Experts estimate that about one in 50 men experience low testosterone. If you’ve ever heard of TD (Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome) or Low-T (Low Testosterone), you probably know some of the symptoms: low sex drive, fatigue, decreasing muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, and depression.
Dr. Paul Chung helps men in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, understand symptoms that seem vague and unrelated. Hormone therapy can help you regain your sexual desire and feel more like yourself.
Although testosterone is often described as being the “male” hormone, both men and women produce it. In women it’s made in the adrenal glands and in men predominantly in the testicles. However, men produce significantly more testosterone than women, and it’s an essential part of male development and masculine characteristics.
Testosterone is partially responsible for the development of:
Typically, testosterone production increases by about 30% during adolescence and early adulthood in men, then begins to decline by about 1% per year from around the age of 30 onward. Having less testosterone as you age is normal to some degree, but in some men, levels drop to the point where replacement therapy is beneficial.
Since testosterone boosts your libido, having less of it can impact your sexual desire. Researchers don’t know exactly why lower testosterone levels can cause a decrease in sex drive in some men, but they do know that supplementing testosterone can be beneficial to a certain point.
Hormone therapy can increase your sex drive, improve your performance, and in some instances, improve erectile dysfunction.
It’s important to note that there are other potential causes of low libido. Stress, sleep deprivation, chronic illness, and depression are a few of the other reasons some men have a decreased desire for sex.
Testosterone therapy is administered in different ways. Dr. Chung may recommend intramuscular testosterone injections, or that you use testosterone patches or a topical testosterone gel or oral medications.
Intramuscular injection is a shot administered into your buttocks, usually every two to three weeks. Some studies have shown this is the most effective form of supplementation.
Patches can be placed on your back, arms, buttocks, or abdomen. The testosterone is absorbed through your skin.
The gel is applied daily and can be rubbed into your arms, shoulders, or abdomen.
Although testosterone therapy is beneficial for some men, it’s not for everyone. There are some potential side effects, and depending on your overall health, those risks could make it unsafe for you to have testosterone therapy. This is one reason it’s very important to see a highly qualified professional like Dr. Chung before having hormone therapy.
Before making a treatment recommendation, Dr. Chung performs a thorough exam, considers your medical history and current issues. If he suggests hormone therapy could help you, the recommendation is based on extensive expertise applied to your specific situation.
If you think testosterone therapy could help put the vroom back in your sex life, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chung.
