituitary disease, you may need therapy for the rest of your life. If you’re trying to does monster energy increase testosterone (https://akteon.fr/misc/pgs/complement_alimentaire_pour_maigrir_2.html) your sex drive, 6 months may do the trick. If low testosterone is caused by a pituitary gland problem, treatment with pituitary hormones may stimulate sperm production and improve fertility. There are concerns about possible increased risks of heart disease and possible risks of prostate cancer development – neither of which have been clearly shown in studies to date. Low testosterone can also be caused by a problem with parts of the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) which make the hormones that stimulate the testicles to make testosterone. See the separate leaflet called Pituitary Gland Disorders for further information.
If we test a patient without fasting and they’re in the 270 ng/dL range, their fasting value would potentially be around 320 ng/dL. Maybe you’ve been considering a vasectomy but haven’t quite finalized your decision yet because you’re worried about the side effects. Or maybe you’ve already been snipped and you’re wondering What if my vasectomy caused my decrease in low testosterone? Wherever you are on that journey to understanding the ins and outs of this simple and potentially reversible procedure, you should know that a vasectomy doesn’t impact your testosterone levels at all.
One of the most persistent myths around TRT is that it makes men overly aggressive or “unnatural.” The reality? Testosterone replacement also affects metabolic parameters, with effects on cholesterol occurring in 4 weeks, peaking at 6–12 months, and blood sugar levels improving after 3–12 months. Research into the relationship between low testosterone and several other health conditions is ongoing. Experts don’t suggest that low testosterone causes these conditions. That is, men with medical problems or who are in poor general health might then develop low testosterone.
You may be affected by primary, secondary, or mixed hypogonadism. People undergoing glucocorticoid therapy can develop the condition. It also can affect people with sickle-cell disease, thalassemia, or alcoholism. As a provider, that significant decrease in sex drive, more than anything, is probably the best indicator that you should move forward and conduct hypogonadism testing. Other patient-reported issues like depression, fatigue, and general malaise are not, in and of themselves, great indicators of testosterone level. And these other issues may not even resolve if you opt to treat.
Low testosterone is a common side effect of the aging process in males. Most cases of low testosterone are treatable, and being aware of the symptoms can help a person to receive an early diagnosis and treatment. The American Urology Association (AUA) defines hypogonadism as total testosterone level of less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). The diagnosis is only made after two testosterone lab checks are done and the patient has symptoms.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause testosterone deficiency. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common treatment for low testosterone. People with low testosterone, especially older males, may have lower bone volume and be more susceptible to bone fractures. In people with fertility problems, low testosterone may be a symptom of a testicular function issue causing infertility rather than a cause of infertility itself. However, anyone who experiences one or more of the above symptoms should seek medical attention. A male with low testosterone may notice a reduction in the size of their testicles that is not related to cold temperatures.
“On a societal scale, this could exacerbate population challenges, particularly in countries already experiencing aging populations and workforce shortages,” he says. Even though testosterone is incredibly important for sperm production, moderately low levels do not cause low sperm counts. Testosterone drug treatment, however, will shut down sperm production; it is never used when fertility is being considered.
Healthy male testosterone levels range between 450 and 600 ng/dL. Low testosterone is when testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL. Some research suggests that hot flashes may be a symptom of very low testosterone levels. However, a 2017 study on testosterone supplementation did not find memory improvements in 493 men with low testosterone levels who took testosterone or a placebo.