Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Right For Me?

Up to 38% of men experience low testosterone. Have you considered testosterone therapy? There are many compelling reasons to learn more about it. After all, low testosterone causes many symptoms that can greatly affect your quality of life. Just look at these possible consequences of declining testosterone levels:

• Reduced sex drive
• Erection difficulties
• Increased fatigue
• Hair loss
• Poor memory
• Mood issues; in particular, an increased risk of depression
• Muscle loss
• Increased belly fat
• Smaller testicles

Why Some Men Are Hesitant To Try Testosterone Therapy

With a list like that, you might think that any man experiencing “low T” would be eager to start testosterone therapy. (Let’s face it: Why live with a reduced sex drive and depression if you don’t have to?)

However, many men hesitate because they are concerned about the safety of testosterone supplementation. And, indeed, this hormone has had some bad press in the past, linking it to serious health issues like heart disease and prostate cancer.

Expert Panel in 2016 Considers Testosterone Therapy Safe

If you’re concerned about possible risks, rest easy. Under proper medical supervision, testosterone therapy is safe. In fact, at a recent international conference, an expert panel of medical practitioners passed several resolutions confirming the safety of testosterone supplementation.

Let’s take a close look at some of those resolutions.

1 – The risks of testosterone deficiency are serious, and therefore low levels should not be overlooked.

In addition to the symptoms listed above, low testosterone can increase a man’s chances of experiencing diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and bone density problems. And contrary to popular opinion, having low testosterone can lead to greater risk for cardiovascular issues.

2 – Healthy men can also experience low testosterone.

There isn’t always a disease or medical issue to blame when testosterone levels start to drop. Sometimes it’s simply age that’s to blame. That can make low T difficult to treat without supplementation.

3 – Low testosterone is a very common problem.  

It’s difficult to determine exact numbers for the prevalence of low T, but some estimates put it as high as 38%. Perhaps even more troubling, one American study found that over 20-year period, low testosterone could be responsible for about $190 to $525 billion (US) in healthcare expenses.

4 – The benefits of testosterone therapy are backed by science.

Numerous studies have found that testosterone supplementation can significantly improve the quality of men’s lives. That includes decreasing body fat, increasing muscle, and improving libido.

5 – There is no reason to restrict testosterone therapy to men of certain ages.

All men, young or old, who experience low T can benefit from therapy. And it doesn’t make sense that we treat other conditions for which the risk increases with age but accept low T as a normal part of aging. Simply put, it doesn’t have to be.

6 – Sound scientific studies have confirmed there is no increased risk of heart disease with testosterone supplementation.

In fact, studies have found that therapy offers many protective benefits. Low testosterone levels actually pose a greater risk. (And the initial studies showing possible risks were later found to have flaws in the study design.)

7 – Studies confirm that testosterone therapy doesn’t increase the risk of prostrate cancer.

Research has not found a link between testosterone therapy and an increased risk of prostate cancer, even in men who have previously had prostrate cancer. (However, low testosterone levels have been linked to some aggressive forms of prostate cancer.)

8 – Testosterone therapy may have benefits for metabolic disorders, including diabetes.

Further studies are needed, but initial research suggests the improved body composition (i.e., more muscle mass and less body fat) created by testosterone therapy may offer protection against diseases such as diabetes.