Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Testosterone is male sex hormone.
It is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics. The hormone is mainly produced in the testicles and apart from helping in the development of male sexual characteristics they are also involved in other normal physiological processes.
Testosterone is most often associated with sex drive and plays a vital role in sperm production. But it also affects bone and muscle mass, the way men store fat in the body, and even red blood cell production. A man’s testosterone levels can also affect his mood.
Functions
Sexual Functions:
- – Sex Drive / libido
- – Production of testosterone
- – Production of Sperm
- – Body and Facial Hair
Non-Sexual Functions:
- – Production of Red Blood Cells
- – Fat Distribution
- – Bone Density
- – Muscle Strength and Mass
- – Cognition and mood
- – Weight loss
- – Sleep
Testosterone helps transform a boy into a man.
Testosterone deepens the voice, builds muscle, strengthens bones, increases penis size and produces body hair, such as facial hair and pubic hair.
Production
Testosterone levels consistently increase until puberty and reach the maximum levels during puberty, adolescence, and early adulthood.
Testosterone levels also tend to decrease consistently after early adulthood as a part of the normal aging process.
After the age of 30, testosterone levels decreases by about 1% a year.
Older people might have a low testosterone level due to aging or a disease known as hypogonadism. As the name indicates, (Hypo = Low, Gonadism = Related to Sexual Hormones) hypogonadism may be a problem in the pituitary gland or testicles.
The testosterone production is reduced significantly in this condition.
Therapy
As discussed earlier dwindling levels of testosterone can result in a number of health issues.
In order to fulfill the body’s requirement of testosterone, exogenous testosterone can be supplied to the body to maintain normal bodily functions.
This treatment is called Testosterone Replacement Therapy or Male Hormone Replacement Therapy.
TRT has been shown to improve the signs and symptoms which arise as a result of low levels of testosterone in the body. Evidence suggests that testosterone therapy can increase muscle mass, strength, mood, libido and makes the patient feel younger and more vigorous.
The key to successful treatment is honest communication with the doctor and strictly adhere to the treatment therapy as directed.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
The reduction in the level of testosterone can cause a wide range of physiological changes in the body which can range from sexual to physical to emotional changes. Some of these changes are summarized below:
Physical Changes:
- – Dwindling levels of testosterone in the body can cause muscle and strength to be reduced and increases in the levels of fats and sugar.
- – Swollen and tender breasts and decreased bone density leading to weaker bones.
- – Loss of body hair can also be seen and men tend to have lower libido and energy than they used to have.
- – Sleep patterns can be disturbed as a result of low testosterone levels as well
Sexual Changes:
- – Sexual desire is reduced with spontaneous erections occurring less and less frequently and may lead to infertility in the worst case.
Emotional Changes:
- – Decrease in self-confidence and motivation is also attributed to lower testosterone levels in the body.
- – Feelings of sadness. depression and trouble concentrating are some of the other things that are associated with low testosterone levels.