Unlocking the Truth about Low-T: Understanding its Effects, Implications, and Safety
In a world where superheroes are often depicted as invincible, it's important to remember that even men can face their own battles, such as Low-T. Just like a kryptonite draining Superman's strength, low testosterone can sap a man's energy, vitality, and confidence.
Do you, or a man in your life, suffer from Low-T? You hear many radio commercials about the problem, and it seems like some men must deal with the consequences of Low-T.
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, is a condition in which men have lower-than-normal testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by the testicles and is responsible for a variety of male sex characteristics, including muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive.
There are several causes of low testosterone, including aging, certain medications, and medical conditions such as obesity and chronic kidney disease. Low testosterone can also be caused by a condition called primary hypogonadism, in which the testicles do not produce enough testosterone.
Radio commercials targeting men often highlight low testosterone symptoms, such as decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction. The symptoms of low testosterone can vary from person to person, but they may include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes
- Hot flashes
If you, or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get testosterone levels checked. Low testosterone can be diagnosed with a simple blood test.
Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with low testosterone, several treatment options are available, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT involves taking testosterone supplements to raise your testosterone levels to normal.
Is TRT a safe and effective treatment for low testosterone? Amidst the growing popularity of testosterone replacement therapy among American men, limited knowledge exists regarding its impact on men's health, particularly the heart. Consequently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated the manufacturers of testosterone therapies to conduct safety trials to uncover further insights. One of the studies in this endeavor was led by the Cleveland Clinic.
Senior author Steven Nissen, MD, Chief Academic Officer of the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic, said the study was intended to get the answer to the question, were there more cardiovascular events in men who were getting testosterone compared to men who are getting a placebo? The answer, Nissen said, is that there were not.
There were almost identical numbers of events in the placebo group and in the men taking testosterone. However, it is very important that we not over-interpret the findings. This was a very specific group of patients.
A study conducted by Dr. Nissen and his team involved 5,246 men aged 45 to 80 with low testosterone levels. The participants either had heart disease or were at high risk and exhibited symptoms of low testosterone, such as reduced sexual desire, loss of body hair, and depression.
The participants were divided into two groups: one received testosterone gel, while the other received a placebo. The results indicated that testosterone treatment did not pose significant risks in terms of major heart-related problems, including heart attack and stroke. However, certain safety concerns outside of heart-related issues were observed.
There was a higher rate of venous thromboembolism, that's clots in the legs – wasn't a large number, but there was an imbalance toward testosterone. And in fact, the current guidelines suggest that men who have had clots in their legs should not be treated with testosterone. That was probably the most important and most serious adverse event that was observed.
Dr. Nissen said the testosterone group also experienced more kidney issues and A-fib, which is an irregular heart rhythm. He cautions men about using testosterone therapy unless it's really needed and says it's best to talk to your doctor about appropriate blood tests and treatment options.
The general risks of TRT include an increased risk of prostate cancer, heart disease, and stroke. TRT is not right for everyone, and weighing the risks and benefits before starting treatment is important. If you are considering TRT, it is important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
Lab Work and Low-T
Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by the testicles and is responsible for a variety of male sex characteristics, including muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive.
The normal range of testosterone levels in men varies depending on age, but it is generally considered to be between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
The diagnosis of low testosterone (Low-T) typically involves laboratory tests to measure testosterone levels in a person's blood. A doctor may order specific lab work to assess hormone levels and confirm a diagnosis of Low-T.
The primary test ordered is the total testosterone test, which measures the overall testosterone level in the blood. This test is commonly performed in the morning, as testosterone levels tend to be highest during that time of day.
In addition to the total testosterone test, doctors may also order a free testosterone test. This test measures the amount of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood and is available for use by the body.
Furthermore, additional blood tests may be conducted to evaluate other hormonal factors that could contribute to Low-T. These may include tests to assess luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels.
Low-T and Dementia
Some evidence suggests that there may be a connection between testosterone and dementia. For example, studies have shown that men with low testosterone levels are more likely to develop dementia than men with normal testosterone levels. Additionally, some studies have shown that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may help to improve cognitive function in men with dementia.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2010 found that men with low testosterone levels were more likely to develop dementia than men with normal testosterone levels. The study followed over 7,000 men for an average of 12 years.
Another published in the journal Nature Medicine in 2013 found that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may help to improve cognitive function in men with dementia. The study involved 120 men with Alzheimer's disease.
However, it is important to note that these studies are just two examples, and many other studies have been done on this topic. More research is needed to confirm the link between testosterone and dementia.
Aging and Being Prepared
Several chronic health issues develop as we age. Long-term care is often a result of a chronic illness, mobility difficulties, accidents, and frailty. Are you prepared for the costs and burdens of aging?
If you are in your 40s or 50s and have not yet planned, that is the ideal time to do so. Long-Term Care Insurance has become a key part of a complete retirement plan. This is the best time to prepare since health problems start to develop after age 60, often preventing us from obtaining coverage.
Every insurance company has its specific underwriting requirements, and those guidelines vary depending on the company. Premiums are also based on your age, health, family history, and other factors.
Whether it is your health or retirement planning, advance planning will improve your outcomes.