Testosterone Therapy Side Effects: What Are the Heart Risks?

If you are taking testosterone, you should have regular blood tests to monitor your response to hormone replacement therapy.

Testosterone is an extremely important hormone in men, it is produced mainly in the testicles and adrenal glands. This hormone determines the health of men, including the formation and development of male sex organs, bone density, muscle strength and mass, red blood cell production, hair and body hair. body, sex drive, sperm production.
If testosterone hormone levels drop low, it will cause a number of health problems for men such as physiological weakness, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, poor mental health, decreased ability to concentrate. , in addition to a number of other diseases such as osteoporosis and muscle atrophy.

Testosterone is known to be an extremely important hormone secreted by the male body and it is mainly responsible for maintaining male characteristics. However, as we age, testosterone levels drop by about 1% per year after the age of 30-40. Too much low testosterone will make men face a number of physiological problems as well as overall health. Here are some of the consequences that occur due to low testosterone:
Decreased sex drive : This is the most common symptom that occurs when the level of testosterone in the blood drops low. In addition, men with low testosterone levels masturbate less often and have fewer sex-related dreams. In addition, when sexual function changes, spontaneous erections are less likely and more likely to lead to infertility. Loss of Muscle: Testosterone is a key factor in male muscle growth. When testosterone levels drop, muscles lose a significant amount of mass. Reduce penis size Increase body fat percentage: Low testosterone levels can increase the activity of lipoprotein lipase enzyme, thereby increasing the percentage of body fat and visceral. Effects on sleep quality: insomnia or sleep disturbance. Emotional changes: memory loss, feeling depressed, sad, self-conscious, not concentrating at work or having trouble remembering things.

Testosterone therapy is a method of supplementing testosterone to improve health and reverse the decline of sexual function in men. This therapy applies to people with symptoms of low or low testosterone.
This therapy is done by introducing testosterone into the body through the main forms such as injection, tablet, patch, gel or implant form under the skin. The therapies that are believed to be the most effective and effective are injections and gels. Treatments in the form of oral or lozenges can adversely affect the liver and increase the risk of gum disease.

Testosterone replacement therapy contributes to the improvement of men's health status for problems of sexual decline such as decreased libido, decreased erection ability. In addition, the therapy also helps improve overall health status for men, including reducing the accumulation of body fat, increasing muscle strength, bone density and improving mood. In certain cases, taking testosterone replacement therapy improves cognitive function and reduces or blocks the production of amyloid precursor proteins that are the main cause of Alzheimer's disease. Besides, it also helps reduce the risk of insulin resistance and aids in weight loss for men.
Another effect of the above therapy is to help increase the size of the breast, but this is not common.
Side effects of using testosterone replacement therapy
In addition to the additional hormonal benefits for men, this therapy also poses certain risks:
High risk of sleep disorder syndrome potentially serious sleep. This syndrome occurs when breathing is repeatedly stopped or interrupted. Causes certain skin problems such as acne or skin reactions Stimulates the growth of benign (non-cancerous) prostate cells and stimulates cell growth Prostate cancer latent in the body. Big chest. Restricts sperm production and causes testicular shrinkage. Increased risk of blood clot formation in deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. There is a risk of heart disease.

While previous studies have shown a link between testosterone therapy and an increased risk of heart disease, the link is currently unclear.
A 2014 study reported that testosterone therapy may increase the risk of heart attack in men 65 years of age and older, as well as in younger men with a history of heart disease. Another 2013 study found a higher frequency of death and heart problems in men who had coronary artery disease and were treated with testosterone.
However, recent studies show no increase in cardiovascular disease in men who have taken testosterone therapy. Some studies even show a lower risk of death in men treated with testosterone than in those who do not. In 2016, a large three-year survey of 1,000 men found that testosterone therapy did not increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
To determine the safety of using testosterone therapy in the treatment of older men dealing with age-related testosterone decline, more studies are needed.

Article referenced source: Mayoclinic