Testosterone is an essential hormone produced in the human body responsible for the formation of male sexual features.
This hormone has a vital role in several functions such as healthy sexual function, bone growth, a sense of well-being, production of adequate levels of RBC.
The article is a part of our comprehensive series on “What is testosterone?”
Signs of low testosterone
If you have low testosterone in your body, you could face constellation of symptoms such as:
- Low libido
- Low semen volume
- Difficulty retaining an erection
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Increased body fat with decreasing muscle mass
- Small testicle size
- Body, facial hair loss
- Depression
Men who have low testosterone levels in their body report an overall decline in their energy levels, mood, physical strength, sense of well being and libido.
But wait.
Before you plan to consider testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), you need to understand that several thousand men have low testosterone, yet there are no symptoms.
In such instances, it is not always required to treat it with testosterone replacement therapy.
Different types of testosterone supplements
Here are some of the different types of testosterone supplements. You can choose the specific form of treatment depending on your testosterone levels and your body’s response to the treatment.
- Skin patch- Usually worn on the upper part of the body or arm. The skin patch is used once a day.
- Implants and injections- Testosterone can be implanted as pellets in soft tissues or injected directly into the muscles. This will allow your body to softly absorb the testosterone directly into the bloodstream.
- Mouth patches- There are tablets that slowly release testosterone into the bloodstream. The tablet is placed on the upper portion of the gum above the incisor. It is usually applied twice a day for the best results.
- Gels- These are clear testosterone gels that are directly applied above the skin. The gels are naturally absorbed by the skin and are used only once a day.
What are the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy?
Most people who have undergone testosterone replacement therapy have reported improved general health, improved quality of erections, and better sex drive.
Several men have noticed visible improvement in their moods after the therapy. However, sometimes the effects are more subtle and depend upon an individual’s ability to sense the difference.
Risks of testosterone replacement therapy
As mentioned at the start of this article, TRT is not for everyone.
Some early studies had indicated that this therapy may increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Even though this finding is limited to people with multiple health conditions, a healthy dose of caution is warranted. Further study is needed to understand the long term impact of testosterone replacement therapy on the body.
Here is a list of particular conditions that might worsen with testosterone replacement therapy.
1. Congestive heart problems: People with heart problems might notice their problems worsening with TRT. Leg swelling or oedema among others is a warning sign.
2. Blood clots: Some studies indicate that TRT can increase the risk of clot formation in the veins, resulting in pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis etc. Clots can happen due to polycythemia, which is an abnormal increase in RBC number due to testosterone therapy.
3. Sleep apnea: The exact reason why this is noticed in some people after starting TRT is unknown. Your doctor may, therefore, prescribe a sleep study to understand the problem.
4. Prostate cancer: The testosterone hormone directly affect the prostate gland. Health care experts recommend screening for prostate cancer before starting the replacement therapy. If you have a raised PSA (prostate-specific antigen), you may need to avoid the treatment.
5. Benign prostatic hypertrophy: As men tend to age, their prostate grows in size, squeezing the urethra, making it difficult to urinate. If you are having this issue, avoid TRT as the problem could worsen.
6. Infertility: As much as testosterone is needed for healthy sperm production, external testosterone can cause the opposite. If you are seeking to have a child, this treatment is not for you.
Testosterone replacement therapy in Malaysia
Look into the testosterone support available at Andsons Malaysia. All our treatment methods are developed after years of research.
Talk to our team of medical experts who will carefully evaluate your symptoms before prescribing the apt form of treatment.
