The Truth About Testosterone
There are lots of commercials on television talking about “low T” or low testosterone. While low testosterone can happen in younger men, it is more common in older men. This is because your body naturally makes less testosterone as you get older. Around one in five men over 65 may have low testosterone.
What are some of the symptoms of low testosterone levels?
Low testosterone can cause you to feel tired and weak. You may also develop sexual problems and your body shape may change. Some men have trouble concentrating and are irritable. However, other conditions can lead to these symptoms so it may be hard to tell what is causing the problem. Also, it’s important to know that as you get older it’s natural to not have as much interest in sex.
How will testosterone help me?
If you have low levels, testosterone therapy may help you feel better and gain muscle. It may also increase your interest in sex. In a few men, it may help them get and maintain an erection, but this isn’t common.
What treatments are available?
Testosterone comes as pills, injections, gels, patches, and pellets (U.S. only) that can be placed under your skin. There isn’t one right type for everyone. Talk to your prescriber about which one may be best for you. Some products are easier to use than others.
What side effects can testosterone cause?
Testosterone can increase your red blood cell counts so you will need to have your blood checked regularly. It can also cause breast tenderness, increase the size of your prostate and worsen problems urinating, and cause swelling in your legs. There is some concern that testosterone can increase the risk of heart attacks, but this hasn’t been proven. To be safe, if you have heart disease, your prescriber may not want you to take testosterone.
If I think I have low testosterone what should I do?
If you think you have low testosterone, make an appointment with your prescriber. They can draw blood to see if your problems are due to low testosterone. It’s best to get your blood drawn in the morning. This will need to be done a couple times to make sure the results are correct. If you end up taking testosterone, you will need to have blood drawn to make sure you’re getting the right dose and aren’t having any problems. Testosterone therapy doesn’t help all men. After you’ve been taking it for a while, sit down with your prescriber and decide whether it’s working for you.
[April 2014]