Testosterone replacement is becoming more mainstream as public awareness of the problem increases. This is a powerful male hormone responsible for many essential functions and secondary effects in the body. Unfortunately, aging causes our natural production of the hormone to decrease, resulting in side effects that can become bothersome. After the ages of 30-40, testosterone starts to drop off about 1% a year. Symptoms can include low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue or tiredness, loss of mental focus, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, depressed mood and (possibly) increased risk of cardiovascular disease, anemia and decreased bone mineral density. There are many reasons a man can have low testosterone. Your doctor will perform a history and physical exam as well as blood work to determine if (and why) testosterone is lower than normal. If it is in fact low and symptoms are consistent with low testosterone, replacement may be indicated (depending...
Urologist at Urology Partners of Bradenton (a division of 21st Century Oncology) with offices in Lakewood Ranch & Bradenton, Florida.