What Causes Men’s Testosterone To Fall
Although testosterone is vital, falling testosterone levels aren’t necessarily something to worry about they’re as natural as finding a grey hair or two. Men in their thirties can expect to experience a one to 2% drop in their T-levels each a year, according to the NHS, and these kinds of numbers are unlikely to cause any problems by themselves.
Falling T-levels that can’t be put down to biology? Often, they can be traced back to lifestyle or mental health issues. If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction or a loss of libido, it may be worth speaking to your doctor about other causes, such as stress, depression and anxiety.
If lifestyle or psychological problems aren’t responsible for your falling T, another possible cause is hypogonadism, which describes when the testes produce few or no hormones. Men can be born with hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life due to injury or infection.
Left unchecked, low T-levels can weaken your bones, potentially causing osteoporosis. Worryingly, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism has linked low testosterone to an increased risk of death. So if you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t suffer in silence get checked out.
Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Along with its needed effects, testosterone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking testosterone:
Less common
- inability to have or keep an erection
- increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- increased interest in sexual intercourse
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- more erections than usual or erections that last a long time
- swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
Forms Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Aside from testosterone pills, other forms of testosterone therapy are also available. Skin patches and testosterone gels are widely used although some men find them inconvenient because they have to be applied daily.
If youre using a testosterone gel, you also need to be extra cautious to prevent other people from coming into contact with the spot where you applied the testosterone gel. If they do, testosterone could transfer to them and they may suffer some side effects.
You wont have to be as cautious when youre using a testosterone mouth patch but applying the patch every 12 hours can also be inconvenient. Some men prefer testosterone injections and pellets because theyre more long-term.
Testosterone injections may be administered either weekly or every two weeks. For testosterone pellets, a new one will need to be implanted every 3-6 months. Testosterone pills, on the one hand, need to be taken daily.
Also Check: What Causes High Levels Of Cortisol
What Other Drugs Could Interact With This Medication
There may be an interaction between testosterone undecanoate and any of the following:
- corticosteroids
- diabetes medications
- protein kinase inhibitors quinine
- sulfonamide antibiotics
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter , and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 2022. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/pms-Testosterone
Types Of Testosterone Products
Testosterone can be administered in skin patch, skin gel, pill or cream form or as an injection, a solution applied to the armpit or a patch or a buccal system applied to the upper gum or inner cheek.
While many testosterone products are available only with a prescription, some drug stores and health food stores sell them over the counter. A few of these products also claim to be all-natural.
You May Like: Cortisol Cream Over The Counter
What Are The Alternatives
On top of doctor-prescribed medication, there are “pills, boosters, herbal supplements,” Arginmax, TESTRO-X, BioXGenic and Cellucor available without a prescription and are even less regulated, to the point where it can’t even be determined if they contain testosterone at all. “We don’t know if it works or fake. There are so many advertisements, there are so many supplements, but who is regulating the supplements? Nobody,” said Akturk, who recently published a study suggesting that “adrenal supplements” marketed as testosterone available at any local pharmacy or health store may contain unsafe ingredients.
Men hoping to increase their testosterone naturally are in luck. Low-T also strongly negatively correlates with obesity . Although the relationship is unclear, studies have shown that diet and exercise raise testosterone levels as much as artificial injections.
More from Modern Medicine:
What Are Testosterone Boosters
Testosterone boosters is a catch-all term given to a range of supplements that increase levels of testosterone. There are a number of options, depending on how severe the drop. If your testosterone levels need a gentle lift, herbal blends and products like Tribulus Terrestris can be bought in places like Holland & Barrett or Amazon.
If your symptoms are severe, there are other legal options to consider like DHEA, a precursor steroid hormone available on prescription in the UK. It must be taken under supervision, though, because high doses can cause mood changes and aggression roid rage, in other words along with other unwanted symptoms of excessive testosterone. Other medications available from a specialist include Clomifene and HCG.
You May Like: Symptoms Of Lack Of Estrogen
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Has Many Risks
Testosterone treatment can cause the body to retain too much fluid. It can also cause acne, an enlarged prostate, and enlarged breasts. Other side effects include lower fertility an increase in red blood cells and an increase in sleep apnea symptoms.
Women and children should avoid touching unwashed or unclothed areas of skin where a man has applied testosterone gel. The gel can be transferred through skin contact.
Although available data is conflicting, the Food and Drug Administration has concluded that increased cardiovascular risk associated with testosterone use is a possibility. The AUA recommends that only FDA-approved medications should be used and a physical evaluation and follow up are important.
Fda Warns Of Dangers From Testosterone Supplements
Many American men take them, but heart and psychological issues can occur, agency says
HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 26, 2016 — Supplemental testosterone and related anabolic-androgenic steroids can cause heart attacks, personality changes and infertility, and are easily abused, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.
The agency said Monday that labeling on all prescription testosterone products — which are approved to treat men with low testosterone due to certain medical conditions — will be revised.
Millions of American men currently use testosterone pills, gels or get injections in hopes of boosting their physical health or libido.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of testosterone and are legally prescribed to treat conditions such as delayed puberty and diseases that cause muscle loss, such as cancer or AIDS.
But “testosterone and other AAS are abused by adults and adolescents, including athletes and body builders,” according to an FDA news release.
“Abuse of testosterone, usually at doses higher than those typically prescribed and usually in conjunction with other AAS, is associated with serious safety risks affecting the heart, brain, liver, mental health and endocrine system,” the agency added.
Show Sources
Don’t Miss: Hormones For Male To-female Transition
How Do I Store And/or Throw Out Testosterone Capsules
- Store at room temperature.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Does Masturbating Reduce Testosterone
Most of you will be relieved to find out that no, masturbating doesn’t reduce your testosterone levels. “It’s a myth that masturbation decreases testosterone,” says Khan. “No conclusive evidence has actually produced any solid evidence to show any direct link between testosterone and masturbation. Some studies have suggested that masturbation can have a short-term effect of lowering testosterone levels, but some have also suggested the exact opposite.”
Recommended Reading: Doctor That Specializes In Hormones
What Are The Risks Of Testosterone Therapy
A relatively small number of men experience immediate side effects of testosterone treatment, such as acne, disturbed breathing while sleeping, breast swelling or tenderness, or swelling in the ankles. Doctors also watch out for high red blood cell counts, which could increase the risk of clotting.
Men on long-term using forms of testosterone therapy long term appear to have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, like heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease. For example, in 2010, researchers halted the Testosterone in Older Men study when early results showed that men on testosterone replacement therapy had noticeably more heart problems. “In older men, theoretical cardiac side effects become a little more immediate,” Dr. Pallais says.
Some physicians also have a lingering concern that testosterone therapy could stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. As with the hypothetical cardiac risks, the evidence is mixed. But because prostate cancer is so common, doctors tend to be leery of prescribing testosterone to men who may be at risk.
So, keep risks in mind when considering testosterone therapy or other therapies . “I frequently discourage it, particularly if the man has borderline levels,” Dr. Pallais says.
Are Testosterone Boosters Safe
This is one of the most common questions among those thinking of taking these supplements. Well, the answer to this depends on some key factors. These include the quality, ingredients used, and formulation. Some of the fine testosterone boosters are safe, as they have fewer side effects.
However, you can only rely on health professionals to determine the supplements that are safe to take. The same professional should also be able to monitor your progress to advise in case of any abnormal results.
Don’t Miss: How Many Mg Of Melatonin Is Safe For Adults
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate , and testosterone undecanoate injection come as a solution to be injected into a muscle and as a pellet to be injected under the skin by a doctor or nurse in an office setting or clinic. Testosterone enanthate injection comes as a solution to be injected subcutaneously once a week by yourself or a caregiver.
Testosterone injection may control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Your doctor may adjust your dose of testosterone depending on the amount of testosterone in your blood during your treatment and your reaction to the medication.
Always look at your testosterone enanthate solution before you inject it. It should be clear to light yellow in color and free of visible particles. Do not use it if it is cloudy, contains visible particles, or if the expiration date on the package has passed.
You can inject testosterone enanthate injection in the left or right side of your abdomen except your navel and the area 2 inches around it. Do not inject into an area where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard or where you have scars, tattoos, or stretch marks.
Your healthcare provider will show you how to use testosterone enanthate injection . Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
What Food Kills Testosterone
Before you invest in testosterone boosters, clear out your fridge. “Some foods promote oestrogen type hormones the predominate sex hormone in females in the body either directly or by converting testosterone to oestrogens,” says Dr Pratsides. “The more circulating oestrogen, the lower the testosterone production.”
The most prominent culprit? Refined carbohydrates and sugars, so go easy on the junk food to protect your T-levels. “Overconsumption of high fat, processed and high sugar food can lead to increased deposition of fat in the abdominal region,” says Dr Pratsides. “This belly fat secretes an enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone into oestrogen.”
Overconsumption of high fat, processed and high sugar food can lead to increased deposition of fat in the abdominal region. This belly fat secretes an enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone into oestrogen.
Some admittedly weak evidence suggests that soy-based products lower testosterone, he adds, since they contain chemicals called phytoestrogens. These plant substances mimic the effects of oestrogen, so if you’re following a plant-based diet, it could be worth limiting your intake of tofu, tempeh, and soya milk to see whether symptoms improve.
Don’t Miss: Melatonin Dosage For Dogs With Cushings
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Testosterone Boosters
While testosterone is a vital hormone in the male body, contributing to a mans overall performance on the field, in the bedroom, at work, and through his day-to-day activities it is important to note that experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone does not guarantee you are suffering from this condition.
Before grabbing the first supplement at your local supplement store that promises to boost your testosterone levels, first visit your doctor and see if you do need a boost in testosterone. Instead of opting for testosterone replacement therapy or popping a potentially sketchy supplement every day, you may want to consider rather opting for alternative methods to improve the level of testosterone produced in your body.
There are, however, some testosterone boosters like Hard-On Helper that may help to improve physical strength, muscle growth, and sexual well-being without causing any harm to your body, but should you wish to opt for such a supplement, do your research before simply buying a generic product that may contain ingredients that could lead to a number of unpleasant side-effects.
READ NEXT
We have provided a complete overview of testosterones function in male performance, conventional methods to treat a testosterone deficiency, and the possible side-effects that could occur when using a natural supplement that claims to improve testosterone in this article.
Image Credits
Where Should I Keep My Medication
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C . Avoid exposing the capsules to moisture . Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Also Check: Topical Estrogen Cream Side Effects
What Other Drugs Interact With Testosterone
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.
Serious interactions of testosterone include:
Moderate interactions of testosterone include:
Testosterone has moderate interactions with at least 41 different drugs.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.
A Booming $38 Billion Market
Despite this, the TRT market expected to reach $3.8 billion globally by 2022, up from $2 billion in 2012 is booming. According to Global Industry Analysts, the uptick is being fueledby the growing prevalence of hypogonadism due to the increase in the aging male population. Hypogonadism is the medical term for the condition in which the testicles don’t make enough testosterone. The condition, roughly defined as having a level under 300 ng/dl, affects about 30 percent of men over age 65.
Other factors include the rising awareness of the disease, improved diagnosis rates, availability of therapies, preference for easy-to-use products and expected approval of new-generation drugs in the pipeline, said Global Industry Analysts.
Another major driver is the overprescription of TRT to young men, wooed by the promise of heightened energy, muscle mass and sex drive. Between 2003 and 2013, TRT use quadrupled in men between 18 and 45 years old, who most frequently were prescribed the medication by their doctors, outpacing prescription in older men for whom the drug is intended, according to a 2017 study in the Journal of Urology.
The industry has a “tremendous amount of conflicts of interests,” said Thomas Perls, a professor of Medicine at Boston University, who describes TRT as “disease mongering,” or “redefining a disease so that it greatly enlarges the potential population that would be interested in the drug, with the addition of mass marketing,” he said.
Recommended Reading: Best Place To Buy Testosterone Online