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Testosterone is the male sexual hormone and is important in not only stimulating sexual desire, but it helps to promote male sexual characteristics such as hair growth, muscle strength, and general feeling of well being. Approximately 4 million men have low levels of testosterone.
Testosterone is the male sexual hormone and is important in not only stimulating sexual desire, but it helps to promote male sexual characteristics such as hair growth, muscle strength, and general feeling of well being. Approximately 4 million men have low levels of testosterone.
SYMPTOMS SUGGESTIVE OF LOW TESTOSTERONE:
- Decreased Libido or Sex Drive
- Decreased Erectile Function
- Fatigue, Decreased energy level
- Reduction in body hair
- Decreased shaving
- Depressed mood
Physical Signs
- Decreased pubic or axillary hair
- Female pattern of pubic hair growth (Less abdominal hair)
- Osteoporosis - Weakened bones with decreased concentration of calcium
Testosterone Production Sites and Serum Blood Levels
- Approximately 90-95% of testosterone is produced in the man's testicles
- An additional 5-10% of testosterone is produced in the adrenal gland.
- The normal testosterone level ranges from 260-1000 nanograms/deciliter
- Testosterone levels vary throughout the day. Levels are highest in the morning and can drop by 50% by mid-day. It is important to have more than one blood test measuring the serum testosterone. The level changes constantly throughout the day.
What Role & When Does Testosterone Play in the Development of a
Male?
- Following conception, testosterone does not play a role in males in utero until about the 6\Th week after conception.
- The "Y" chromosome signals the body to start producing testosterone. This results in the differentiation of the fetus into a male. The surge of testosterone results in the formation of the penis and testes.
Testosterone Effect at Puberty:
- The level of testosterone can increase to a level of 2000 in teenage boys.
- This surge results in increased muscle mass, growth, acne, and a deeper voice.
- Testosterone supplements can harm teenage boys and result in retarding growth and shutting down the growth plates on the bones pre-maturely.
Factors that Can Affect Testosterone Levels in Middle Aged Men
- A man's physique can affect the level of testosterone in the blood.
- Heavy Men - Testosterone levels tend to decrease in overweight men.
- Lean Men - Testosterone levels tend to stay the same in thin men.
- Competition increases testosterone levels. This has probably been developed over centuries as a protective measure. When a man enters into an athletic contest, fight, hunts for food, or even when playing chess, male testosterone levels will rise.
- Adding a moderate amount of testosterone to a normal man does not make him aggressive or angry.
- The use of steroids where testosterone is given in vast quantities, men can become very aggressive with significant mood swings.
- In a study performed at UCLA, Dr. Christina Chang reports that men with low Testosterone levels became less edgy when their blood levels of Testosterone were returned to normal.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy:
Injection Therapy - Testosterone injections are given intermittently, usually every 3 to 4 weeks.
- The main advantage of injections is that the patient does not have to take a daily medication or worry about his treatment except when the next injection is due.
- The disadvantage of injections is the minor discomfort of the shot and there are peaks and valleys of the amount of testosterone in the system. Testosterone levels are higher after the injection and lower near the end of the cycle.
Skin Patches
- Effectively restores Testosterone levels to physiologic levels in the majority of men
- Mimics the Circadian Rhythm seen in normal young men. Testosterone is normally released at night and peak levels are seen in the morning. This is why many men feel more interested in sexual relations early in the morning than at the end of the day. Their testosterone levels are higher in the morning than at night.
- Produces significant positive effects on fatigue, mood, and sexual function
- Stabilized testosterone levels without the peaks and troughs seen with testosterone injections
Using Skin Testosterone Patches
Apply one 5 mg patch at bedtime
- Rotate the patches using the upper arms, thighs, back, or abdomen
- The patch can be worn during sexual relations, exercising, and in the shower
- Well tolerated. Reactions to the patch. Irritation, which is markedly reduced to 1.4% when patients use Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream 0.1% with the Androderm patch
Testosterone Gel:
- Compounding Pharmacists can formulate testosterone into a gel. Many men and women are using these products where the gel is rubbed into their skin. A new product called, Androgel has just received FDA approval
---Complied by Dr. Stephen Auerbach, hisandherhealth staff. |
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