Low testosterone or low T has become a major concern for men, thanks to all the ads and articles discussing the subject. This has led to a surge in the demand for testosterone therapy – gels, patches, or injections that claim to save a man’s sex life and masculinity. However, testosterone therapy isn’t the answer for every man. In fact, it could be detrimental for some.
There are potential health risks associated with testosterone therapy, and they could outweigh the benefits if caution is not taken. To determine if it’s the right choice, you should first consult with a healthcare provider to understand if you have low T or just the natural decline in the hormone associated with aging. The testosterone level in a man’s body begins to decline after he turns 40, and this decline often accelerates after age 60. It’s also crucial to consider your health history, as it may affect whether you should take testosterone.
Symptoms Of Low T But Normal Testosterone Levels
Many men experience symptoms such as low energy, erectile problems, lower libido, and mood changes associated with low T. However, these symptoms can also be connected to other issues and are not reason enough to start testosterone therapy. A doctor should first conduct a blood or saliva test to measure your free testosterone level. If you display these symptoms and have low testosterone, then it might be appropriate to discuss therapy with your doctor or explore natural ways to increase testosterone.
Low T But No Symptoms
Some men have low T without displaying any symptoms. If you have a low testosterone level but no symptoms, you should not start therapy.
Prostate Cancer
Testosterone therapy is not recommended for those who have prostate cancer. Although testosterone doesn’t cause prostate cancer, it may allow the cancer to grow. There’s also a rare chance that testosterone may lead to breast cancer in men.
Enlarged Prostate
Testosterone causes the prostate to grow, so abnormal levels can increase symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).
Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can be worsened by testosterone therapy. Sleep apnea is marked by frequent, brief periods of interrupted breathing while sleeping, often accompanied by loud snoring. If you have sleep apnea, consider getting a sleep study done for proper diagnosis and treatment. Adequate sleep is a natural way to boost testosterone.
Overweight
Obese men are more likely to have low testosterone levels than men with a normal weight. Excess body fat affects the estrogen/estradiol and testosterone hormone balance. Losing extra weight can help normalize testosterone levels. Moreover, exercising more is another way to naturally boost testosterone levels and maintain a normal estrogen/T balance.
Planning To Have More Children
If you wish to father children or have more offspring, you should not take testosterone therapy, as it can lower your sperm count and decrease fertility. Taking testosterone causes the brain to shut down the natural production of the hormone, leading to larger muscles but smaller testicles.
Polycythemia
Polycythemia is a condition where a person has too many red blood cells. Testosterone therapy can stimulate the production of polycythemia and make this condition worse. It also thickens the blood, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Some men undergoing testosterone therapy need regular blood transfusions to reduce the “stickiness” of their blood.
Side Effects From Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone therapy has several side effects such as acne, hair loss, breast enlargement, and skin reactions from the gels, patches, or injections. There are also possible cardiovascular risks, indicating that testosterone therapy may not be the right choice. Try learning how to boost your testosterone levels naturally before opting for therapy.
Supplements For Men’s Health
Whether you’ve decided on testosterone therapy or not, you can still take charge of your prostate and sexual health with natural supplements. High-quality prostate supplements contain beneficial ingredients like vitamin D, zinc, DIM, quercetin, saw palmetto, and others that help maintain dihydrotestosterone and estrogen levels in balance.
Tests Associated With Testosterone Therapy
If you decide to start testosterone therapy, there are some tests you should have performed regularly. Your doctor should periodically check blood testosterone levels, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to watch for signs of prostate cancer. Another crucial test is checking your red blood cell level, monitoring hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. If you do decide that testosterone therapy is the right move for you, it is essential to cooperate with your doctor to not exceed your biologically normal testosterone level.
