Treating low testosterone: If low testosterone is diagnosed, the missing hormones can be replaced with hormone replacement therapy to bring the body’s testosterone levels back to normal. This should remove symptoms of hypogonadism and related sexual problems. Testosterone replacement therapy can be given in different forms. A doctor will discuss the different options before deciding which one is most appropriate. Testosterone levels may need to be checked after treatment begins so the right dose can be given.
Testosterone replacement therapy options
Injections: Regular injections are given deep into a muscle, called intramuscular injections. Depending on the type of injection recommended, these can be every two to three weeks to every three months. These may be injected by a doctor or practice nurse, self-injected or done by a partner. Carried out correctly, these shouldn’t be too painful.
Implants: Cylindrical pellets are inserted in the abdomen, buttock or thigh by a doctor under local anesthetic once every three to six months.
Capsules: These are swallowed on a daily basis but give a lower dose of hormones than other methods.
Patches: These work similar to nicotine patches for people trying to quit smoking and deliver testosterone gradually through the skin using a new patch each day.
Gum or buccal testosterone: Testosterone gum is put in the mouth above the front teeth.
Testosterone gel: Gel is applied to the skin, usually on the shoulder, arm or abdomen. This need to be used after showering to stop it washing off too soon.
Testosterone is an important sex hormone. It's a type of hormone called an androgen. You may hear testosterone described as a male hormone. But women also make testosterone, although they make much less of it. In women, testosterone is made mostly by the ovaries, although some is also made by the adrenal glands. Testosterone gives men their male characteristics, such as facial hair and a deep voice. It also triggers sexual development and helps the growth of muscles and bones. Testosterone can also be used as a treatment. It can help start puberty in boys who are very late in developing. Testosterone can also be used to treat symptoms of the menopause. Doctors don't often prescribe it, but they may do if a woman is worried about her loss of sex drive. Testosterone may increase sexual desire and arousal in women going through the menopause. It's usually prescribed in addition to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For the menopause, you normally have testosterone as an implant (a small pellet put under your skin). Testosterone also comes as capsules (Restandol), a skin patch (Intrinsa) and injections.
If low testosterone is diagnosed as causing a man's erectile dysfunction, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended. Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles and is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. Testosterone is also important for maintaining muscle bulk, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone growth, a sense of well-being and sexual function.
As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his body gradually declines. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life. Other causes of lowered testosterone levels include:
Injury, infection or loss of the testicles
Chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment for cancer
Genetic abnormalities such as Klinefelter’s syndrome (extra X chromosome)
Haemochromatosis (too much iron in the body)
Dysfunction of the pituitary gland (a gland in the brain that produces many important hormones)
Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis (a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs)
Medications, especially hormones used to treat prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs
Chronic illness
Chronic kidney failure
Liver cirrhosis
Stress
Alcoholism
The significance of testosterone decline is controversial and poorly understood. Without adequate testosterone a man may lose his sex drive, experience erectile dysfunction, feel depressed, have a decreased sense of well-being and have difficulty concentrating.
What changes occur in the body due to testosterone deficiency:
Decrease in muscle mass, with an increase in body fat
Decrease in hemoglobin and possibly mild anemia
Fragile bones (osteoporosis)
Decrease in body hair
Changes in cholesterol levels and lipid levels
The only accurate way to detect the condition is to have your doctor measure the amount of testosterone in your blood. Because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, several measurements will need to be taken to detect a deficiency. Doctors prefer, if possible, to test levels early in the morning since this is when testosterone levels are at their highest.
No comments:
Post a Comment