Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
What is testosterone? Is it really important to have testosterone replacement therapy? Testosterone’s role in the human body governs the growth and development of male sex organs as well as the development of the secondary sex characteristics, such as deep voice, facial hair, and muscle mass. Women have testosterone to, but to a much smaller degree. Testosterone is made in the male testes. Failure of the testes to produce normal levels of testosterone results in testosterone deficiency. What would cause the testes to produce less testosterone? Chemotherapy, injury to the testicles necessitating removal, and birth defects are all causes for the production of less testosterone. What happens in the body when there is a reduction in testosterone? Decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat, hair loss, osteoporosis, change in cholesterol levels, and decrease in body hair, just to name a few. When men have testosterone deficiency, they often lose interest in sex, experience erectile dysfunction, have difficulty focusing and fall into depression.
Testosterone Replacement Side Effects
It is important for men (and women) to get regular physicals. Why? Getting regular physicals is the only way to know if there is anything wrong with you. For instance, testicular cancer, or prostate cancer is prevalent in men. With testicular cancer, removal of the testicle(s) is necessary. Since testosterone is generated in the testes, when the testicle is removed, naturally, there will be a reduction in testosterone. Men usually end up going for testosterone replacement therapy. What does that entail? First, it is important for men to find out from their doctor all of the risks and benefits to testosterone replacement therapy before getting treatment. After hearing the risks, some may elect to go the natural route of herbal teas. Still there are as many benefits as there are risks to hormone replacement therapy such has increased energy level, increased libido, and mood elevation. The risks involve breast growth in men, damage to the liver,
Testosterone Replacement Effects on Libido
Young men have high levels of testosterone and high sex drive, especially in there teens through 20s. But once they hit their 30s, testosterone levels decline.
Testosterone Replacement Hormone Therapy
Ideally testosterone replacement therapy should restore hormonal balance without any side effects. Unfortunately, as with all medications, side effects do occur in testosterone replacement therapy. There are different ways to get testosterone treatment. You can get hormone replacement therapy via injection, tablets or transdermal methods. Still, the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy outweigh the risks as it allows men to lead lives of enjoyment.
