Male hormone replacement is indicated for the treatment of andropause, a hormonal disorder that arises in men from the age of 40 and is characterized by low testosterone production, causing decreased libido, irritability, and weight gain. See what are the symptoms of andropause.
Testosterone begins to fall by the age of 30 but it is not necessary for man to start using synthetic testosterone even at this stage because this can be detrimental to health. Replacement is only indicated after age 40 and if the symptoms are very intense causing discomfort. In that case one should go to the urologist to perform a blood test that indicates the testosterone dosage in the bloodstream and then start treatment.
When the reset is indicated
Testosterone levels usually begin to decline after age 30, but not every man needs to have hormone replacement, so it is important to consult the urologist for testosterone symptoms and levels to be initiated treatment for andropause or not.
The symptoms related to decreased testosterone production are decreased libido, difficulty in erection, loss of hair, weight gain, decreased muscle mass, increased irritability and insomnia. From the symptoms reported by the doctor can be requested by the doctor blood tests with the objective of assessing the health of man, such as total and free testosterone, PSA, FSH, LH and prolactin, which despite being a hormone dosed in women to check the ability to produce milk during pregnancy, for example, may indicate some male dysfunction. Understand how the prolactin test is done in man and how to evaluate the results.
Normal human blood testosterone levels are between 241 and 827 ng / dL in the case of free testosterone and, in the case of free testosterone, 2.57 - 18.3 ng / dL in men between the ages of 41 and 60, and 1.86 - 19.0 ng / dL in men over 60 years of age, and the values may vary according to the laboratory. Thus, values below the reference values may indicate a lower production of hormone by the testicles, and the doctor may indicate the hormonal replacement according to the symptoms. Learn all about testosterone.
Remedies for male hormone replacement
Male hormone replacement is done according to the urologist's orientation, which may indicate the use of some medications, such as:
- Tablets of cyproterone acetate, testosterone acetate or testosterone undecanoate such as Durateston;
- Dihydrotestosterone gel;
- Injections of cypionate, decanoate or testosterone enanthate, applied once a month;
- Adhesives or testosterone implants.
Another way to improve andropause symptoms in men is to change their lifestyle habits such as eating healthy, practicing physical exercise, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, reducing consumption of salt and fatty foods. The use of vitamin supplements, minerals and antioxidants, such as Vitrix Nutrex, can also help control the low rate of testosterone in the individual's blood. Get to know 4 ways to boost testosterone naturally.
Possible side effects
Replacement with testosterone should only be done with medical advice and should not be used to gain muscle mass, as it can cause serious health damage, such as:
- Aggravation of prostate cancer;
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease;
- Increased liver toxicity;
- Appearance or worsening of sleep apnea;
- Acne and oiliness of the skin;
- Allergic skin reactions due to patch application;
- Abnormal breast augmentation or onset of breast cancer.
Testosterone treatment is also not indicated for men who have suspicion or confirmation of prostate or breast cancer because of the possible side effects of hormone replacement, so before starting hormone treatment, they should also perform tests to detect the presence of cancer prostate, breast or testicle, liver disease and cardiovascular problems. See which preventive tests make men healthier.
Does hormone replacement cause cancer?
Male hormone reuptake does not cause cancer, but can worsen the disease in men who still have undeveloped cancer. Therefore, about 3 or 6 months after starting treatment, the rectal examination and dosage of the PSA should be done to verify important changes that indicate the presence of cancer. Find out which tests identify prostate problems.
