Testosterone Hormone Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy is a medical regimen used to treat the effects of age-related hypogonadism. This treatment is not recommended for patients with certain pre-existing conditions, and may cause a number of side effects.

Identification

• Testosterone hormone therapy is the administration of exogenous (externally produced) testosterone to alleviate hypogonadism (low testosterone) caused by aging. In men, testosterone production peaks at age 25 and begins to decline afterwards at a rate of about 2 percent yearly.

Benefits

• Testosterone replacement therapy is used to reverse or alleviate the effects of hypogonadism, which can range from a decrease in muscle mass, bone density and libido, an increase in fat storage, erectile dysfunction, loss of energy, decreased libido, difficulty concentrating and a decline in overall mental health and well-being.

Diagnosis

• Doctors can prescribe testosterone replacement to men over 30 with symptoms of hypogonadism whose blood-serum levels of testosterone are low and luteinizing hormone (a precursor to testosterone) levels are high.

Treatment

• Patients can receive testosterone via intramuscular injections, oral pills or transdermal patches, creams and sprays applied to the skin. Dosages vary depending on mode of treatment; typical injections range from 50 to 400 mg, every two or three weeks.

Warning

• Men with prostate cancer should not take testosterone. Patients with liver or coronary disease, chest pain, diabetes, history of heart failure or high cholesterol should consult a doctor before taking testosterone.

Dangers

• Excess testosterone can cause peliosis hepatitis, a serious liver condition, and may also lead to high blood pressure, altered cholesterol levels, jaundice and heart and liver disease. Testosterone can enhance male characteristics, causing acne, greasy skin, deepened voice and excess facial and body hair.