A man’s peak testosterone levels occur by the time he is in his early 20s. After age 30, testosterone levels decline about 1 percent per year. Lower testosterone levels generally become obvious to men by the time they reach their 50s or 60s. Symptoms of low testosterone, such as loss of libido, weight gain, and cognitive changes, are often regarded as a normal part of aging.
Testosterone replacement therapy can help relieve these symptoms and proves beneficial in other important ways, such as offering cardiovascular protection. The therapeutic aim is getting a man’s testosterone levels – and his life – back to normal.
While over-the-counter supplements are touted as “male performance enhancers” or similar terms, they are not testosterone replacement therapy. Even worse is purchasing “black market” testosterone, the use of which leads to serious side effects. True treatment requires a doctor’s supervision.
Men are tested via blood, urine, or saliva sampling for low testosterone, and other conditions mimicking some of the symptoms of low testosterone are ruled out before therapy begins. For example, erectile dysfunction may result from high blood pressure or heart disease.
From the test results, the doctor determines the appropriate dosage for the patient. Testosterone replacement therapy is available in injectable, patch, pellet or gel form. A man will not step out of the doctor’s office immediately after treatment and feel 20 years younger. It takes time for the therapy to work, and monitoring is necessary. Dosage levels may require changing. Eventually, the right level of hormone is achieved and a man feels restored.
Testosterone replacement therapy improves sex drive and erectile function, but the advantages of this treatment go far beyond the sexual realm. Men treated with testosterone replacement therapy find enhancement in many areas of life, including:
Since testosterone affects a man’s emotional well-being, those undergoing testosterone replacement therapy may find depression lifting and their mood boosted. Testosterone replacement therapy can greatly affect a man’s quality of life. In many ways, it turns back the clock and allows a man to feel much like his younger self.
If you would like more information on testosterone replacement therapy, call skilled doctors today and arrange an appointment.