Testosterone replacement, also known as male hormone replacement, is indicated for the treatment of andropause, a natural hormonal disorder that appears in men after the age of 40 and is characterized by low testosterone production, causing a decrease in libido, irritability and gain. of weight. Discover the main symptoms of andropause.
Testosterone levels tend to decrease after the age of 30, however, replacement does not need to be done after that age, especially since prolonged use of synthetic testosterone can also bring some negative effects.
Replacement is generally only indicated after the age of 40 and when there are symptoms of andropause that are very intense and causing discomfort. In this case, you should go to a urologist to evaluate the case, carry out a blood test that indicates the level of testosterone in the bloodstream and then start replacement treatment, if necessary.
When replacement is indicated
Testosterone levels normally begin to decrease after the age of 30, however, not every man needs hormone replacement therapy and, therefore, it is important to consult a urologist to have symptoms and testosterone levels evaluated, in order to determine whether it will be started treatment for andropause or not.
Symptoms related to decreased testosterone production are:
- Decreased libido;
- Erection difficulty;
- Loss of body hair;
- Easy weight gain;
- Decrease in muscle mass;
- Increased irritability;
- Insomnia.
Based on the symptoms reported, the doctor may request some blood tests with the aim of evaluating the man’s health, such as total and free testosterone, PSA, FSH, LH and prolactin, which despite being a hormone dosed in women to Checking your milk production capacity during pregnancy may indicate some male dysfunction. Understand how the prolactin test is carried out in men and how to evaluate the results.
Normal blood testosterone values in men are between 241 and 827 ng/dL, in the case of total testosterone, and, in the case of free testosterone, 2.7 – 18 ng/dL in men between 41 and 60 years old, and 1 .9 – 19.0 ng/dL in men over 60 years old, values may vary according to the laboratory. Therefore, values below the reference values may indicate lower hormone production by the testicles, and hormone replacement may be recommended by the doctor. Learn everything about testosterone.
Medicines for male hormone replacement
Male hormone replacement therapy is carried out according to the urologist’s instructions, who may indicate the use of some medications, such as:
- Cyproterone acetate, testosterone acetate or testosterone undecanoate tablets such as Sustanon;
- Dihydrotestosterone gel;
- Injections of testosterone cypionate, decanoate or enanthate, applied once a month;
- Testosterone patches or implants.
Another way to improve the symptoms of andropause in men is to change lifestyle habits such as eating healthy, exercising, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, reducing the consumption of salt and fatty foods. The use of vitamin, mineral and antioxidant supplements, such as Vitrix Nutrex, can also help control the low level of testosterone in an individual’s blood. Discover 4 ways to increase testosterone naturally.
Possible side effects
Testosterone replacement should only be done with medical advice and should not be used to gain muscle mass, as it can cause serious damage to health, such as:
- Worsening of prostate cancer;
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease;
- Increased liver toxicity;
- Appearance or worsening of sleep apnea;
- Acne and oily skin;
- Allergic skin reactions due to application of the adhesive;
- Abnormal breast enlargement or the appearance of breast cancer.
Testosterone treatment is also not indicated for men who have suspected or confirmed prostate or breast cancer due to the possible side effects of hormone replacement, therefore, before starting hormonal treatment, they should also undergo tests to detect the presence of cancer. prostate, breast or testicular disease, liver disease and cardiovascular problems.
Does hormone replacement cause cancer?
A rMale hormonal exposure does not cause cancer, but it can worsen the disease in men whose cancer has not yet developed. Therefore, approximately 3 or 6 months after starting treatment, a digital rectal examination and PSA measurement should be carried out to check for important changes that indicate the presence of cancer. Find out which tests identify prostate problems.
