Could you have low testosterone?: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

A Review of Testosterone Therapy Options for Men

There are many options for TRT, each of which has its benefits and disadvantages. The decision about which one is right for you will depend on your personal preferences and a discussion with your physician. In some cases, different insurance companies may cover one option and not another, which may also be taken into consideration. If the desired effects are not achieved with your initial choice, a different option can be tried to see if it is a better fit for you. A summary of the most commonly used TRT options is provided below.

Treatment with these drugs can also be considered a form of medical castration. Hormone therapy is also called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The goal of this treatment is to reduce levels of male hormones, called androgens, in the body, or to stop them from fueling prostate cancer cell growth.

Prostate cancer needs testosterone to grow, therefore taking TRT may make the cancer cells grow faster. The National Cancer Research Institute states that men with higher levels of testosterone in their blood are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Gradual absorption causes more stable testosterone levels in the blood. TRT can cause fluctuations in testosterone levels, which can affect energy levels, libido, mood, and the presence of symptoms such as breast tenderness. If symptoms of low testosterone are interfering with your quality of life, know that you don’t have to just grin and bear it.

Testosterone therapy should be initiated only after two morning total serum testosterone measurements show decreased levels, and all patients should be counseled on the potential risks and benefits before starting therapy. Potential benefits of therapy include increased libido, improved sexual function, improved mood and well-being, and increased muscle mass and bone density; however, there is little or mixed evidence confirming clinically significant benefits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that testosterone therapy may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. Other possible risks include rising prostate-specific antigen levels, worsening lower urinary tract symptoms, polycythemia, and increased risk of venous thromboembolism.

As hormone levels fluctuate depending on activity levels, diet, and the time of day, doctors usually take two different blood samples before noon. They may sometimes also ask for imaging studies and additional tests, such as tests for luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulation hormone, to determine the cause of the low testosterone levels. Some of these signs and symptoms can be caused by other factors, including medication side effects, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems, diabetes and depression. It’s also possible that these conditions cause low testosterone levels, so treatment might result in increase of testosterone levels. Exercise may help reduce some of the side effects of hormone therapy, including bone loss, muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue, and insulin resistance (12, 18).

Harvard Health emphasizes that TRT should be tailored to the individual and revisited frequently to minimize risks and optimize outcomes. Endocrine Society is a global community of physicians and scientists dedicated to accelerating scientific breakthroughs and improving patient health and well being. For 100 years, the Endocrine Society has been at the forefront of hormone science and public health. Read about our history and how we continue to serve the endocrine community. An increase in PSA level greater than 25% or 1.4 ng/mL within any 12-month period should be repeated and, if confirmed, considered suspicious. The FDA discontinued testosterone solutions in 2017 due to the high incidence of abuse by athletes and bodybuilders. injections of testosterone (ecampania.it) are also common and may be ideal for those who don’t eat breakfast, have absorption issues or have personal concerns surrounding gels and transference.

Typically, a maximum of 6 months of therapy may be prescribed per prescription. Male hypogonadism should be diagnosed only if there are signs or symptoms of hypogonadism and total serum testosterone levels are low on at least two occasions. Testosterone plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including muscle and bone health, cognition, red blood cell and sperm formation, and sexual and reproductive function in males. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves testosterone replacement therapy for males who have low testosterone levels due to a known medical condition (hypogonadism).

Testicle shrinkage is prevented with hCG and should always be taken with testosterone. Human chorionic gonadotropin or hCGhCG is a drug that helps to stimulate the testes to produce testosterone naturally. It is prescribed with testosterone to prevent the testicles from shrinking during treatment. If testosterone is taken by itself, it interrupts the connection between the brain and testicles. The testes will stop producing testosterone and over time will begin to shrink. In some cases, the testicles will shrivel up to the size of raisins.

Testosterone replacement therapy, which is increasingly becoming known simply as testosterone therapy (TTh) in the medical field, treats men who have low T with testosterone that has been manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. Currently testosterone therapy is the only FDA approved treatment for men diagnosed with hypogonadism. According to a study completed at the University of North Carolina, the number of prescriptions for testosterone supplements increased fivefold over a four-year period. Having a low testosterone level between 300 to 400 isn’t dangerous to you health. However, if a man’s testosterone drops below 300, there is an increased risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.