Testosterone Therapy - While young males do not typically suffer from a testosterone deficiency, the presence of certain medical conditions that hamper the body's ability to produce testosterone can result in this condition at any age. In fact, approximately one in 200 men under 60 years of age suffers from androgen deficiency.
The testosterone levels in men usually decrease with age. They gradually begin to fall from the age of 40 years and decrease by approximately 0.3% per year. It has been estimated that up to 20% of men over 60 will experience a decline in androgen production that is significant enough to warrant a diagnosis of androgen deficiency.
Some controversy still exists over whether or not older men experience what is known as "andropause," or male menopause, a much more gradual and subtle change of life than female menopause. The question of whether such naturally decreasing levels of testosterone should be remedied, or if TRT should simply be reserved for extreme cases, remains largely unanswered. For now, it is best to assume that unless your doctor diagnoses you with a deficiency, TRT is not the solution.
The testosterone levels in men usually decrease with age. They gradually begin to fall from the age of 40 years and decrease by approximately 0.3% per year. It has been estimated that up to 20% of men over 60 will experience a decline in androgen production that is significant enough to warrant a diagnosis of androgen deficiency.
Some controversy still exists over whether or not older men experience what is known as "andropause," or male menopause, a much more gradual and subtle change of life than female menopause. The question of whether such naturally decreasing levels of testosterone should be remedied, or if TRT should simply be reserved for extreme cases, remains largely unanswered. For now, it is best to assume that unless your doctor diagnoses you with a deficiency, TRT is not the solution.
Diagnosis
To determine whether or not you are experiencing a deficiency and what may be causing it, your doctor can measure the amount of testosterone in your blood with blood tests. In addition to measuring testosterone levels, doctors sometimes measure prolactin levels to make sure your pituitary gland is functioning properly. Further blood tests, such as serum FSH, LH and thyroid tests, may also be necessary.
Normal levels of testosterone fall between 250 and 800 nanograms of testosterone per deciliter of blood. Levels in the same man vary according to time of day, season and exercise; therefore, your doctor must conduct an entire physical examination to determine whether or not you are suffering from the disorder.
If you want to measure your testosterone level yourself, there are ways to do so. Testing kits allow you to measure the amount of available testosterone for use in your bloodstream; simply gather a sample of your saliva and mail it to a lab for analysis. Doctors and physicians will then identify any preventable hormone imbalances in your system and recommend solutions to normalize your testosterone level.
To determine whether or not you are experiencing a deficiency and what may be causing it, your doctor can measure the amount of testosterone in your blood with blood tests. In addition to measuring testosterone levels, doctors sometimes measure prolactin levels to make sure your pituitary gland is functioning properly. Further blood tests, such as serum FSH, LH and thyroid tests, may also be necessary.
Normal levels of testosterone fall between 250 and 800 nanograms of testosterone per deciliter of blood. Levels in the same man vary according to time of day, season and exercise; therefore, your doctor must conduct an entire physical examination to determine whether or not you are suffering from the disorder.
If you want to measure your testosterone level yourself, there are ways to do so. Testing kits allow you to measure the amount of available testosterone for use in your bloodstream; simply gather a sample of your saliva and mail it to a lab for analysis. Doctors and physicians will then identify any preventable hormone imbalances in your system and recommend solutions to normalize your testosterone level.
Testosterone Therapy is a treatment used to treat a condition in which there is a lack of Testosterone in the body, otherwise known as a Testosterone deficiency. This condition is also referred to as Hypogonadism, Male Menopause and Andropause. As the aging process progresses, the production of Testosterone begins to decrease. This decrease in Testosterone is known to occur during the early stages of aging, typically beginning around the age of 30 and continuing to decline thereafter. With low Testosterone levels, not only does sexual drive and performance diminish, the body will also start losing muscle mass and strength while increasing body fat. Low levels of energy, fatigue, depression, as well as decreased motivation, optimism and sense of well being are all common ailments of low Testosterone.
