GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Although the decline in testosterone production
as men age (“andropause”) is not as dramatic as the drop in women’s estrogen production
with the onset of menopause, testosterone decline is a
serious issue for many older men. Among other problems,
declining testosterone production is strongly associated with impotency and libido problems.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Anti-aging benefits that have been associated
with testosterone replacement therapy may include increased libido and sexual
potency; improved erectile function; improved mood and increased feelings of well-being;
decreased fatigue; increased red blood cell count; reduction
of LDL cholesterol and overall cholesterol levels and
strengthening of the bones. Results
of research published in 2002 revealed that men who have higher levels of “bioavailable” testosterone
– testosterone that is not bound to protein – appear to
perform better on tests of mental performance than men with
lower levels of the hormone.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency include:
reduced libido, fatigue or a decrease in physical
stamina, difficulty in maintaining erections, memory impairment, weight gain, depression and
anxiety, increased risk of heart disease, and decreased
muscle mass
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Testosterone replacement needs to be managed
by a physician to ensure that a patient receives only enough of the hormone to replenish lost
levels. Many forms of administering testosterone
have been developed, including intramuscular injections, suppositories, transdermal patches,
attached to the midriff, thigh, or arm, as well as to the
scrotum, oral micronized capsules, and sublingual
lozenges. Oral administrations seem to be the least effective method.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Testosterone should only be supplemented under medical guidance.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICTIONS:
If testosterone replacement is administered
to men with normal or near-normal levels of the hormone, any number of dangerous side effects may
occur. Most notably, excess doses of testosterone may
inhibit the body’s ability to produce testosterone.
Testosterone replacement carries with it the risk of stimulating both benign and malignant prostate tumor growth. In addition, because it can
reduce HDL cholesterol levels, testosterone replacement may
be associated with an increased risk of coronary
artery disease.
