How Is Testosterone Therapy For Elderly Men Considered?
It’s an often overlooked aspect of menopause that men should consider, but the role of testosterone therapy for men is actually quite vital. The levels of testosterone drop significantly in men as they age, and these lower levels make it much more difficult for men to perform the physical demands of their jobs and daily activities. In addition, testosterone levels may also drop as women approach menopause and begin to experience vaginal dryness. While testosterone replacement may not be the first treatment of this sort that you consider, it should definitely be considered as an option.
Male hormone replacement therapy, or MHT for short, has been found to be effective in treating and preventing many of the symptoms related to menopause. Among the most common positive effects of testosterone therapy for men are increased sex drive, increased muscle mass, better cardiovascular health, and an overall sense of well-being. While these benefits do not occur overnight, with regular use of this type of therapy, many of these positive effects will be seen within just a few months of beginning therapy.
One of the most common symptoms of testosterone therapy for men is polycythemia. Polycythemia is the condition of having too much testosterone in your blood. Common symptoms of polycythemia include hot flashes, persistent insomnia, and a general sense of being overwhelmed by too much responsibility. Because of the negative implications of polycythemia, this condition should be treated as quickly as possible. If left untreated, polycyhmics can seriously impact the heart and cardiovascular systems.
Similarly, topical creams can help men feel more comfortable about their appearance and increase their self-confidence. There are two primary types of topical creams that doctors recommend for testosterone therapy – the alpha-and gamma-interferon type and the growth hormone (GH) blockers. In the case of growth hormone, these products can effectively slow the process of aging. However, there are some serious drawbacks to these treatments that should be weighed carefully before using them.
The other common side effect of testosterone therapy for men with prostate cancer is prostate cancer itself. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among developed men, but it is also one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Since most prostate cancers originate in the pituitary gland, which produces testosterone, doctors often recommend hormone blocking as the first line of treatment for this disease. Unfortunately, this approach does not work for older men who have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Instead, doctors often recommend hormonal therapy to help slow the growth of prostate cells.
For many men receiving testosterone therapy for prostate cancer, there are additional concerns related to the prostate such as the potential for adverse psychological effects of the anti-androgens. Because of the adverse psychological effects of anti-androgen drugs, many men find taking them difficult to tolerate. They may also experience sleep problems, difficulty concentrating and having mood swings as a result of the anti-androgens. Some men report feelings of fatigue and depression after receiving these drugs. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Some experts believe that there are certain aspects of aging that go hand-in-hand with testosterone therapy for elderly men. One such aspect is decreased sexual desire. This condition is known as male menopause and occurs when the body produces less testosterone due to decreased production or inability to absorb it due to age. With decreased libido, men cannot adequately respond when they do initiate sexual intercourse.
As an alternative to testosterone therapy for elderly men who do not respond to hormonal treatments, some researchers are recommending acupuncture to treat this problem. Acupuncture has been found to relieve stress and muscle tension, which may be contributing factors to the physical difficulties of this problem. However, there is still much research needed to support the use of acupuncture in treating conditions such as untreated prostate cancer and diabetes. For more information on the subject, you can visit the links below.
