Testosterone from NuLife Solutions - Features: Testosterone HGH Therapy Benefits, Testosterone Therapy Benefits, Men's Hormone Programs, Women's Hormone Programs, Compounding, Health
Preface
It is estimated that 4 million to 5 million American men may not produce
enough testosterone. Most discouraging, research finds that most men know
very little about testosterone, the potential consequences of having low
testosterone levels, and the availability of therapies to increase testosterone
and overall health.
A 1998 survey completed by Roper Starch Worldwide of 1,000 men found that
68 percent of participants could not name a symptom or condition associated
with low testosterone. In addition, half of the participants admitted
some knowledge of hormone replacement therapy, but only 7 percent knew
that it could be used in men.
This guide seeks to improve your awareness of testosterone, testosterone
deficiency, and testosterone replacement therapy. Section 1, Testosterone
Overview, provides comprehensive information on the hormone, its function,
the diagnosis of low testosterone, and other related factors. Section
2, Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) discusses
some of the physical and psychological benefits associated with restoring
testosterone. Section 3, Treatments for Low Testosterone, outlines
treatment options that are available to increase testosterone levels.
Section 4, Overview of Clinical Trials, presents highlights of
recent clinical studies evaluating testosterone and testosterone replacement
therapy. Finally, Section 5, Frequently Asked Questions; Section
6, Glossary of Terms; and the Appendix will provide you with additional
educational information.
This guide provides useful information on testosterone and testosterone
therapy. In addition, it creates a foundation for increasing your knowledge
of these important topics.
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Testosterone Overview
Testosterone and Its Function
Testosterone is the most important sex hormone (otherwise known as androgens)
produced in the male body. It is the hormone that is primarily responsible
for producing the typical adult male attributes. At puberty, testosterone
stimulates the physical changes that characterize the adult male, such
as enlargement of the penis and testes, growth of facial and pubic hair,
deepening of the voice, an increase in muscle mass and strength, and growth
in height. Throughout adult life, testosterone helps maintain sex drive,
the production of sperm cells, male hair patterns, muscle mass and bone
mass.
Testosterone is produced in the testes and in the outer layer of the adrenal
glands (called the adrenal cortex); in females, small amounts of testosterone
are produced by the ovaries.
While it is commonly perceived that testosterone is not a major factor
in pre-pubescent male development, testosterone is active long before
puberty begins. For example, while a fetus is still in the womb, testosterone
and a related substance cause the male genitalia to form.
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Testosterone Production
The body carefully controls the production of testosterone. Chemical signals
from two glands in the brain – the pituitary and hypothalamus – tell the
testes how much testosterone to produce.
The hypothalamus controls hormone production in the pituitary gland by
means of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone tells the
pituitary gland to make follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing
hormone (LH). LH orders the testes to produce testosterone. If the testes
begin producing too much testosterone, the brain sends signals to the
pituitary to make less LH. This, in turn, slows the production of testosterone.
If the testes begin producing too little testosterone, the brain sends
signals to the pituitary gland telling it to make more LH, which causes
the testes to make more testosterone.
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Physical Symptoms Related to Low Testosterone
Signs of low testosterone in men may include decreased sex drive, erectile
dysfunction (ED), lowered sperm count or increased breast size. Men also
may have symptoms similar to those seen during menopause in women – hot
flashes, increased irritability, inability to concentrate and depression.
Some men may have a prolonged and severe decrease in testosterone production.
As a result, they may experience loss of body hair and reduced muscle
mass, their bones may be more brittle and prone to fracture, and their
testes may become smaller and softer. In younger men, low testosterone
production may reduce the development of body and facial hair, muscle
mass and genitals. In addition, their voices also may fail to deepen.
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Conditions That Could Cause Low Testosterone
There are a number of specific medical conditions that can cause low testosterone.
Often, such conditions are most evident in younger men. Some of these
conditions are associated with the testes, pituitary gland and hypothalamus
gland. Other men experience low testosterone levels as a result of various
genetic factors.
The effects of aging on testosterone production – andropause. As
men age, their ability to produce testosterone declines. Some men's production
of LH decreases with aging, which lowers testosterone production. Moreover,
a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) increases in older
men, which reduces the amount of free (unbound) testosterone in the blood
that is available to tissues, such as muscles.
Aging also causes changes in the daily cycle of testosterone production.
For example, younger men show a peak of testosterone in the morning, but
this finding is blunted in older men.
The decrease in testosterone production as men age is sometimes referred
to as andropause.
Testes-based conditions. Men whose testosterone deficiency is caused
by an abnormality in the testes often display increased FSH levels, increased
LH levels and impaired sperm production. These conditions include:
Trauma – A direct physical injury to the testes may damage the
cells that produce testosterone
Orchitis – Testicular inflammation can occur after a post-puberty
bout with the mumps (there is a higher risk of risk of infertility than
low testosterone)
Radiation treatment or chemotherapy – These therapies for other
diseases may damage the testosterone-producing cells of the testes
Testicular tumors – Treatment of testicular tumors may directly
affect testosterone production
Pituitary/hypothalamus-based conditions. Men whose low testosterone
levels result from defects in the pituitary or hypothalamus generally
have a low or low-normal FSH level and low or low-normal levels of LH.
These conditions include:
Pituitary tumors – The growth of abnormal tissue in the pituitary
can disrupt the gland's normal functioning and interfere with hormone
production.
HIV/AIDS – Viruses or other infectious agents may directly or indirectly
affect the hypothalmus, pituitary or testes and can decrease testosterone
levels; as many as 50 percent of men infected with the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) may have low testosterone.
Genetically-based conditions. Men may have low testosterone as
a result of chromosomal abnormalities or genetically-based conditions.
These conditions include:
Klinefelter's syndrome – A genetic condition in which an extra
X chromosome is present (about one in every 400 men have this); testosterone
production is low to low normal; men with this syndrome also may have
markedly reduced bone density.
Kallmann's syndrome – Usually a recessive genetic disorder associated
with the X chromosome, which occurs in about one of every 10,000 men.
A deficiency of GnRH impairs the release of LH and FSH, which decreases
testosterone production; men with the syndrome lack the sense of smell;
testes do not enlarge at puberty.
Prader-Willi syndrome – A genetic disorder characterized by decreased
muscle tone in infancy that improves with age, underdeveloped genitals
(including undescended testes in boys) and low sex hormone levels. An
obsession with food and compulsive eating, also linked with this disorder,
may begin before the age of six.
Myotonic dystrophy – The most common adult form of muscular dystrophy,
this genetic condition only occurs in men and is carried on the Y chromosome;
because testicular failure usually occurs around the age of 30 to 40,
men may have sons at risk for the disease.
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Diagnosing Low Testosterone
Importance of the medical history. Sometimes physical symptoms
can suggest a medical problem. For example, a man who, as he ages, has
a progressive decrease in muscle mass, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction
(ED) or reduced sperm count may have low testosterone. Similarly, a teenager
who still has the appearance of a young boy – small testes, penis and
prostate; scant pubic and body hair; and a high-pitched voice – shows
clear signs of someone with inadequate testicular function.
There are cases, though, that may involve some medical detective work.
Therefore, it is extremely important to provide the doctor with a detailed
medical history. Things that should be discussed include:
Past or present major illnesses
All prescription and non-prescription drugs currently being taken
Family/relationship problems, such as sexual problems
Any major life events or changes that have occurred
A family history also may help the doctor to pinpoint a genetic basis
for the problem. The doctor can use these clues to identify the correct
diagnosis.
Physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor
will look at:
The amount and distribution of body hair
Presence and degree of breast enlargement
Size and consistency of the testes
Abnormalities in the scrotum
Size of the penis
Measuring hormone levels. Testosterone levels vary from hour to
hour, so the time at which blood is drawn for testing can affect the results.
However, the generally acceptable range of values is 300 to 1,200 nanograms
per deciliter (ng/dl). Generally, the highest testosterone levels occur
in the early morning hours; therefore, doctors will often measure testosterone
levels at this time.
Testosterone circulates in the blood in three forms:
About 30 percent of testosterone is bound tightly to a protein called
sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
About 68 percent is weakly bound to another protein called albumin
About 2 percent circulates freely in the bloodstream
Determination of low testosterone may require more than one blood test.
A normal total testosterone reading may not necessarily indicate that
a man has normal levels of free testosterone. For example, some men with
increased levels of SHBG and low blood levels of free testosterone may
have normal levels of total testosterone. Therefore, labs often measure
the total testosterone levels and its components.
Other tests. Because low testosterone levels may affect bone mass,
the doctor may want to assess any bone loss with bone density testing.
Genetic testing can confirm the presence of an inherited condition.
If tests cause the doctor to suspect a problem within the pituitary gland,
he/she may want to examine the gland to see if a tumor is present. Two
examination procedures are most common, and neither penetrates the skin.
A computed tomography, or CT, is a computer-assisted X-ray process. Magnetic
resonance imaging, or MRI, uses a combination of radio waves, high intensity
magnetic fields and computer technology to produce images of the body's
interior.
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Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Men with low levels of testosterone generally complain of sexual and mood
problems. Testosterone replacement therapy has been proven to improve
both physical and psychological functioning.
Sexual interest. Testosterone replacement has been shown to increase
sexual interest and the frequency of spontaneous erections.
Erectile function. Testosterone replacement restores erectile function
in androgen deficient men in the absence of other co-morbid diseases that
affect erectile dysfunction.
Mood. Men whose condition makes them depressed, angry, tired or
confused prior to therapy may feel better after receiving supplemental
testosterone.
Masculine characteristics. Men taking testosterone can maintain
masculine characteristics such beard growth and pubic hair.
Bone density and muscle mass. Testosterone therapy can increase
lean muscle mass and bone density in men and improve grip strength.
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Treatments for Low Testosterone
There are four delivery methods of testosterone that have been approved
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Supplemental testosterone
is typically used in one of the following forms:
Pills
Manufacturer
Dosing
Administration
Android® (brand of methyltestosterone capsules)
ICN Pharmaceuticals
10 to 50 mg daily
(1 to 5 capsules)
Orally
Testred® (brand of methyltestosterone capsules)
ICN Pharmaceuticals
10 to 50 mg daily
(1 to 5 capsules)
Orally
Andriol* (testosterone undecanoate)
Organon
80-160 mg daily
Orally
*Available in Canada, Mexico and Europe
Injections
Manufacturer
Dosing
Administration
Depo-Testosterone® (brand of testosterone cypionate)
Pharmacia Corporation
150-200 mg, every 10-21 days
Intramuscular injection
Delatestryl® (testosterone enanthate injection)
BTG Pharmaceuticals
150-200 mg, every 10-21 days
Intramuscular injection
Patches
Manufacturer
Dosing
Administration
Testoderm TTS® (testosterone transdermal system)
Alza Pharmaceuticals
5 mg/day, 60 cm2 patch
Applied daily to arm, back, or upper buttocks
Testoderm®
Alza Pharmaceuticals
4mg/day, 40cm2 patch or 6mg/day, 60cm2 patch
Applied daily to scrotum
Androderm® (testosterone transdermal system)
SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals
5 mg/day, using two 2.5- mg, 37 cm2 patches, or one 5-mg, 44 cm2 patch
Applied daily to back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs
Gel
Manufacturer
Dosing
Administration
AndroGel® 1% (testosterone gel)
Unimed Pharmaceuticals
5-10 g/day, using clear, colorless, water/alcohol mixture
Applied daily to shoulders and upper arms and/or abdomen
Once a doctor has diagnosed low testosterone on the basis of physical
symptoms and medical test results, he/she should determine if the low
testosterone levels are due to testicular, pituitary, or hypothalmic etiology.
Individuals with low testosterone and normal or low serum LH levels may
require further evaluation. After resolving these issues, treatment with
supplemental testosterone can begin. Many studies have demonstrated improved
function with testosterone replacement. Investigators have found that
treatment resulted in increased sexual interest and an increased number
of spontaneous erections. Men taking testosterone replacement therapy
also were less depressed, angry and fatigued.
As seen in the accompanying chart, testosterone replacement therapy can
be offered in a variety of forms. Together, the patient and his physician
can select a mode of acceptable treatment.
Pills. Although methyl testosterone is manufactured in capsule or pill
form, it is not recommended for testosterone replacement in men. When
capsules/pills are swallowed and absorbed into the bloodstream, they are
quickly broken down by the liver and do not achieve high enough blood
levels to be useful unless given in large doses (40 mg/day to 50 mg/day).
At these doses, they may cause adverse changes in blood lipids (fats)
and liver damage. Testosterone indecanoate is moderately effective, but
it must be given in capsular form three times daily. It has unique properties
that reduce rapid metabolism by the liver.
Injections. Deep muscle injections do not have to be taken daily but
are instead given every 10days to 21 days. With injections, blood levels
peak about two to three days after dosing and slowly decline during the
next one to two weeks. The injections are painful, and fluctuations in
serum levels of testosterone may be accompanied by changes in mood and
a sense of well-being. Injectable therapy usually is the least expensive
way to provide testosterone replacement, and it requires the least patient
motivation and compliance.
Transdermal (through the skin) delivery systems. Gel and patch systems
offer other advantages. Both are easy-to-apply systems that provide continuous
delivery of testosterone. The water/alcohol mixture in the gel system
dries quickly and the testosterone is readily absorbed into the skin,
which serves as a reservoir for the sustained release of testosterone
into the bloodstream. The site of application should be covered, or direct
contact with women and children should be avoided. Skin reactivity with
the gel seems to be limited in studies at the present time. Patches may
cause local reactions in some patients. Most common complaints consist
of itching or irritation and rarely blister formation at the application
site and they may fall off when the individual sweats.
With any testosterone delivery system, prolonged use may result in breast
enlargement or increased risk of prostate enlargement or cancer in older
men. In addition, patients with preexisting heart, kidney or liver disease
may experience fluid accumulation with or without heart failure. Men with
breast cancer or known or suspected prostate cancer should not receive
testosterone therapy. The patch and gel products are not indicated for
use in women. Testosterone may cause fetal harm.
Physicians should instruct men taking testosterone to report any of the
following:
Breathing disturbances, especially those associated with sleep
Too frequent or persistent erections
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Overview of Clinical Trials
Testosterone and its Effects on Sexual Function
A long–term prospective study of the physiologic and behavioral
effects of hormone replacement in untreated hypogonadal men – A.S.
Burris et al. Journal of Andrology 1992; 13(4):297–304.
Men with low levels of testosterone who had not yet been treated with
supplemental hormone showed significantly higher levels of depression,
anger, fatigue and confusion than did men with acceptable testosterone
levels. During testosterone replacement therapy, scores improved. Also
during treatment, these men reported increased sexual interest and greater
numbers of spontaneous erections.
Effects of androgen on sexual behavior in hypogonadal men – JM
Davidson et al. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 1979;
48(6):955–8.
The study found that the effect of testosterone replacement on sexual
activity in hypogonadal men is rapid, reliable and not due to placebo
effect. To maintain testosterone levels and adequate sexual function,
testosterone replacement should be administered on an ongoing basis.
Testosterone and its Effects on Mood and Thinking
A long–term prospective study of the physiologic and behavioral
effects of hormone replacement in untreated hypogonadal men – A.S.
Burris et al. Journal of Andrology 1992; 13(4):297–304.
Men with low levels of testosterone who had not yet been treated with
supplemental hormone showed significantly higher levels of depression,
anger, fatigue and confusion than did men with acceptable testosterone
levels. During testosterone replacement therapy, scores for the previously
untreated hypogonadal men improved indicative of less depression, anger,
fatigue and confusion.
Androgen–behavior correlations in hypogonadal men and eugonadal
men. II. Cognitive abilities – G.M. Alexander et al. Hormones and
Behavior 1998; 33(2):85–94.
Reasoning abilities were assessed in 33 men with low levels of testosterone
who were receiving supplemental testosterone, 10 men with normal levels
of testosterone who were given the hormone as part of a male contraceptive
clinical trial and 19 men with normal testosterone levels who did not
receive supplemental testosterone. Prior to and after being given testosterone
the men completed tests that measured visual–spatial ability, verbal
fluency, perceptual speed and verbal memory. Men with low testosterone
seemed to have lower levels of verbal fluency; these improved following
treatment with testosterone. These data suggest that testosterone may
play some role in influencing some aspects of reasoning and thinking.
Testosterone replacement therapy improves mood in hypogonadal men –
a clinical research center study – C Wang et al. Journal of Clinical
Endocrinology and Metabolism 1996; 81(10):3578–83.
The study evaluated changes in mood for 60 days in 51 hypogonadal men.
Researchers found that testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal
men improved their positive mood parameters including energy, well/good
feelings and friendliness. Testosterone replacement also decreased negative
mood parameters including anger, nervousness and irritability.
Testosterone and its Effects on Body Composition and Bone Density
Effects of testosterone replacement on muscle mass and muscle protein
synthesis in hypogonadal men: a clinical research center study –
I.G. Brodsky et al. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 1996;
81(10):3469–3475.
Researchers measured body composition and muscle protein synthesis in
five men with low testosterone before and six months after beginning testosterone
replacement therapy. After testosterone therapy, all five men showed an
increase in fat–free mass, a decrease in fat mass and an increase
in muscle mass (65 percent of the increase in fat–free mass could
be attributed to increased muscle mass). The scientists also found that
the increased muscle mass was caused by the ability of testosterone to
stimulate muscle protein synthesis.
Increase in bone density and lean body mass during testosterone administration
in men with acquired hypogonadism – L. Katznelson et al. Journal
of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 1996; 81(12):4358–4365.
Scientists assessed the muscle and bone effects of testosterone replacement
therapy in 29 men aged 22 to 69 with low blood levels of the hormone.
The men were evaluated at six–month intervals for 18 months. The
researchers found that body fat and subcutaneous fat significantly decreased
while lean muscle mass and bone density significantly increased. The scientists
concluded that the beneficial effects of testosterone administration on
body composition and bone density may provide additional indications for
testosterone therapy in such men.
Testosterone replacement in older hypogonadal men: a 12–month randomized
controlled trial – R. Sih et al. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology
and Metabolism 1997; 82(6):1661–1667.
Researchers examined the year–long effects of testosterone replacement
therapy in 32 men in their 60s (15 men received a placebo and 17 received
biweekly injections of testosterone). They found that the men who received
testosterone showed improved grip strength in both hands and increased
levels of hemoglobin, the blood component that carries oxygen. The investigators
concluded that testosterone may have a role in treating frailty in older
men.
Long–term effect of testosterone therapy on bone mineral density
in hypogonadal men – H.M. Behre et al. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology
and Metabolism 1997; 82(8):2386–2390.
The researchers studied bone mineral density in 72 men who received testosterone
replacement therapy for up to 16 years. Bone mineral density was measured
annually. The most significant increase in bone mineral density was seen
during the first year of testosterone replacement therapy. Long–term
treatment maintained bone mineral density at levels consistent for age
in all men.
Effect of testosterone treatment on bone mineral density in men over
65 years of age – Snyder PJ, et al. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology
and Metabolism 1999;84:1966–1972.
Researchers examined changes in bone mineral density in 108 men over 65
years of age who received testosterone for 36 months. The study found
that increasing testosterone to the midnormal range for young men did
not increase lumbar spine bone density overall, but did increase it in
those men with low pretreatment testosterone levels.
Effect of testosterone treatment on body composition and muscle strength
in men over 65 years of age – Snyder PJ, et al. Journal of Clinical
Endocrinology and Metabolism 1999;84:2647–2653.
Researchers examined changes in body composition and muscle strength in
108 men over 65 years of age who received testosterone for 36 months.
The study found that increasing testosterone concentrations in men over
65 years of age to the midnormal range decreased fat mass and increased
lean mass, but did not necessarily increase muscle strength.
Testosterone and its Effects on HIV Positive Men with Low Testosterone
Testosterone replacement in HIV illness – J.G. Rabkin et al. General
Hospital Psychiatry 1995; 17(1):37–42
A total of 72 HIV–positive men with immune suppression and low levels
of testosterone received testosterone replacement therapy for at least
eight weeks. After testosterone replacement therapy, 85 percent of these
men showed heightened sexual interest and function. In addition, as many
as 64 percent of those who reported mood problems upon entering the study
were rated as much improved at eight weeks.
Effects of androgen administration in men with the AIDS wasting syndrome.
A randomized, double–blind, placebo–controlled trial –
S. Grinspoon et al. Annals of Internal Medicine 1998; 129(1):18–26.
Fifty-one HIV-positive men with a mean age of 42 who had wasting and low
testosterone were randomly assigned to receive testosterone or placebo
every three weeks for six months. Testosterone-treated men gained fat-free
mass, lean body mass and muscle mass. These men also reported they felt
better, had an improved quality of life and improved appearance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone produced in men's bodies. Testosterone
stimulates the development of the penis and testes, growth of facial and
pubic hair, deepening of the voice, changes in body-shape, and increased
muscle mass and strength. It helps maintain sex drive and the production
of sperm cells, and it may play a role in balding. Mood is also affected
by testosterone, and low levels of the hormone can cause severe and prolonged
depression as well as fatigue. Testosterone is produced in the testes
and the outer part of the adrenal glands called the adrenal cortex. Women's
ovaries also produce a small amount of testosterone.
How does the body know how much testosterone to make and release?
The testes receive chemical signals from the pituitary gland, which is
located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland receives signals
from the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing
hormone (GnRH). This signals the pituitary gland to produce and secrete
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH orders
the testes to produce testosterone. If the testes begin producing too
much testosterone, the body sends signals to the pituitary telling it
to make less LH. This, in turn, slows down the production of testosterone.
What is a "normal" level of testosterone?
Doctors check to see if a man's blood testosterone level falls into a
generally acceptable range of values. Testosterone levels vary from hour
to hour, so fluctuations can be seen in men with no apparent problems.
Generally, the highest testosterone levels occur in the early morning
hours, so measurements should be taken at this time.
How is testosterone measured?
If a doctor suspects someone is not producing enough testosterone, he/she
will check if the total blood testosterone level falls into the acceptable
range. The doctor also may instruct the laboratory to measure the amount
of free or loosely bound testosterone (about 30 percent of the total testosterone
is strongly bound to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin, known
as SHBG; about 68 percent is weakly bound to another protein called albumin)
and the amount of free testosterone (only about two percent circulates
freely in the blood). Blood levels of SHBG increase with age, so older
men may have a higher percentage of bound testosterone and a lower percentage
of free testosterone.
How does aging affect the body's ability to make testosterone?
Not only does the amount of testosterone produced decline with age, the
morning spike of testosterone seen in young men is blunted in older men.
The pituitary glands of older men also may produce less luteinizing hormone
(LH), which decreases testosterone production. Testosterone in aging men
is more likely to bind to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which reduces
the amount of freely circulating testosterone that is available to the
body.
Why would a doctor suspect that someone has a low level of testosterone?
Symptoms related to low testosterone include: decreased sex drive, erectile
dysfunction (ED), lowered sperm count, increased breast size (a condition
called gynecomastia), hot flashes, increased irritability, trouble concentrating
and depression. Men who have a severe and prolonged reduction of testosterone
also may experience loss of body hair, reduced muscle mass and bone fractures
due to osteoporosis. Certain medical conditions also can cause the condition.
Can low testosterone be seen in younger men, too?
Yes. Certain genetic conditions such as Klinefelter's syndrome, Kallmann's
syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome can cause lowered testosterone production
in boys and young men. In addition, testosterone production can be lowered
by bilateral cryptochid testes injury, inflammation and tumors. Chemotherapy
and radiation therapy also may damage testosterone-producing cells.
Can a low testosterone level cause other problems?
Studies have shown that men with low testosterone can become frail, lose
muscle mass and suffer bone fractures due to osteoporosis. Some data have
suggested that testosterone therapy can lead to increases in muscle mass
and strength. Researchers also have shown that men who are testosterone-deficient
may be more likely to experience depression and reduced quality-of-life
than men who produce adequate amounts of the hormone.
If someone has a low testosterone level, how do they get it increased?
Supplemental preparations of testosterone currently are available in gel
and patch forms that deliver it through the skin, and as pills or as preparations
that have to be injected into deep muscle about every 10 to 21 days.
What is the next step for a man who has low testosterone?
An endocrinologist is a doctor who is a medical expert in treating diseases
with abnormal hormone secretion and tumors of glands that secrete hormones.
Board-certified endocrinologists are ideally suited to evaluate, diagnose
and identify a wide spectrum of medical, physical and psychiatric abnormalities
responsible for causing male sexual dysfunction including a low testosterone
level.
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The Hormone Foundation, the public education and outreach affiliate of The Endocrine Society, is an independent, non-profit organization, that seeks to improve the quality of life by promoting the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human disease in which hormones play a role. Founded in 1997 by The Endocrine Society, the Foundation strives to educate the public by publishing materials and holding educational forums, seminars, lectures and meetings.Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones, and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 9,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students, in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Bethesda, Maryland. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit the Society's web site at www.endo-society.org.
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