Does Testosterone Therapy Works?
It is a fact that key male metabolic and sexual functions are dependent on the healthy serum levels of testosterone. With advancing age or other health issues, the serum levels of testosterone decreases, which can adversely impact the quality off sexual or reproductive life in males. Fortunately, there are a number of therapeutic and pharmacological options available for hypogonadal men such as Testosterone replacement therapies; but how successful are these therapies?
Can testosterone therapy help elevate the mood and sexual health in women? Let’s find out the merits and demerits of testosterone replacement therapy.
Does Testosterone therapy really work?
After it’s discovery in 1937, testosterone replacement therapy was almost immediately considered as a major breakthrough in the science. Today, you can consume testosterone therapy via topical formulations such as patches, gels, creams, lotions to injectables.
Testosterone therapy can help fix all the signs and symptoms of hypogonadism if you are consuming the correct dose and formulation; such as depression, mood swings, weight gain, lethargy, energy levels, sexual appetite etc. But it is imperative to keep in mind that testosterone replacement cannot fix the issues that are caused by other medical or emotional conditions such as erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory disorders.
Likewise, in women testosterone therapy has been proven to improve the sexual appetite and vigor, but besides improving sex drive, testosterone does not help in restoring normal physical health. Besides sexual appetite, the only other benefit of testosterone therapy in women is in the management of longstanding, gnawing vulvar pain. Do not initiate testosterone therapy without consulting your healthcare professional.
Side Effects of Testosterone therapy in Men:
Like any hormonal replacement therapy, testosterone therapy is also associated with certain adverse effects as suggested in a study reported in the British Medical Journal of Medicine; these are:
- Tender breasts
- Higher risk of developing cardiovascular episodes
- Higher risk of developing clotting episodes
- Onset of recurrent migraine attacks
- Swelling on ankles
It is noteworthy that every case is unique and some health experts even recommend low testosterone therapy as a preventive therapy against ischemic heart diseases and angina in men.
Side Effects of Testosterone therapy in Women:
Testosterone therapy is generally not indicated to women, unless in some extremely selective cases. This is mainly because, testosterone supplementation can increase the risk of serious metabolic disorders that may present with hirsutism (growth of facial hair), male pattern baldness and acne. It has also been observed that testosterone therapy if consumed by women, can aggravate the risk of gynecological ailments; especially organic lesions. It is therefore highly recommended to women to undergo thorough assessment of their health before opting for testosterone therapy.
Besides testosterone therapy, there are a number of other lifestyle modifications that can restore testosterone levels; such as endurance training, alterative health options such acupuncture and taking optimal sleep.