Myths to Ignore About Low Testosterone
Posted by: Men's Health Boston in Testosterone on July 27, 2021
Concerned you may have low testosterone? Have you not felt like yourself in a while and noticed changes in your physical appearance like hair or muscle loss, fatigue, or finding it harder to concentrate?
These are some signs of low testosterone. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about low testosterone. It can be overwhelming to sift through it all and try to determine what’s fact and what’s not. Keep reading for myths to ignore when it comes to low testosterone.
Myth: Low Testosterone is Normal as You Age
Testosterone is a sex hormone that helps boys develop male features like a deeper voice, body and facial hair, and muscle strength. It is also needed to create sperm.
Some decrease in testosterone is normal as you age, but not every man needs treatment for low testosterone levels.
However, if your testosterone levels are below what is considered healthy and are causing symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating and a sudden lack of interest in sex, then you may want to discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Low testosterone can affect anyone regardless of age, so it’s important to know what symptoms to be aware of and to get tested if you think you may have it. If you are a smoker or overweight, your risk for low testosterone increases.
Myth: Low Testosterone Only Affects Your Sex Drive
Yes, low testosterone can be the reason why you’re not interested in sex. But having low testosterone can also affect your mind and body.
When your testosterone levels are low, you may also notice:
- You get tired quickly, or you may not have as much energy as you used to
- You’re unable to concentrate
- You may experience feelings of depression or irritability or have unexplained mood swings
- You may notice that you’re losing muscle and don’t have as much strength anymore
- You may also discover that you have lost bone density and that your hair is falling out in noticeable clumps
Myth: Testosterone Replacement Will Increase Your Sperm Count
Sadly, this isn’t true. The medication you will need to take as part of the testosterone replacement therapy may decrease your sperm count while taking it. There are fertility medications sometimes used to raise natural testosterone production – such as clomiphene citrate or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – that can enhance sperm production. Ask your doctor about these medications if fertility is a concern.
Testosterone therapy does help to increase your muscle strength and bone density. This happens over time, and as a result, you will also notice that your energy will increase.
Myth: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Can Increase Your Risk For Heart Disease and Cancer
This is a serious concern as it can have an impact on your health. But there isn’t any clear evidence to support either of these claims.
It is generally believed that this type of therapy can decrease any cardiovascular issues that you may already be experiencing. Testosterone replacement therapy doesn’t cause cancer.
However, if you already have prostate cancer, the higher testosterone levels introduced into your body may affect its growth. It’s best to discuss any concerns that you may have before starting any treatment.
Myth: It’s Safe to Buy Testosterone Supplements Online
Most supplements don’t appreciably affect testosterone levels or production and maybe a waste of time and money! Online testosterone programs that lack direct care (ie doctor visits, follow-up care) may be risky. Therefore, it’s best to have them prescribed to you by your doctor. This way, your doctor can regulate how much you are getting and continue monitoring your progress throughout the entire treatment period.
You will need to have a blood test to determine your testosterone level before undergoing any treatment and to follow up if you decide to go on treatment. Receiving a clear diagnosis can also help to rule out any other serious medical problems that you may have.
If you’re concerned at all about the possibility of having low testosterone, you should schedule an appointment to be tested. Schedule one at Men’s Health Boston with one of our providers today!
