Men Over 50, Watch THIS Before Using Testosterone Therapy

Summary

Testosterone therapy for older men has gained popularity, with many considering its benefits for energy, strength, and sexual function. However, controversy surrounds its effectiveness, particularly for those with normal age-related declines in testosterone. The video delves into the history of testosterone therapy, clinical guidelines, and the risks associated with treatment, such as cardiovascular issues. A new controversial study suggests no significant heart risks, but the evidence remains mixed. Key takeaways include the importance of using testosterone therapy only for those with clinically low levels and addressing underlying causes like obesity before pursuing treatment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Testosterone therapy has gained popularity among older men, but its benefits and risks remain controversial.
• 😀 Testosterone treatment dates back to ancient times, with early efforts including castration and animal testes consumption.
• 😀 The discovery of testosterone as a hormone occurred in the 1930s, and its synthesis in labs made it a potential treatment for low testosterone levels.
• 😀 Early testosterone treatments, including oral methods, faced issues such as liver toxicity, while injections and skin patches became more effective over time.
• 😀 Clinical guidelines now suggest testosterone therapy should only be used for men with clinically low testosterone levels who experience symptoms.
• 😀 Testosterone therapy can improve symptoms like low libido, decreased energy, muscle weakness, and depressive mood in men with clinically low levels.
• 😀 The risks of testosterone therapy include cardiovascular issues, such as higher blood pressure, blood clots, and heart attacks, though the evidence on these risks is mixed.
• 😀 A new controversial study, the Transverse Trial, found no increased risk of heart problems in men using testosterone therapy, but the results have been disputed due to study flaws.
• 😀 Despite the Transverse Trial results, experts advise caution, as incomplete treatment and a high dropout rate in the study raise concerns about its conclusions.
• 😀 Obesity, diabetes, and chronic illness can contribute to low testosterone levels, so addressing these underlying causes is important before considering therapy.
• 😀 Before starting testosterone therapy, it is essential to try lifestyle interventions like weight loss and resistance exercise to address low testosterone levels naturally.

Q & A

Why has testosterone therapy for older men become so popular?

Testosterone therapy has gained popularity due to its potential benefits in improving energy, strength, and sexual function, particularly for older men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone.

What is the historical background of testosterone treatment?

Testosterone treatment dates back to ancient times, with people attempting to use animal testes to improve energy and sexual function. In the 1800s, researchers began to theorize that the testes produced a substance affecting the body, later identified as testosterone.

What were some of the early methods used to study and apply testosterone therapy?

Early methods included crude approaches like eating animal testes, followed by injections of animal-derived mixtures. Eventually, scientists isolated testosterone in the 1930s and began experimenting with its use in treating low testosterone levels.

Why did early testosterone treatments face issues?

Early testosterone treatments faced issues such as oral testosterone being broken down by the liver or causing liver toxicity. Other methods, like injections, were more effective but lacked precise measurements of testosterone levels.

How did the development of the testosterone patch change treatment?

The development of the testosterone patch in the 1990s allowed for accurate and reliable delivery of testosterone, making it easier to achieve normal testosterone levels and manage treatment effectively.

What are some of the key benefits of testosterone therapy for men with low testosterone?

Testosterone therapy can improve energy levels, sex drive, muscle mass, strength, and bone density, as well as enhance mood and reduce depressive symptoms in men with clinically low testosterone.

What is the controversy around testosterone therapy for men with normal aging testosterone levels?

The controversy lies in whether testosterone therapy should be prescribed to older men whose testosterone levels have declined due to aging, but not to the point of being clinically low. The evidence on whether therapy is beneficial for this group is unclear.

What are the potential risks associated with testosterone therapy?

Potential risks include cardiovascular issues, such as increased plaque in the arteries, erythrocytosis (elevated red blood cells), and higher risks of blood clots and heart attacks. However, the evidence on these risks is mixed and inconclusive.

What does the new study called the Transverse Trial suggest about testosterone therapy?

The Transverse Trial, which focused on heart problems, found that testosterone therapy did not show a higher risk of heart attacks or strokes compared to a placebo. However, the study's design and high dropout rates raised concerns about the reliability of these results.

What is the current consensus on who should consider testosterone therapy?

The current consensus is that testosterone therapy should only be considered for men with clinically low testosterone levels and symptoms such as low libido, depression, and muscle mass loss. It should not be used for those with normal aging-related declines in testosterone without symptoms.