11 Facts about Testosterone Therapy Everyone Should Know
Everyone should know the facts about testosterone therapy, especially as they age. Testosterone is undoubtedly one of the body’s most important hormones. Without it, brain functions, heart health, metabolism, libido, bone and muscle structure, and even blood cell production will suffer.
Here are 11 crucial facts about testosterone replacement therapy that you should know:
- Testosterone is Necessary for Men and Women – every person, male and female, needs testosterone throughout his or her life. Even as levels start to decline with age, maintaining a healthy supply of testosterone is critical to well-being.
- Testosterone Builds Strong Bones – testosterone improves bone mineralization to reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Clinical trials have found increases in hip and spinal bone density.
- Testosterone Controls Weight – studies have shown that middle-aged men who have excess belly fat when diagnosed with Low T lose weight with testosterone therapy.
- Testosterone Stimulates Brain Functions – testosterone affects verbal memory, processing speed, spatial memory, and may even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Testosterone Improves Muscle Mass and Strength – men with low testosterone levels often report a decline in muscle mass size and strength. While most males will see positive physical changes as their muscles grow and improve in tone, some will see increased strength. Weight training will also help improve these results.
- Testosterone Restores Vaginal Lubrication – women also need testosterone for vaginal lubrication and sexual desire.
- Testosterone Supports a Healthy Libido – the older a man gets, the more he needs testosterone for erectile function and libido. While Low T is not a primary cause of ED, treatment with testosterone often helps men dealing with hypogonadism improve sexual health.
- Testosterone Protects the Heart – testosterone stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow. A VA research study of 83,000 men who received treatment for Low T showed a lower risk of stroke and heart attacks.
- Testosterone Lowers Cholesterol – many people with high LDL cholesterol also have Low T. Testosterone therapy may help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Testosterone Improves Drive – while too much testosterone can lead to aggression, too little testosterone can affect motivation, drive, and productivity. Treatment for Low T can increase overall performance in all areas of life.
- Testosterone Improves Mood – many people with Low T suffer from feelings of depression. Testosterone treatment has proved effective as an anti-depressant for people suffering from Low T, as well as improving overall mood and feelings of well-being.
How to Tell if You Need Testosterone
Since testosterone affects the body in so many varied ways, your warning signs may be different from someone else. Low testosterone is not something to overlook or ignore. The symptoms will only worsen as the years pass.
With research showing that men with Low T have higher risks of medical conditions that include cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes, it has never been more important to understand the warning signs and the facts about testosterone therapy.
You may need testosterone replacement therapy if you can answer yes to any of the following questions:
- Do you run out of energy before the day is over?
- Has your sex drive decreased?
- Has the amount of your ejaculation fluid decreased?
- Do you detect numbness in your genital region?
- Have you noticed testicular shrinkage?
- If female, are you suffering from vaginal dryness that makes intercourse painful or unpleasant?
- Do you have hot flashes (male or female)?
- Have you gained weight, especially in your abdominal region?
- Are you depressed?
- Have you noticed changes in mood, motivation, or emotions?
- Are you less optimistic about the future than in the past?
- Do you suffer from irritability, nervousness, stress, or anxiety?
- Have you noticed a decline in strength?
- Have you noticed reduced muscle mass or is it becoming harder to maintain lean muscle with your usual workouts?
- Are you suffering from joint pains and stiffness?
- Have you noticed shrinkage in height?
- Is your hairline receding or have you noticed thinning hair?
- Do you have high cholesterol?
- Are you becoming more forgetful?
- Is it difficult to commit new information to memory?
- Are mental calculations becoming harder to do?
- Do you have trouble concentrating?
- Do you suffer from insomnia or other sleep issues?
If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you need to speak with a hormone replacement specialist about blood testing for Low T. Kingsberg Medical offers complimentary consultations to men and women concerned about low testosterone.
