Who Should Be Taking Testosterone Therapy?
Testosterone therapy has become a huge topic online, with influencers and online clinics promoting it for everything from better energy to improved athletic performance. But doctors say not everyone needs testosterone therapy. Testosterone plays a role in muscle mass, bone health, metabolism, red blood cell production, brain function and sex drive. When testosterone levels are genuinely low, men can experience symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, weight gain, depressed mood and trouble concentrating. However, these symptoms can have plenty of other causes. Sleep problems, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea, certain medications and other medical conditions can all contribute. Urologist Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt says he has even suspected that he had low testosterone himself, only to discover that his levels were normal. Instead, he found that his symptoms were more likely linked to a lack of sleep and stress. The American Urological Association recommends testosterone therapy only when a man has symptoms and consistently low testosterone confirmed through two separate blood tests. However, testosterone therapy can suppress sperm production and, in some cases, lead to permanent infertility, particularly in younger men.
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Its off-label use is on the rise, primarily to treat symptoms related to menopause.
