As modern men seek solutions to symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, increased fat mass, lack of muscle strength and hair loss, they are often faced with the choice of testosterone therapy. This guide takes a close look at the benefits and risks associated with the treatment and highlights the scientific consensus on its effectiveness.
What is testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy is a medical treatment that aims to increase the levels of testosterone in the body. Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in the male body, including regulation of libido, muscle mass, fat distribution, and energy levels. The treatment is often used for men with low testosterone levels - also known as hypogonadism.
Hypogonadism can be caused by a number of factors including aging, damage to the testicles, genetic disorders or certain medical conditions. Treatment aims to restore testosterone levels to the normal range, which can help relieve symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, loss of muscle mass, depression and other problems associated with low testosterone.
Benefits of testosterone therapy
- Energy and mood
Men with clinically low testosterone can experience significant improvements in wellbeing after treatment.
- Muscle mass and strength
Scientific studies support testosterone's ability to increase muscle mass and improve physical performance.
- Bone density
Testosterone therapy can have a positive effect on bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Risks of Testosterone Therapy
- Potential side effects
Risk of cardiovascular disease, worsening of existing prostate cancer, weight gain, sleep apnea and other complications.
- Overdiagnosis
Men can mistakenly receive treatment for natural variations in testosterone levels. The diagnosis of testosterone deficiency is a specialist task and is recommended to be done in endocrinology departments, as both different blood test values and the correct symptoms must be included in the diagnosis. Studies indicate that testosterone deficiency is found in 0.1-0.6% of men aged 40-59 years when the assessment is performed correctly, whereas 17% are diagnosed with testosterone deficiency based on a blood test value alone. Therefore, there is a high risk of being overdiagnosed with testosterone deficiency and treated unnecessarily.
- False security
Treatment can lead to a neglect of other important health and lifestyle changes.
Who is testosterone therapy for?
Testosterone therapy is targeted at men suffering from clinically low testosterone levels - also known as hypogonadism. It is important to emphasize that testosterone therapy is not for all men, but for those who experience specific symptoms and where a low testosterone level has been confirmed through blood tests.
Symptoms can include fatigue, decreased libido, weight gain, decreased muscle mass and strength, and mood swings. It is crucial to consult a doctor who can make a thorough assessment of your health and symptoms before deciding on testosterone therapy.
Only your doctor can evaluate if the treatment is necessary and appropriate or if there are other underlying causes of the symptoms that need to be treated differently.
My medical assessment
The broad scientific consensus recommends testosterone therapy for men with diagnosed hypogonadism only, which is why I only recommend testosterone therapy for men with hypogonadism. For men without this diagnosis, a holistic approach to lifestyle changes with a focus on diet and exercise is recommended first and foremost.
As a doctor, I would recommend that you conduct a full health evaluation to clarify the causes of your symptoms and discuss all available treatment options before making a decision about testosterone therapy. If you are considering testosterone therapy, it is important to discuss potential benefits and risks thoroughly with your doctor, based on your personal health history and current health condition. Healthy lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity and other non-medical interventions can often be effective in the first steps of treating symptoms such as fatigue, lack of muscle strength and decreased libido.
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