Health

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the most valuable male androgen (male sex hormone), essential for normal reproduction and sexual function. Testosterone is valuable for the physical changes that occur during puberty, such as the development of the penis and testicles, and for adult male traits, such as a masculine physique. Testosterone is also essential for sperm production. Testosterone is also valuable for general health. It helps the growth of bones and muscles, affects mood and libido (sex drive). Some testosterone converts to the female hormone estrogen, which is necessary for bone health in men. Testosterone is mainly produced in the testicles. To a lesser extent, testosterone is also synthesized by the adrenal glands.

What is androgen (or testosterone) deficiency?

Androgen or testosterone deficiency is the body’s inability to produce enough testosterone to function normally. Although not a life-threatening problem, androgen deficiency can negatively affect your quality of life.
How common is androgen deficiency?

Testosterone production declines with aging. Studies have reported a 1% reduction per year in testosterone. The frequency of androgen deficiency increases with age; From 0.1% among men aged 40 to 49 years, 0.6% among men aged 50 to 59 years, 3.2% among men aged 60 to 69 years, and 5.1% among men aged 70 to 79 years. e will rise. A greater decrease in testosterone levels is observed in those with obesity and chronic (diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease) medical problems.

What are the symptoms of androgen deficiency?

sexual symptoms
 Decreased libido
 Erectile dysfunction
 Decrease in spontaneous/morning erections

physical symptoms

 Decreased activity
 Walking difficulty > 1 km
 Reduced stretching

mental symptoms
 Low mood/mood deviation
 Decreased motivation
 Burnout

How is androgen deficiency diagnosed?

It involves a comprehensive medical evaluation and taking at least two blood samples (in the morning on different days) to measure hormone levels. Diagnosis should not be based on symptoms alone, as it may be caused by other health problems that require different treatment. A diagnosis of androgen deficiency is only confirmed when blood tests show a lower-than-usual testosterone level.

How is androgen deficiency treated?
Androgen deficiency is treated with testosterone therapy; This means exogenous administration of testosterone in doses that normalize blood testosterone levels. Regular training, weight loss, increasing muscle mass, active treatment of chronic diseases and a healthy diet are essential for more appropriate testosterone levels.

What are the main forms of testosterone therapy?
For testosterone therapy, injection, gel, cream, patch and tablet forms are available.

What are the side effects of testosterone treatment?
Side effects are generally not expected because testosterone therapy aims to restore testosterone levels to normal. However, testosterone therapy can increase the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can make the symptoms of benign prostatic enlargement (such as the need to urinate more often) worse. In the case of prostate or breast cancer that cannot be cured with treatment, testosterone therapy is not used for fear that it may cause the tumor to grow. Having coagulation disorders is also in the midst of contraindications. Physician supervision is essential before and during treatment. Although there are extremely safe treatments under supervision, uncontrolled use can cause significant damage.

Do herbal products benefit in androgen deficiency?
There are many herbal products marketed online that can act like testosterone and increase muscle strength and libido. However, there is no known herbal product that can replace testosterone in the body and be used to treat androgen deficiency.

Will testosterone treatment affect my ability to have children?
A man who wants to become a father in the near future should not be given testosterone therapy. Instead, we recommend hormone treatments that stimulate testosterone synthesis from the body and do not affect sperm production.

Can I do something random to prevent androgen deficiency?
 Healthy diet
 Systematic sports, sufficient muscle mass for age
 Keeping other chronic diseases under control
 Not using hormones-testosterone and steroids unnecessarily without the supervision of a physician
 Avoiding tension