What to Expect From Testosterone Treatment

Testosterone treatment is a medical regimen used to treat the symptoms of age-related testosterone deficiency in men. Supplementing with testosterone can lead to a number of benefits as well as potential health risks.

Identification

• Doctors can prescribe testosterone treatment for men as part of a regimen of hormone replacement therapy. After age 25, a man's natural production of testosterone decreases by about two percent per year, and can be supplemented with testosterone creams, pills or injections.

Physical Benefits

• Testosterone can exert anabolic tissue building effects. Men taking testosterone replacement have reported increased muscle mass, improved bone density, a decrease in the amount and distribution of fat tissue and strength gains.

Mental Benefits

• Lower testosterone levels can cause fatigue, decreased concentration and memory, and irritability. Supplementing with testosterone can lead to increased mental energy, better sleep, renewed vigor, improvement on mental tasks and an elevation of mood.

Libido

• Testosterone deficiencies can cause lessened libido and erectile dysfunction. Patients taking testosterone replacement have reported an increased libido, and greater frequency and duration of erections.

Warning

• Men with prostate cancer or breast cancer should not take testosterone. Additionally, this drug can alter cholesterol levels, which may lead to arteriosclerosis, heart disease and liver problems. Use of testosterone can also enhance male characteristics, such as a deeper voice and excess hair growth.