It’s not inaccurate to view testosterone as the hormone that makes men what they are – men. Testosterone is what gives men the deeper voices, larger muscles and body hair that make them different from women. It’s also what fuels the growth of male genitals during puberty, facilitates the production of sperm and motivates libido and erections. Testosterone assists in the production of red blood cells, improves mood and facilitates cognitive function as well.
As men age, their testosterone levels tend to drop. In fact, men may see their testosterone drop by as much as one percent per year beginning in their forties. As men get older, they might start to experience symptoms of low testosterone, which may include the following:
- Reduced sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced energy
- Loss of muscle mass and bone density
- Anemia
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Low self-confidence
- Increased body fat
- Loss of facial and body hair
Luckily, testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, can help men avoid many of the symptoms of low testosterone.
A Look at TRT Safety
According to WebMD, the number of men who take testosterone replacement therapy has grown by 300 percent in recent years. With the significant jump in the number of people undergoing this kind of treatment, the question of whether TRT is safe has been hotly debated. While this debate is intense regarding men in general, it’s even more so when it comes to men who have heart disease.
When you review studies that examine the safety of testosterone replacement therapy, it’s easy to understand why the topic is the focus of so much discussion. Some studies show that TRT exposes patients to sometimes deadly risks, such as heart attacks.
Other studies conclude that testosterone replacement therapy doesn’t just fail to pose a threat to heart health, it may actually protect the vital organ. Another study performed by the National Institutes of Health showed that TRT does not increase the chances that someone will have a heart attack.
With so much contradictory information regarding the safety of TRT, it’s important for you to have a serious conversation with your doctor to determine if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you. In general, your doctor will perform a blood test for testosterone, which will help your physician determine if you suffer from low testosterone.
Schedule an Appointment
We offer testosterone replacement therapy at Passer Restorative Therapies, but we know this course of treatment isn’t appropriate for everyone who suffers from low testosterone. If you’re overweight, dropping a few pounds may naturally boost your testosterone level without TRT, and weight loss is something we can help you with. If you don’t exercise regularly and your diet is poor, working out and changing what you eat may be enough to increase your testosterone.
While there are some alternatives to TRT, they don’t work for everyone. If you suspect that you suffer from low testosterone and want to learn more about your treatment options in general or TRT in particular, we encourage you to contact Passer Restorative Therapies. We look forward to helping you combat the effects of low testosterone and restoring your sense of well-being soon.