As men age, testosterone production from the testes steadily decreases. As a result, many middle-aged men will have blood levels of testosterone that dip below the normal range. The result, low testosterone (sometimes abbreviated as “low T”), is a common condition, but it’s one that’s frequently both underdiagnosed and undertreated and overdiagnosed and overtreated. Just because low T is part of the aging process doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything you can do. In fact, we emphatically believe that keeping your hormone levels in balance is an important part of maintaining your overall health.
What Do Reduced Testosterone Levels Look Like?
Low testosterone levels alone may not be enough for men to seek treatment, but it’s certainly worth a visit to the doctor if you start experiencing symptoms like:
- Reduced sexual interest
- Decreased quality and frequency of erections
- Low energy
- Inordinate fatigue following a normal level of exercise
- Depression or feelings of sadness
- Low bone density or osteoporosis
Most of the time, reduced testosterone is simply a side effect of aging. But there are also instances where it’s a symptom of a bigger health condition, like:
- High blood pressure
- Elevated cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
The good news is this: men don’t have to suffer. There are a variety of treatments — from simple weight loss to testosterone therapy — that can help alleviate the symptoms. But it’s important for this low testosterone treatment to come from an experienced professional.
What Side Effects Can Occur With Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
What men shouldn’t do is take matters into their own hands and self-medicate, despite the numerous medications that may be readily available through online pharmacies. The side effects of testosterone replacement therapy can be serious — even life-threatening — if not managed by an experienced medical professional.
For example, more than 1,300 men thought that they were safely treating their condition through testosterone supplements like Fortesta and AndroGel. But they found themselves plaintiffs in testosterone lawsuits when their treatments allegedly did far more harm than good, causing medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms and strokes.
But failing to follow recommended dosing amounts can result in other serious safety risks, according to the FDA, like damage to the heart, brain, liver and endocrine system — not to mention increased risks for heart attacks and paralysis.
When Done Right, Treatment Works
While it seems time-consuming and inconvenient to treat low testosterone under medical supervision, it’s the best way to get you to feeling better while also significantly reducing the risk of medical complications. And when it comes to trusting your health and sexual wellness to a professional, look no further than Dr. Rachel Rubin and her extensive expertise.
Please contact our office at (202) 293-1000 to make an appointment for a thorough examination and to discuss how testosterone replacement therapy may be able to help you.