Testosterone is THE male sex hormone—it’s what makes men, men. Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced primarily in the testicles and is responsible for the development of male sexual tissues such as the testicles, penis and prostate, as well as secondary male sexual characteristics such as muscle tissue, bone growth and density, and body hair. Additionally, testosterone is essential for male libido, cardiovascular health, bone health, brain function, and overall health and well-being.
As Testosterone levels begin to decline, for some men as early as their late 20’s and early 30’s, men begin to experience symptoms of decreased testosterone levels, or hypogonadism. Men may begin to notice that they don’t have the energy that they used to have when they were twenty years old. Likewise, they may notice a decrease in sex drive and performance, an increase in abdominal fat (the proverbial pot-belly), difficulty concentrating, irritability, joint aches, difficulty sleeping, and a decrease in strength, stamina, and lean muscle mass. This constellation of symptoms has recently been dubbed male “menopause”, or andropause.
Fortunately, with the burgeoning field of “Anti-Aging Medicine” or, more appropriately, Age Management Medicine, safe and reliable treatment is available for men experiencing symptoms of low or sub-optimal levels of testosterone and the concomitant health problems associated with these testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy has many benefits which include:
- An increase in libido and sexual performance
- Increased lean body mass, stamina and strength
- Decreased fat mass
- Decreased irritability
- Improved mood and sense of well-being
- Increased mental and physical energy
- Increased quality of sleep
Additionally, there is strong evidence that optimal testosterone levels are protective against cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer, help sensitize tissues to insulin thereby promoting better blood glucose control and preventing diabetes, and also linked to preventing and even reversing osteoporosis.
In conclusion, we at LifeLogic believe that, along with proper diet and exercise, testosterone replacement therapy, if indicated and done properly, is essential for a long, healthy and functional life.