Before elaborating on the use of testosterone, you need to realize that testosterone products are approved by the FDA (food and drug administration) only for use in men who lack or are deficient in testosterone in parallel with an associated medical condition. Examples of these conditions include failure of the testicles to produce testosterone because of genetic problems or chemotherapy. Other examples include problems with brain structures, called the hypothalamus and pituitary, which control the production of testosterone by the testicles.
Using prescription to increase alertness, energy, and sexuality is not legitimately safe, as in November 2013, a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association reported new evidence that some older men on testosterone could face higher cardiac risks. Possible long-term complications must never me undermined.
Relatively few men experience immediate side effects of testosterone supplementation, such as acne, disturbed breathing while sleeping, breast swelling or tenderness, or swelling in the ankles. There is also the possibility of elevated red blood cell counts, which could increase the risk of clotting.
The evidence regarding long-term risks of testosterone supplement use remains controversial. Some studies have found that men on testosterone have fewer cardiovascular problems, while other studies have shown an increased risk for cardiac complications.
Some doctors also worry that long term testosterone therapy could stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. The evidence in this instance is also mixed. But because prostate cancer is so common, doctors shy away from prescribing testosterone to men who may be at risk.
A large, definitive trial for hormone treatment of men is still to come. Until then, here is how to take a cautious approach to testosterone therapy.
One thing to remember: testosterone therapy has not been proven to boost the level of physical fitness or sexual function, prolong life, prevent heart disease or prostate cancer, or improve memory.
Using prescription to increase alertness, energy, and sexuality is not legitimately safe, as in November 2013, a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association reported new evidence that some older men on testosterone could face higher cardiac risks. Possible long-term complications must never me undermined.
Relatively few men experience immediate side effects of testosterone supplementation, such as acne, disturbed breathing while sleeping, breast swelling or tenderness, or swelling in the ankles. There is also the possibility of elevated red blood cell counts, which could increase the risk of clotting.
The evidence regarding long-term risks of testosterone supplement use remains controversial. Some studies have found that men on testosterone have fewer cardiovascular problems, while other studies have shown an increased risk for cardiac complications.
Some doctors also worry that long term testosterone therapy could stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. The evidence in this instance is also mixed. But because prostate cancer is so common, doctors shy away from prescribing testosterone to men who may be at risk.
A large, definitive trial for hormone treatment of men is still to come. Until then, here is how to take a cautious approach to testosterone therapy.
One thing to remember: testosterone therapy has not been proven to boost the level of physical fitness or sexual function, prolong life, prevent heart disease or prostate cancer, or improve memory.
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