There’s no getting around the fact that testosterone levels decrease as you age. In fact, by the age of 35, up to one half of men in Southern California will have “Low T.”
This is simply a matter of biology.
Testosterone production peaks at 18-20, and as the years pass, the body simply stops making the same amount.
With this decreased production of testosterone, the following side effects are common:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Depression
- Hair Loss
- Increased Body Fat
- Lack of Concentration
- Loss of Muscle Mass
- Low Energy Levels
- Lower Sex Drive
- Reduced Testicle Size
- Reduction in Bone Mass
- Trouble Sleeping
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Benefits
With disruptive side effects which can greatly reduce your quality of life, it is no wonder that, testosterone replacement therapy has become very popular in SoCal.
Testosterone replacement therapy offers plenty of potential benefits including:
- Enhanced Mood
- Enhanced Sexual Performance/Better Erections
- Improved Energy
- Increased Acuity/Mental Focus
- Increased Bone Density
- Increased Muscle Mass
- Increased Sex Drive
Why Do I Need a Urologist for Testosterone Therapy?
However, testosterone replacement therapy should always be performed by a Board-Certified Urologist and Testosterone Specialist. Why? To start, keep in mind that all prescription medications and therapies need to be overseen by a physician-to prevent counteractions with other medicines, to avoid prescribing it to people who shouldn’t take it due to specific medical conditions, to ensure proper dosage, to monitor side effects, to track progress, and so on.
Unfortunately, the emergence of “testosterone clinics”throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, as well as all the ONLINE scams you read or hear about daily, would have men believe that receiving these injections is such a minor treatment that you can have it performed by someone who has no knowledge of your medical history. This is frankly irresponsible, to say nothing of potentially dangerous.
To that end, althoughtestosterone replacement therapy is safe for most men, there are men who are not good candidates for this type of hormonal therapy. Those with sleep apnea, with a history of blood clots, those who have congestive heart failure, men with BPH, and men with prostate cancer, or elevated PSA levels should not receive testosterone therapy.
The Testosterone/Sperm Count Relationship
Yet another reason that testosterone replacement therapy should only be performed by a Board-Certified Urologist and Testosterone Specialist, is due to decreasing sperm production in American men, that researchers continue to study. Specifically, your doctor can explain any risks to your sperm motility that testosterone therapy may increase.
Depending upon the man, the unusual relationship between testosterone levels and sperm counts may not matter. But for other men, this connection is something that needs to be considered. It’s important to note that many men with Low T have sufficient sperm counts, so Low T doesn’t guarantee you’ll have a low sperm count. However, if you choose testosterone therapy, you need to know that it can decrease sperm count by decreasing the levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which is important for sperm production.
If you’re not planning to have children, the reduced sperm count shouldn’t be a problem. But for many men, who are choosing to become fathers for the first time, or fathers againlater in life, it’s very important to weigh the risks and benefits of with your physician, rather than at a clinic.
For an appointment or consultation with top Southern California Urologist and Founder of the Male Anti-Aging Institute, Dr. Gary Bellman, please contact the office or call 818-912-1899
For an appointment or consultation with Dr. Gary Bellman, please contact the office or call 818-912-1899