Address these factors before turning to hormone replacement therapy for men. If your sex life is not what it used to be, have you ruled out relationship or psychological issues that could be contributing? If erectile dysfunction has caused you to suspect "low T" as the culprit, consider that cardiovascular disease can also cause erectile dysfunction. Inaccurate or misinterpreted test results can either falsely diagnose or miss a case of testosterone deficiency.
Your testosterone level should be measured between 7 am and 10 am, when it's at its peak. Confirm a low reading with a second test on a different day.
It may require multiple measurements and careful interpretation to establish bioavailable testosterone, or the amount of the hormone that is able to have effects on the body. Consider getting a second opinion from an endocrinologist. After starting therapy, follow-up with your physician periodically to have testosterone checks and other lab tests to make sure the therapy is not causing any problems with your prostate or blood chemistry.
Approach testosterone therapy with caution if you are at high risk for prostate cancer; have severe urinary symptoms from prostate enlargement; or have diagnosed heart disease, a previous heart attack, or multiple risk factors for heart problems. Testosterone therapy is not a fountain of youth. There is no proof that it will restore you to the level of physical fitness or sexual function of your youth, make you live longer, prevent heart disease or prostate cancer, or improve your memory or mental sharpness.
Do not seek TRT therapy with these expectations in mind. If erectile function has been a problem, testosterone therapy might not fix it. In fact, it might increase your sex drive but not allow you to act on it. You may also need medication or other therapy for difficulty getting or maintaining erections. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
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Your doctor will likely measure your testosterone levels at least twice before recommending testosterone therapy.
Treating normal aging with testosterone therapy is not advisable. If you don't have a medical condition that's contributing to your decline in testosterone levels, your doctor might suggest natural ways to boost testosterone, such as losing weight and increasing muscle mass through resistance exercise. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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Levels of the hormone normally decrease with age. About 4 out of 10 men over the age of 45 have low testosterone. It is seen in about 2 out of 10 men over 60, 3 out of 10 men over 70, and 3 out of 10 men over 80 years old.
Men with certain health problems, including diabetes and obesity, also tend to also have low testosterone. If you think you may have low-T, it is important to see a doctor to make sure you have low-T and not another condition. Many of the symptoms for low-T can be the result of other health problems. For example, decreased energy and depressed mood may be caused by a variety of different health conditions and not of low-T. Diagnosis of low-T begins with a review of your medical history, a physical exam and blood work to measure your testosterone levels.
If the symptoms of low-T are bothering you, talk with your doctor about whether or not you are a candidate for Testosterone Replacement Therapy TRT. About 70 percent of men treated for low-T use a skin gel. It is rubbed onto the shoulders or upper arms after a shower. Welliver noted that men with children should be especially careful when using the gel as they may come in contact with it by touching the site where it was applied, or they may touch leftover gel on unwashed clothes or towels.
Pregnant women should also be very careful to avoid TRT gel. TRT is a life-long treatment.
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