By As we grow older, we experience many changes to our bodies. Age takes its toll on all areas of the human body, and no matter how much we work out or keep fit, we will start to feel the effects. Age is inevitable, and we cannot stop it, but we can hide some of the effects. Cosmetic routines can be undertaken to remove lines from the face, for example, or tighten loose skin.
For men, one of the biggest changes is when the production of testosterone begins to slow down. This is a natural process that occurs with age and can also be influenced by other factors. Testosterone is a well-known substance and one that is vital to male health. But do you know what it is? And what does testosterone do?
Along with talking about hormone therapy for men we will try and answer these questions to help you understand what happens when testosterone production slows down, and what will happen when you start a course of hormone therapy with testosterone. Let’s have a look at testosterone in more detail.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is one of many hormones that are produced naturally in the male body. It is known as the ‘male hormone.’ Testosterone is produced by the testes. When we think of testosterone we think immediately of sexual performance, yet that is just one of the purposes of this hormone.
Hormones are part of the messaging system in the body, and work with the brain and central nervous system to ensure the vital organs are doing their job. But it is also a growth aid, helps strengthen the bones, and is important for effective and efficient cognitive function.
So, testosterone is important, yet the level of testosterone produced by the body needs to remain at a certain point if things are to work properly. Too much or too little of a hormone is known as an imbalance, and it is surprisingly common with testosterone. Next, we need to look at why our testosterone levels fall during our lifetime.
Why Do Testosterone Levels Fall?
Women also experience a drop in hormone levels, in particular the hormone estrogen which is the ‘female hormone.’ Estrogen is produced during ovulation, yet a woman’s reproductive system will cease working after a number of years. This usually happens during their 40’s. This is known as menopause.
Men can suffer a similar event known as andropause. However, this does not happen to all men. The male body changes as we age, and testosterone being associated with sexual performance means that as a man grows further away from the optimum sexual performance age, so the body believes there is less need for testosterone and stops producing it in such quantities as before.
However, as we have seen, testosterone is not only about sexual performance. It has many effects on our daily life. Let’s look now at some of the main symptoms of testosterone imbalance.
How Will I Notice I Need Hormone Therapy?
There are many known symptoms that could indicate you have a testosterone imbalance. The problem is some of these may actually be symptoms of other conditions. Let’s list the most commonly seen examples and then we’ll talk a little more about it. Testosterone imbalance can lead to the following:
- Loss of sexual appetite
- Inability to get an erection
- Unusual fatigue
- Poor bone density
- Interrupted sleep patterns
- Trouble concentrating
- General feeling of listlessness
The above is not a comprehensive list. Some of the above symptoms may also indicate diabetes, for example. Weight gain is another symptom of both that can confuse the patient. This is why it is strongly suggested that you seek medical advice if you believe that you are suffering a testosterone imbalance.
The good news is that there are procedures that can be undergone to restore the testosterone levels, and these are generally known as hormone therapy treatments. Let’s have a look in a little more detail at what you can expect to experience when you start taking testosterone therapy Lubbock.
What Does Happen when I Start Taking Testosterone?
Testosterone therapy should always be administered by experts at a recognized clinic. Your first step will be a full consultation. This will involve a discussion about your medical history, daily routine, and personal habits. Be prepared for some quite personal questions as the consultant needs to assess your suitability for hormone therapy.
You will, for example, need to cut out smoking and refrain from indulging in recreational drugs, as these can interfere with the hormone therapy. If you are not willing to do so, you will not be considered for therapy. Should you be committed and ready to change your lifestyle for the better, you will benefit in the following ways, and you will see difference quickly once you start the treatment:
- Restored sexual appetite
- Greater enthusiasm for life
- Less tired and repaired sleeping pattern
- Greater strength and endurance
- Clearer thinking and better concentration
- Feel better all-round in general
- Less anxious
Again, this is not a comprehensive list but one that offers the most common and frequently experienced benefits of hormone therapy with testosterone. There are other hormone therapy procedures that work with other hormones, so the symptoms you describe to your doctor are extremely important in arriving at a correct diagnosis. If you think you have a hormone deficiency, make an appointment with a doctor right away. So, having said all that, should you be undergoing hormone therapy? Lets’ close with a few words on this.
Should I Get Hormone Therapy?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, we have described it is essential you get a medical diagnosis as quickly as possible. They may be indicative of hormone imbalance, yet some of the symptom may also signify something more serious, perhaps even cancer or other dangerous conditions. Make an appointment right now and see what is causing your problems.
