Existing Treatments Better Than Testosterone Therapy in Dealing with Low Testestorone That Affects Physical Function

Men suffering from low testosterone which comes with old age are better-off dealing with the physical functions by using the existing medical treatments rather than relying on testosterone therapy, new study advices.

The level of testosterone in men usually declines after they become old and this affects their sexual as well as physical performance. They will lack the sexual desire as well as energy to perform their bedroom matters especially after reaching 65 years.

As an answer to the low sexual desire and declining performance, most men normally turn to testosterone therapy which is said to boost their libido, vitality, as well as physical function. In fact, records from the US FDA indicate that the uptake of physical therapy has been on the rise in the last decade with more than 2.3 million patients currently relying on it.

However, scientists specializing in the field of men sexuality have questioned the viability of therapy in dealing with physical activity or vitality. According to them, this mode of healing is only suitable in dealing with sexual desire and not the physical activity.

According to Eric Orwoll, M.D., associate dean and professor of clinical sciences division, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, lots of emphasis is always placed on testosterone therapy but new evidence reveals that it has little or no benefit when it comes to boosting vitality in men with low testosterone.

According to the FDA US, many men are opting for therapy instead of the conventional methods to deal with low sex desire and related problems. The body claims that about 70% of the victims source the services from retail pharmacies and majority are aged between 40 and 64 years. However, many don’t realize that they don’t need this treatment in the first place and are actually putting themselves at risk.

A recent study was carried out by researchers from the Yale University’s Department of Geriatrics and Epidemiology where men suffering from low sex desire were treated using testosterone therapy and placebo.

790 mens aged 65 and above who had low testosterone were put under observation for one year. The researchers monitored their testosterone levels at the beginning, in-between, as well as at the end of the study.

Led by Thomas Gill, M.D., professor of geriatrics and epidemiology, and director of Aging Program, Yale University, New Haven, Conn., the researchers discovered that the therapy boosted sexual desire but had negligible effect when it came to physical function and energy, and only a few men experienced improved mood or reduced depression.

This was not the first time testosterone therapy had been put under scrutiny and there is concern that this treatment may cause more harm-than-good since it comes with side effects yet it may not be necessary.

In 2015, the FDA warned against unnecessary use of testosterone treatments since they can cause risks such as stroke, prostate cancer, high blood pressure, or heart.

In concluding, Orwoll and Gill says that a lot more needs to be done about testosterone therapy and safety should be priority.