For a man, having low testosterone means a lot of things. It decreases a man’s motivation, energy, sex drive, and bed performance. There are also other harmful effects of low testosterone. However, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can boost testosterone levels to normal while returning them to their young age. 

 

The normal testosterone level in a man is usually high during adolescence and his early 20s. However, as you age, it will gradually decline. Sometimes low testosterone could result from a problem in the pituitary gland (in the brain) or the testicle, which controls testosterone production.

 

In aging men, low testosterone might signify the normal aging process. While aging, testosterone therapy might be a good idea. However, as much as the benefits are marketed, various misconceptions or risks are associated with the treatment. Experts have stated that there are adverse effects of testosterone treatment.

 

Let’s look at some of the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for aged men.

 

Benefits of Testosterone Therapy

Why should you consider testosterone replacement therapy at all? What good does it pose to your health? Let’s find out.

  1. Increased testosterone 

Hypogonadism reduces a man’s ability to produce the normal amount of testosterone that he needs. This could be due to a problem with the pituitary gland controlling the testicle or a problem with the testicle. 

 

However, the right testosterone replacement therapy that suits your needs will mitigate the symptoms and signs of low testosterone in aged men. When you use testosterone gel, you should wash your hands properly after every application. 

 

Also, ensure that no one touches the spot where the gel is applied. When women or kids touch that spot and make contact with the testosterone gel, it could result in side effects like premature puberty and hair growth.

  1. Testosterone improves bone density and anemia 

In two separate studies, researchers showed the effects of testosterone therapy on anemia and bone density. First, the research showed that testosterone therapy improves bone structure and also mineral density. 

 

However, researchers indicated that longer trials would be needed to know if the therapy would also lower the risk of fractures. The research further showed an increase in the hemoglobin levels of persons having anemia. 

 

Additionally, they further stated that there was about a 40 percent increase in hemoglobin levels of persons who had taken testosterone than in the placebo group. Also, the research showed that testosterone corrected iron deficiency anemia and unexplained anemia. 

 

However, testosterone therapy had no improvement or benefited other aspects of cognitive functioning. Also, a trial for cardiovascular health showed that there was more coronary artery plaque buildup in men using testosterone therapy than in men treated with the placebo group. 

  1. Increased life expectancy 

According to Abraham Morgentaler, director of Men’s Health Boston, “we recognize, based on dozens of studies, that testosterone therapy importance is relative to health issues such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis.” 

 

This shows that this therapeutic treatment might play a role in how long a man can live. According to Morgentaler, there is a link between shorter life expectancy and low testosterone. He further continued, “Men with low testosterone die sooner than men with normal testosterone levels.”

 

However, it is not yet clear if low testosterone is capable of making early death more likely. There could be other factors involved. Also, it is still not clear if boosting testosterone levels to normal levels would impact longevity.

 

Risks of Testosterone Therapy 

Some aged men experience various symptoms or side effects of testosterone therapy. Some of the risks include:

  1. Prostate cancer cells growth 

Physicians have a growing concern that testosterone therapy can stimulate prostate cancer cells growth and hypothetical cardiac risks. However, this evidence is mixed. 

 

Since prostate cancer is quite common, doctors tend to be wary of prescribing testosterone therapy to aged men who might be at risk.

  1. Cardiovascular problems 

Another risk of testosterone therapy is the higher chance of cardiovascular problems such as stroke, heart attacks, and death from heart disease. 

  1. Side effects 

Some aged men usually experience testosterone therapy side effects like disturbed breathing while sleeping, swelling in the ankles, breast tenderness, or acne. Also, doctors tend to be on the lookout for high red blood cell counts as it could increase clotting.

 

Wrap Up 

For aged men with low testosterone levels, the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy might outweigh the potential risks. However, this should be a decision discussed with your doctor for much younger men. 

 

Testosterone therapy might offer men the chance to feel better, but it could shield your attention from long-term risks like prostate cancer and heart diseases. Therefore, before you consider testosterone therapy or any other type of therapy, you should weigh the risks and bene