Testosterone & Health

Testosterone is well demonstrated to be critical for normal male functions, including libido, sexual function, bone and muscle development.  It can also have key functions in energy levels, fatigue, and cognitive processes including ability to concentrate.  Testosterone is also linked to general health issues.  Obesity is associated with lower testosterone levels; men who are overweight tend to have lower production of testosterone and more conversion of testosterone to estrogens (female hormones.)

Low testosterone is typically treated only if the abnormal hormone level is associated with a symptom or sign of low testosterone such as sexual dysfunction, low libido, low bone density, decreased energy or another symptom.  Treatment can be provided with medications to enhance internal testosterone production (SERMs, such as clomiphene citrate; aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole) as well as gels (applied daily to the skin) or injections (given at home each week) to replace testosterone normally made by men.  

During treatment, men being treated for low testosterone are monitored with blood tests that analyze hormone levels, including testosterone, blood counts (to assure that red blood cell levels don’t go too high), as well as symptomatic response (to see if the testosterone treatment is fixing the underlying problem that led to treatment (e.g., improved sexual function or energy levels.)