Testosterone therapy can greatly benefit men with low hormone levels, but it is not for everyone. As with any other medical treatment, some people are not good candidates for testosterone therapy.
Men who shouldn’t get testosterone therapy include:
- Men with sleep apnea
- Men with a propensity for developing blood clots
- Men who want to conceive
- Men who have prostate cancer
- Men who do not want acne or other skin conditions
When determining whether testosterone therapy is right for him, a man should consider calling HealthGAINS. A wellness provider from their team can provide more information regarding whether testosterone therapy could reach his goals.
Men Who Shouldn’t Get Testosterone Therapy
For most men, the benefits of testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) outweigh the risks. However, some people have underlying medical conditions or take prescription drugs that could adversely react with TRT.
Anyone interested in exploring the possibility of TRT should discuss the general risks of the therapy with a HealthGAINS wellness provider. There might be ways to minimize side effects for the people who do experience them.
Men with Sleep Apnea May Not Benefit from TRT
TRT could worsen sleep apnea in men who already have this sleep disorder.[1] People with sleep apnea stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. Sometimes, this condition could be dangerous.
TRT Could Increase the Risk of Blood Clots
Testosterone supports the production of red blood cells. If TRT stimulates the body to produce too many red blood cells, there is an increased risk of developing blood clots. If a blood clot migrates, it could cause an embolism in a lung, the heart, or the brain.
Some Men Have a Testicular Response to TRT
Men with a low sperm count who want to father a child might want to reconsider TRT because the therapy can lower a man’s sperm count.
Men with Prostate Cancer May Not Benefit from TRT
There is some indication that TRT could accelerate cancerous growth in men with prostate cancer. Also, TRT could lead to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the prostate gland. BPH is a noncancerous growth.
TRT Can Cause Skin Reactions
Testosterone is a powerful hormone that can impact multiple processes of the body. TRT can cause a man to develop acne or other skin reactions, similar to hormone surges in a man’s teens.
These reactions can depend on factors like the dosage, frequency, and duration of testosterone therapy. A man experiencing any changes or possible side effects when undergoing TRT should talk to his HealthGAINS wellness provider. It might be necessary to adjust his dosage or other aspects of treatment.
Many Men Are Good Candidates for Testosterone Therapy
Like with any treatment, some men are ideal candidates for testosterone therapy, while others shouldn’t get testosterone therapy. Some men with testosterone deficiency (low testosterone levels) can benefit from TRT.[2]
Some of the signs of testosterone deficiency include:
Erectile Dysfunction
When a man’s testosterone levels fall, he can experience a wide array of challenges to his sex life. Testosterone regulates a man’s sex drive, also called libido. A man can have a lower sex drive when his testosterone levels are low.
Testosterone deficiency can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). It can be more difficult for a man to achieve spontaneous erections when his testosterone levels are low. Even if he can have erections, he might not be able to maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse or achieve orgasm.
Low Energy
One of the first signs of low testosterone is fatigue. A lack of energy from testosterone deficiency is much more significant than the tiredness that comes with aging. When ongoing exhaustion begins to impact a man’s ability to function at work or home, he might have testosterone deficiency.
Without sufficient levels of testosterone, a man’s body can lose muscle mass, making him physically weak. He can also begin accumulating body fat, which, when combined with decreased muscle mass, can lead to a less than fit appearance. Bone mass can also diminish, placing a man at a heightened risk of fractures and frailty.
Additional physical changes that can come with low-T levels include flushing and hot flashes.
Depression
Depression is one of the more common emotional consequences of testosterone deficiency. With low hormone levels, a man may also feel less confident. It is unclear whether lower self-confidence is a chemical response to low testosterone levels or an indirect result of sexual dysfunction.
Testosterone affects body chemistry, which can impact multiple processes, including the ability to think clearly and maintain focus and attention. Also, some men experience sleep disruptions when their testosterone levels are abnormally low.
Hope for Men with Testosterone Deficiency
Men with low testosterone levels no longer need to passively accept their symptoms. Testosterone therapy can help men who have testosterone deficiency. For more information, call HealthGAINS at (305) 682-1818. A trained medical advisor can answer questions at no charge.
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728
[2] https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/is-testosterone-therapy-safe-take-a-breath-before-you-take-the-plunge
