Treatment of low testosterone in elderly men

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Bui Tien Dat - Emergency Medicine - Cardiology - Emergency Resuscitation Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital. The doctor has more than 12 years of experience in the field of emergency resuscitation - cardiology.

Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in the development of male sexual characteristics.
They are produced mainly by the testes that contain Leydig cells. In addition, they are produced to a small extent by the adrenal glands. This hormone is a substance that helps transmit chemical signals, triggering necessary changes in the body. Testosterone production in men is higher than in women.

It can be said that testosterone is an important hormone for men, not only has the function of producing sperm, they also stimulate sex drive, distribute fat, stimulate muscle and bone strength, red blood cell production.

If there is a lack of testosterone in men or an excess of testosterone in men, it will also lead to dysfunction of the hormone-controlled organs such as:
Decreased sex drive Erectile dysfunction Less sperm Emulsification of the mammary glands Over time , symptoms may develop such as: Hair loss, increase in body fat Mass loss of muscle mass, rapid loss of strength If low testosterone status persists, untreated can lead to osteoporosis, change Mood swings, low energy, shrinking testicles, even infertility because testosterone plays a role in helping to support the development of mature sperm. This is very dangerous for young men.

Causes of testosterone deficiency in young men can be due to medical conditions:
Having an injury that requires removal of the testicles Infection of the testicles Having to use narcotic pain relievers. Disorders affecting hormones due to pituitary tumors or high prolactin levels Chronic illness such as type 2 diabetes, kidney or liver disease, obesity or HIV/AIDS. Having genetic diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, hemochromatosis, Kallmann syndrome, and dystonia.

Testosterone levels peak between the ages of 25 and 30 years old. As men age, testosterone levels in men naturally decrease. This is an inevitable thing for every man to go through. From the age of 30 to 40 (depending on the person), the average testosterone level in the male body decreases by 1.6% each year. By the age of 60, testosterone levels may be due to aging effects or may be due to disease.

Signs of a decline in testosterone in men as they age:
4.1 Changes in sexual function Manifested as a decrease in libido, less spontaneous erections.
4.2 Sleep disturbance Affects sleep quality such as causing insomnia or sleep disturbance.
4.3 Changes in physical appearance Expression of large, tender breasts, hair loss and partial loss of body hair. In addition, a decrease in energy, fatigue, and irritability may also occur.
4.4 Emotional changes Decreased motivation, decreased self-confidence, depression, difficulty concentrating or remembering.

For diseases that cause testosterone depletion, testosterone supplementation therapy can be performed by methods: With gels, skin patches, injections or tablets that are absorbed through the gums.
If the problem stems from the body's normal, natural aging, testosterone therapy is not recommended. Because the above methods of testosterone supplementation can cause side effects such as: Acne, increased red blood cell count, affecting the prostate and breast, can even cause breathing difficulty while sleeping.
In addition to testosterone supplement therapy, men can actually perform safe and natural methods to increase testosterone levels for the body such as: Eat nutritious, scientific, moderate, and reduce Weight training, exercise, gym to improve health.
Natural testosterone decline in men as they age is inevitable that everyone will experience. So no need to worry too much.
If you need to supplement testosterone due to a medical condition, you should consult a doctor to ensure your safety. Usually if low testosterone is not harmful to the body, the doctor will advise no treatment intervention.