Understanding Testosterone Replacement Therapy St Petersburg FL

By Karen Sullivan


Low levels of the hormone testosterone might not need any treatment. There are side effects that are related to testosterone replacement therapy, plus there are no known long term benefits. When one is considering the procedure, the best thing would be to talk to a doctor to know whether the procedure is ideal. When considering testosterone replacement therapy St Petersburg FL residents need to know what the treatment involves.

There are instances where symptoms of low testosterone are obvious while in some cases they are subtle. The levels of the hormone decline naturally in men over time because of aging. There however are some conditions that lead to low levels. They include decreased muscle mass, depression, erectile dysfunction and irritability. If a man has low levels of the hormone and subsequent tests indicate they have abnormally low levels, they will need replacement therapy. If there are no symptoms, treatment might not be recommended.

There are various options that men have when it comes to replacement. There is the skin patch that is either worn on arms or upper body sections. It is supposed to be applied daily. Some people also have gels prescribed for them. They come in clear packets and contain testosterone. When there is application of the gel, the hormone gets absorbed via the skin into the body. The mouth patch is also an option and involves taking the medication as a tablet or orally through other means. A more direct option involves the use of implants or injections.

It is critical that one knows what the therapy involves. When it comes to the outcomes, they are not easily predictable because different people tend to have different effects. There is generally however improvement of sex drive, energy levels and quality of erection. For some people, there will be improved muscle mass and density of bones.

There are some possible side effects of the treatment. They include among others rashes, irritation and itching at the places where the hormone is applied. There will also be risk of heart attack or stroke with the use of the hormone. There are some conditions like congestive heart failure, blood clots and sleep apnea that are made worse with the treatment.

There are men that grow breasts after the procedure. That is not a common occurrence but is a possibility when there is conversion of testosterone into estrogen. The effects of testosterone are diminished by estrogen. The use if aromatase inhibitors controls this effect but should also be closely monitored. The monitoring is important because if there is over-suppression of estrogen, there will be a feeling of fatigue.

It is possible that the treatment could lead to infertility. The testicles will be made to atrophy and be unable to make adequate sperms and testosterone. This will have an impact on fertility. Those that are on the hormone for a long term could have their natural hormone production affected.

For those that are uncertain whether the treatment is suitable for them, a doctor should be consulted. They will explain the benefits and risks. Most importantly, a doctor tests the level of the hormone several times before advising on whether treatment is advisable.




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