When a man has low levels of the hormone testosterone, it does not mean that treatment will definitely be needed. The replacement treatment has some side effects, plus there are not clear known benefits in the long term. A doctor should be consulted for one to know whether the treatment is suitable for them. In considering testosterone replacement therapy St Petersburg FL residents ought to be versed with what it involves.
There are some instances in which symptoms of low levels of testosterone are easily seen, while in certain cases they are not. Over a period of time, levels of low testosterone in men decline as they age. In addition to that, some conditions will lead to decreased levels of the hormone, including depression, low muscle mass, irritability and erectile dysfunction. In case someone has low testosterone levels and tests indicate the levels are very low, replacement therapy might be needed. The treatment is however not required if there are no symptoms.
There are a number of forms of the replacement. One option is the skin patch which is worn on the arms or upper body sections. It should be applied once every day. Gels can also be used. They come in packets of clear gel containing the hormone. When the gel is applied, there will be hormone absorption through the skin. Those affected can also use a mouth patch which can be taken as a tablet or though other oral means. Injections and implants are the other available option.
It is critical that one knows what the therapy involves. When it comes to the outcomes, they are not easily predictable because different people tend to have different effects. There is generally however improvement of sex drive, energy levels and quality of erection. For some people, there will be improved muscle mass and density of bones.
There are side effects of replacement therapy that one should be versed with. Some of them include rashes, irritation and itching. For people that have such conditions as heart disease or stroke, they will be worsened by the treatment. There are such conditions like blood clots, sleep apnea and congestive heart failure that will be worsened.
The treatment could lead to a man growing breasts. This is not common but is possible because the testosterone could be converted to estrogen. Estrogen will diminish the effects of the testosterone. In order to counter that, there is prescription of aromatase inhibitor but whose use should also be monitored. This is because if estrogen is overly suppressed, one is likely to feel fatigued.
There is the possibility that treatment might result in infertility. That happens when testicles are not able to make enough testosterone and sperms. That is what affects fertility negatively. People that use the hormones for long will end up having their natural production of testosterone affected.
When one is not sure whether they need the therapy, it is best to consult a doctor. A doctor will explain the different risks and benefits. They will also test hormone levels twice or so before advising on the way forward.
There are some instances in which symptoms of low levels of testosterone are easily seen, while in certain cases they are not. Over a period of time, levels of low testosterone in men decline as they age. In addition to that, some conditions will lead to decreased levels of the hormone, including depression, low muscle mass, irritability and erectile dysfunction. In case someone has low testosterone levels and tests indicate the levels are very low, replacement therapy might be needed. The treatment is however not required if there are no symptoms.
There are a number of forms of the replacement. One option is the skin patch which is worn on the arms or upper body sections. It should be applied once every day. Gels can also be used. They come in packets of clear gel containing the hormone. When the gel is applied, there will be hormone absorption through the skin. Those affected can also use a mouth patch which can be taken as a tablet or though other oral means. Injections and implants are the other available option.
It is critical that one knows what the therapy involves. When it comes to the outcomes, they are not easily predictable because different people tend to have different effects. There is generally however improvement of sex drive, energy levels and quality of erection. For some people, there will be improved muscle mass and density of bones.
There are side effects of replacement therapy that one should be versed with. Some of them include rashes, irritation and itching. For people that have such conditions as heart disease or stroke, they will be worsened by the treatment. There are such conditions like blood clots, sleep apnea and congestive heart failure that will be worsened.
The treatment could lead to a man growing breasts. This is not common but is possible because the testosterone could be converted to estrogen. Estrogen will diminish the effects of the testosterone. In order to counter that, there is prescription of aromatase inhibitor but whose use should also be monitored. This is because if estrogen is overly suppressed, one is likely to feel fatigued.
There is the possibility that treatment might result in infertility. That happens when testicles are not able to make enough testosterone and sperms. That is what affects fertility negatively. People that use the hormones for long will end up having their natural production of testosterone affected.
When one is not sure whether they need the therapy, it is best to consult a doctor. A doctor will explain the different risks and benefits. They will also test hormone levels twice or so before advising on the way forward.
About the Author:
You can find complete details about the benefits of using testosterone replacement therapy St Petersburg FL services at http://www.primacarehealthllc.com/services right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment