Testosterone is a hormone with many important roles in men, like assisting in sperm production and keeping the prostate healthy. But as you get older, your testosterone level may dip below what's normal. It can lead to health issues such as weight gain or low sex drive. And because low T levels can cause these and other problems, many men may wonder whether testosterone therapy is right for them.
The answer to that question depends on several factors, including your age and symptoms related to low T levels. Testosterone replacement therapy may be an option if you have the following:
Although testosterone replacement therapy is generally safe, it's not recommended if you have untreated or uncontrolled heart disease. This is because testosterone therapy may worsen any existing heart conditions.
If you're thinking of trying this treatment, it's also important to get a complete physical first, so your doctor can check for any heart problems that you may not know about. This will help them determine if using testosterone will put you at risk of more health issues.
Before starting testosterone therapy, you will first need some tests to determine whether your symptoms are related to low testosterone levels. If so, your doctor may recommend treatment with a topical gel, patch, or injection.
Before beginning therapy, talk with your doctor about possible treatments for underlying conditions that might contribute to low testosterone levels, such as thyroid disease or diabetes.
During treatment, you'll have regular blood tests. Your doctor may also recommend weight-loss programs and physical activity to help boost testosterone levels back into the normal range. It's important to maintain testosterone levels in the normal range with continued treatment.
Testosterone replacement therapy can help improve your quality of life and well-being. If you feel like you may be suffering from this condition and want to know more about how it can affect your health, speak with a qualified health care professional as soon as possible to discuss the right steps for you.