Reasons for Testosterone Treatment

Men use testosterone hormone replacement to replenish depleting levels or to enjoy the benefits of feeling younger. Unfortunately, testosterone therapy studies have been few, as confirmed by the January 9, 2007, issue of "Mayo Clinic Proceedings." Victor M. Montori, M.D., MSc, one of the Mayo Clinic's Knowledge and Encounter Research Unit's lead researchers, also states that, "there is no good way for physicians to be certain when prescribing testosterone that, on average, it's doing more good than harm." While several treatment methods are available, men should consult with their doctor to determine whether treatment will be safe and effective.

Testosterone

• Testosterone is produced in the testes and is important for men, as it helps maintain bone density, distribution of fat, muscle strength and mass, production of red blood cells, libido and sperm production. Synthetic versions of testosterone may help men with low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) improve muscle mass and strength, bone density, libido, energy, mental focus, as well as thicken body hair and skin and decrease irritability and depression symptoms.

Side Effects of Treatment

• If you're opting to go for testosterone replacement, be aware of the adverse side effects associated with these treatment options. Testosterone replacement treatment can be administered by patch, gel or injection. Injection treatments can cause severe pain in the injection site, making it difficult to walk. Milder side effects could result in fluid retention, headaches or potentially reduced sperm count. While you may be able to do your own testosterone treatments, opt for a doctor administering them instead, as he can monitor you closely and alter the treatments as necessary.

Aging

• Testosterone levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood. Around age 40, however, those levels begin to diminish. Deficiencies in testosterone aren't always visible or apparent. Furthermore, impact on aging and low testosterone levels are not 100 percent clear, either. Studies, such as the one done by the Endocrine Society in 2004, cannot confirm whether this type of hormone treatment leaves men in a better situation, unlike estrogen given to post-menopausal women. Interestingly enough, this treatment has been highly marketed by pharmaceutical companies and has done quite well in sales despite the lack of conclusive research.

Deficiencies

• It should be said that just because a man exhibits signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency, it doesn't necessarily mean that testosterone levels decreased; conversely, men with low testosterone levels don't necessarily experience visible testosterone deficiencies. Symptoms to look for are decreased libido, bone and muscle loss, increased fat mass, a reduction in muscle strength, loss of memory and changes in mood and depression. It should also be noted that testosterone deficiency can also mean other health issues are at play, such as diabetes.

Risks

• Risk factors associated with testosterone treatment are still uncertain, especially for men undergoing treatment with already normal testosterone levels. Hypothetically, above-normal testosterone levels could lead to either an enlarged prostate (medically referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostate cancer. No definitive answer has been given as to whether treatment could definitively cause these health issues. Furthermore, treatment could trigger production of too many red blood cells (polycthemia), increasing heart disease risk. Other potential risks include baldness, fluid retention, skin reaction, sleep apnea, breast enlargement, stimulation of existent breast cancer, decreased sperm production, acne, testicle shrinkage and worsened urinary symptoms.