Risks And Benefits Of Low Testosterone Treatments

(Last Updated On: March 5, 2019)

Benefits And Risks Of Low T Therapy

Having reduced testosterone levels can have a wide range of effects in a man, reduced energy, increased body fat, poor moods, sleep and a distinct lack of sexual desire or response are common side effects….

When required, it has been shown that prescription testosterone therapy (TRT) can help boost testosterone levels, restoring the mans sex drive and reducing the other effects associated with the problem.

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Doctors are concerned however, that after the recent advertising campaigns that men take the condition seriously and fully discuss the problem with their doctors before embarking on any form of TRT..

Although effective for many men, there are risks and the long term effects of treatment are not proven..

Normal Testosterone Readings

Depending on his age, a mans testosterone reading should be in the region of 300 – 900 ng/dl ( nanogram to decilitre of blood).. experts agree that for most men, if their readings fall within that range, they would experience little or no benefit from TRT.

The readings however, may not tell the whole picture, as they provide the readings of total testosterone in the body…..

More experienced doctors will instead check for the amount of Free Testosterone in the body, as this is considered to more indicative of low levels..

Benefits Of TRT

Free testosterone levels are almost exclusively linked to sex drive ( or in cases of low free testosterone – the lack of sex drive)

This for many men is the first thing that they notice and for them is without doubt the most important part of the treatment.. in fact this is the sole reason why so many men seek treatment..

TRT can help boost so many aspects of male health, studies have concerned its positive effects on conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity to name but a few… there have been other studies that show a defined link between longevity and low testosterone… “Men with low testosterone levels are more likely to die earlier” says Michael Eisenberg MD, director of Mens Health Boston..

The benefits also include a reduction in body fat, and an increase in muscle mass… bone health is another area that can benefit from TRT, as it can help reduce the risks of Osteoporosis…

Other experts also believe that it can help control blood sugar, which is crucial in the fight against diabetes.

Low testosterone levels have been linked to heart health, while it is not know ( and studies continue) if testosterone levels can actually cause heart problems, men suffering with low T can also have heart issues..

Experts do agree that for many men, TRT can be hugely beneficial, but any drug based treatment needs to be taken under strict guidance from doctors.

Risks Of TRT

Testosterone therapy can increase the red blood cell count, something that thickens the blood, which could lead to clotting, heart problems and the increased risk of strokes.

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Side effects can also include increased acne, sleep apnea and also gynecomastia ( the growth of excess breast tissue AKA Man Boobs).

Although unproven to date, there is also the question of prostate enlargement and the possibility of prostate cancer…. doctors advise patients to have prostate checks every two years while on TRT

Men who use testosterone gels must make sure that they wash their hands thoroughly after applying the gel, to make sure that secondary exposure in particular to children or women is avoided.. this could cause early puberty and increased hair growth if affected.

It is recommended to avoid ‘skin to skin’ contact with women and children for at least 2 and possibly 4 hours after application.

There have been some well publicised lawsuits surrounding the use of testosterone gels in particular, the claims being that their use brought on heart attacks.

Experts Opinion

Most doctors agree that the benefits of prescription testosterone therapies do outweigh the risks, with the results enhancing many mens lives… that said the potential risks cannot and should not be ignored, and it is strongly recommended that if you are considering drug based testosterone therapy that you use it strictly under guidance and prescription from your doctor.

Go Natural

With all the risks and concerns that currently surround Prescription testosterone boosters, its well worth considering a natural Testosterone boosting supplement instead..

A good supplement uses proven natural ingredients that trigger your body into making more of your own natural testosterone..

This method is usually free from any adverse reactions and is in most cases just as effective – just without the risks.

Discover More About Natural Testosterone Boosters – Click Here

With Testosterone Treatments Offering So Much – Just Why Are Experts Divided Over Their Use ?

Are They Worth The Risks?

It has been revealed that nearly $2 billion was spent on prescription testosterone treatments in the USA last year, a figure that has jumped dramatically over the past few years..

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According to Bloomberg, these treatments have been sold to men aged between 50 and 70, many after highly persuasive TV campaigns that advise men to discuss the problem of Low Testosterone with their doctors..

The Adverts themselves have been the subject of much debate, generally telling men to go and seek treatment if they quite simply ‘Don’t feel like themselves anymore’..

The Drop In Testosterone

Testosterone is a natural hormone produced by the testes in men, it is also produced to a much lesser degree in the ovaries of women.

Symptoms of Low testosterone can be far reaching, hair loss, increased body fat, lack of sex drive, reduced muscle tone and even enlarged breasts (gynaecomastia).

Although the most common cause is simply getting older ( our testosterone levels naturally reduce by around 1% per year after we reach 30 and beyond) the problem can also be caused by Testicular injury, chemo or radiation therapy, diabetes, liver and kidney disease.

It has also been shown in some unusual studies that mens testosterone production can even change after memorable events in their lives ( the birth of a child for instance) – Read Study

There are other opinions surrounding factors that can reduce testosterone…

A study in Australia carried out over 5 years looked at 1400 men with an average age of 54.. it found a defined link between obesity, depression and reduced testosterone levels.. something that has led some experts to argue whether low testosterone would be better treated by general diet and if required, psychotherapy.. – Read Study

Checking Testosterone Levels

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A doctor will check your testosterone levels with a simple blood test… a man in his 20’s should expect to return a reading of between 300 to 1080 nano grams per decilitre of blood (ng/dl), a man in his 60’s would on the other hand, return a much lower reading of between 300 – 720 ng/dl.

If your test reveals readings of a lower amount, you will be diagnosed with very low testosterone (hypogonadism) and will most likely be referred to an Endocrinologist who will determine whether any form of supplementation or prescription treatment is required.

Prescription treatments usually come in the form of an injection, pill, gel or patch ( rather like the hormone replacement therapy patches worn by menopausal women) .

The Benefits and Risks Of Prescription Testosterone Treatments

 

There is no doubt that men who find that their energy levels and libido drop as they get older could benefit from testosterone boosting supplementation or treatment…

There is no doubt that reversing the effects of time is very appealing, and these kinds of treatments do work in the majority of cases…There Have Been Risks Associated With These Treatments..

Problems such as sleep apnea, water retention, hypertension, hairloss, body acne, testicular atrophy, enlarged breasts ( gynaecomastia) prostate problems, heart issues and strokes.

A study carried out by the New England Journal Of Medicine – read the study  highlighted cardiovascular problems experienced with some 200 men aged 65 and over after receiving treatment with a testosterone topical gel…

The treatment provided some impressive results with most subjects enjoying increased ability to walk, climb stairs and perform exercise… on the down side, many of the men also suffered chest pain, and other cardiovascular ailments and because of this the trial was cut short..

Despite its worrying results, most experts do not worry too much about this particular trial.

The test subjects were relatively frail who were given large doses of the treatment and although the results were worrying, as long as you do not have a history of cardiovascular problems, the general feeling is that you should be fine.. more studies are currently being undertaken..

bhasinDr Shalender Bhasin – chief endocrinologist at Boston University School Of Medicine is more concerned with the sheer amount of testosterone treatments handed out by doctors..

He feels that doctors should take the patient more into consideration when suggesting these treatments.

He tells us that many Doctors do not explain to the men in their care that prescription testosterone therapies may become a long term treatment, quite often, as a result of long term treatment these drugs can eventually stop the body from actually producing its own natural hormone…

If for any reason they have to stop the testosterone treatments their body will be initially unable to make up the shortfall which could cause problems such as low vitality and withdrawal.

On the whole, many men feel stronger and more vital when taking these prescription treatments, but please bare in mind that whatever the results, there is still that very possible risk of side effects despite what the TV ads promise..

The Best Natural Testosterone Boosters Of The Year

Discover The Natural Testosterone Supplements That Really Work

After many years of intensive research into low testosterone, reading countless clinical studies and trying and reviewing both drug based and natural testosterone treatments, I have compiled my list of the natural testosterone boosting supplements that I believe ( based on my independent experiences) are the best around today.

The products listed are proven to be 100% safe, delivering maximum results without any risks, they use clinically approved formulas and also offer full cash back guarantees to protect their customers.

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The information in this website is for advice and guidance only. It is based on my own intensive research and personal experiences, and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, or to diagnose or treat any health conditions. All rights reserved.