Testosterone
Testosterone. The word conjures up images of masculinity; of virile men who exude strength, confidence, and boldness. Many perceptions are shaped by images portrayed in television and movies, including perceptions of our beliefs about testosterone. Let’s debunk some of those myths so you can understand how testosterone replacement therapy, also known as TRT, can be helpful to you.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone present and necessary for good health in both men and women, in whom it’s converted to estradiol. Testosterone is responsible for a number of physical processes in everybody, including:
- Causing the onset of puberty
- Developing red blood cells
- Muscle strength and development
- Bone strength and health
- Libido
While it’s present in all bodies, testosterone is present in men at much higher levels than in women. As we age, our hormone levels decrease, sometimes causing a myriad of unpleasant symptoms. Men who have a decreased testosterone level might experience:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Decrease in libido
- Weight gain
- Loss of muscle mass
- Irritability
- Decreased mood
These symptoms are unpleasant, but can be helped by testosterone replacement therapy.
Fact vs. Fiction
All medical treatments, and especially those relating to sensitive topics that impact basic functions and self-esteem, are surrounded by a variety of myths. Taking a look at them will help separate fact from fiction, allowing you to make an educated decision about your health. There are many myths around testosterone replacement therapy, so let’s debunk them.
- Myth 1: Testosterone therapy is only needed by older men. Fact: The testosterone level in a man’s body begins to decrease as early as age 30. While it usually doesn’t decrease enough to require treatment at that age, low testosterone may require treatment while men are in their 40s or 50s, especially if they have other medical conditions or are taking certain medications.
- Myth 2: Testosterone therapy alone will increase muscle mass and strength. Fact: While testosterone therapy will help maintain muscle mass, eating well, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle contribute significantly to maintaining strength.
- Myth 3: Testosterone replacement therapy will cause rage or aggressive behavior. Fact: There isn’t conclusive evidence of this. There is evidence that testosterone replacement will help depressive symptoms sometimes associated with low testosterone, but researchers found that testosterone supplementation didn’t increase aggression or aggressive behavior.
- Myth 4: Testosterone replacement therapy causes prostate cancer. Fact: There isn’t evidence of an increase in prostate cancer in men who take TRT. While TRT isn’t recommended for someone who has prostate cancer, recent research indicates that TRT doesn’t cause it.
- Myth 5: Testosterone replacement therapy is a cure-all for aging. Fact: TRT can be beneficial to your well-being and can improve libido, energy, muscle mass, bone density, and other signs of aging, but you still need to take care of yourself by managing stress, exercising, eating well, and controlling other health conditions.
Why The Online NP
The Online NP provides consultations remotely. We hold licenses in more than forty states, so we can help those who don’t have access to care in their immediate locale. We focus on the whole person through the evaluation of laboratory test results, your lifestyle, and other concerns and goals you have. Contact us today to see if TRT can help you look and feel your best or if we can help optimize other aspects of your health.
Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
