Testosterone is a hormone naturally produced in a man’s body and responsible for the growth of his muscles, sex drive, and energy. Many different side effects are associated with low testosterone levels, such as depression, fatigue, low libido, decreased memory and strength, and reduced motivation levels. Most men who experience these changes in their bodies by themselves don’t realize that it could also be a result of low testosterone because these side effects are very common in most males. However, there are also cases where a person does not have any of the above symptoms, such as depression, fatigue, increased body fat, and reduced motivation.
As men get older, testosterone levels gradually decline, which leads to low energy, weight gain, lower sex drives, and higher rates of depression. For this reason, when some middle-aged men see a decline in their daily performance at work and in their personal life, they tend to seek the help of a doctor. Getting tested for low T is very simple and easy. A simple blood test can measure the T levels in their body and assist the doctor in providing proper treatment.
Many patients feel that they are at more severe risk of experiencing the side effects of low testosterone levels because they suffer from medical conditions such as obesity, lack of exercise, diabetes, heart disease, and depression. The specialists of the urology institute recommend hormone replacement therapy to people who are suffering from the consequences of low testosterone levels after analyzing their blood. The program of HRT for adults often includes taking HGH injections or testosterone in a gel or a patch, for others in injections and it works just like synthetic testosterone.
A doctor can only prescribe testosterone because it is a natural hormone produced in a man’s body. In order for the body to receive the proper amount of T, testosterone should be absorbed by the skin and not through injection because this could cause adverse effects. Those not suffering from low testosterone levels can also use testosterone supplements available online or in some pharmacies without any prescription. Many people do so without even consulting with their doctor and without having any knowledge about testosterone side effects causing severe health problems throughout their lives.
The risks of testosterone prescriptions are:
1. Elevated blood cholesterol levels (LDL, HDL)
Most men with high HDL levels are considered “safe,” but there is some evidence that testosterone supplementation can increase HDL levels, but in the long run, a potential increase in LDL levels cannot be ruled out. The exception to this rule is in the case of hypogonadal men who initially have low HDL levels and are started on testosterone, which causes an increase in both HDL and LDL levels.
2. Blood clotting factor deficiencies
As men age and their testosterone levels drop, they can accumulate many factors that cause blood clots to form in their veins. Also, it is known that low T levels are often seen in older men with a history of blood clots, and this is why doctors would recommend that those men have blood tests to monitor the levels of factors associated with blood clotting.
3. Increased cholesterol, which can enlarge the prostate gland
Increases in testosterone levels can result in an increase in the level of cholesterol in the body. It is known that high cholesterol levels may result in enlarging the prostate gland, which is why doctors are careful when prescribing testosterone replacement therapy to their patients.
4. Aggression and mood swings
This is one of the most common side effects associated with TRT, and the results of a study have shown that about 75% of all men who underwent TRT for at least a year reported mood swings, laziness, and anger. Such results were observed more commonly in men who had not started TRT with even levels of T.
5. Sleep apnea
When testosterone levels are increased, fat is redistributed in the body, which can result in the build-up of fluid around the neck area. This can cause muscle contraction around the throat, resulting in snoring and difficulty breathing, known as obstructive sleep apnea.
6. Prostate enlargement
This is another very common side effect among men taking TRT, and it is seen more commonly in men with low testosterone levels. A study showed that up to 30% of all patients who undergo TRT experience prostate enlargement within a year. This is why doctors are encouraged to conduct regular prostate examinations on their patients during the first year of treatment. Men with high T levels have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, and this causes many doctors to be careful when prescribing TRT to their patients.
7. Gynecomastia
In some cases, the use of testosterone replacement therapy can result in the enlargement of breast tissue. This is known as gynecomastia, which usually disappears when hormone levels are reduced to normal.
8. Heart disease and stroke
Higher levels of testosterone have been associated with a higher risk for heart disease. Some studies have shown that taking testosterone replacement therapy can also increase the level of LDL particles and decrease HDL, which is beneficial for people who suffer from heart disease.
Conclusion:
The use of testosterone replacement therapy can lead to many medical problems if administered long-term. There is no definitive recommendation for men who are eligible for hormone replacement therapy. Still, there are many things that can be done beforehand to determine if taking testosterone increases the risk of developing a medical problem in the future.
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