Androgen replacement therapy is a controversial hormone treatment for middle-aged and older men which is often intended to counter the natural effects of aging. Androgen replacement is also used in a non-controversial way for men who have lost their testicular function to disease, or cancer, or to other causes.

As men enter middle age they may notice changes caused by a relative decline in testosterone: fewer erections, fatigue, thinning skin, declining muscle mass and strength, more body fat. This dissatifaction with the changes of aging has led to the development of the idea of androgen replacement therapy. This treatment is based on a perceived need for artificial, external supply of androgens to be given, in order to supposedly restore the body and mind to a more youthful state.

Male hormones are called androgens. Primary among them is the natural hormone testosterone, which is produced in the testes and adrenals. Females also produce testosterone in the adrenals and as a precursor to estrogen, but the amount of circulating testosterone is generally far less than in males, although the ranges on the two genders overlap. Both sexes also produce an androgen precursor called dihydroepiandrostene (DHEAS) from which the body can make androgens. Androgens cause the secondary sex characteristics of males: facial hair, thicker skin, (aggressive drive), low body fat, deeper voice, muscularity, penis and scrotal growth and darkening, broad shoulders, body hair, erection of the penis, etc.

With increasing age, testosterone production declines, and many of these changes start to reverse.

This “decline of maleness” with age has given rise to a term: “andropause“. This term implies a parallel with menopause in women, although the two states are by no means equivalent. The term manopause has also been used in the popular press.

There are several artificial androgens, including nandrolone and various other manipulations of the testosterone molecule. Androgen replacement is via patch, tablet, pill or cream; or depot injections given into fat or muscle.

Users report an increased alertness and well-being, heightened libido and erection ability, increase in lean muscle mass and concomitant decrease in body fat.

Benfits of a testosterone therapy:

• Improve muscle mass and strength
• Increase bone mineral density
• Thicken body hair and skin
• Improve sexual desire
• Boost energy
• Decrease irritability and depression
• Improve cognitive function

Potential risks:

• Cause skin reactions
• Cause fluid retention
• Cause baldness
• Cause or aggravate sleep apnea
• Stimulate noncancerous growth of the prostate and cause or worsen urinary symptoms
• Stimulate growth of prostate cancer that’s already present
• Enlarge breasts
• Stimulate growth of breast cancer that’s already present
• Cause testicle shrinkage
• Limit sperm production
• Stimulate excess blood production
• Cause acne

Hormone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone Health Check

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