Testosterone Replacement Therapy For Men

By Jake Alexandre


Hormones are commonly known as chemical messengers that cause cells to react in a certain way in the human body. Each hormone in the body has its own specific function to alter cell metabolism. Although in males and females there are some common hormones, however there are others that have special functions. Male female hormones are present in both the sexes but in males, the male hormone is dominant and the same is for the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Testosterone is known as the male hormone. Testosterone is a steroid hormone from an androgen group, secreted by the testicles of males. Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid.

Testosterone is largely responsible for activating the formation of male specific body parts during development in the womb. Testosterone again becomes active during puberty. During this period the testosterone level increases in boys, causing manly characteristics to develop like; body hair, pubic hair, penis growth, testicle growth, voice change and production of sperm.

Testosterone levels decline gradually with age, or due to some physical problems, testosterone is not produced in sufficient quantities. Testosterone deficiency can be caused due to: age factor, dysfunction of pituitary gland, chronic illness, and injury or infection to the testicles, liver cirrhosis, AIDS, genetic abnormalities, chemotherapy, medication, chronic renal failure, alcoholism, and congenital conditions due to inflammatory diseases.

This will tell the physician the exact amount of hormones required in your body. Excessive hormone induction in the body will have negative effects. Similarly, you should get digital rectal examination, and prostate specific antigen screening done. This is important because testosterone hormone replacement therapy for men should be avoided by cancer patients.

In these conditions, testosterone replacement therapy is performed. There are many options available for TRT, which are: * Testosterone patches worn either on the scrotum or body. Patches are used daily, and their application is rotated between buttocks, back, arms and abdomen. * Intramuscular injection, generally after 2 or 3 weeks. * Muco adhesive material applied above the teeth twice a day. * Oral tablets. * Testosterone gel. * Long acting substance implant. * Testosterone stick. Each of these options provides adequate level of hormone replacement, but all the options have advantages and disadvantages. Men who have prostate cancer should not opt for testosterone replacement therapy.

Each form of treatment has its own advantage and disadvantages and a doctor can determine what therapy will suit a patient. While testosterone replacement therapy might seem like the perfect solution of hormonal disorder, the health benefits of testosterone are uncertain till now. Supplemental testosterone to treat a usual decline in testosterone levels may be appropriate, considering the risks and benefits, but still the therapy is controversial.

Thus, in order to stay young, you can choose to go for hormone replacement therapy. However it is advised that you consult your physician and inquire about the positive and negative impacts of the therapy, to decrease the risks linked with it. Similarly, the therapy should not be used for a long time since it may leave negative impacts.




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