Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age

Masculinizing hormone therapy

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Hypogonadism hampers the ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles. Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men. Another product called Zestra is a plant-based massage oil. One small study found that Zestra increased arousal and pleasure when compared with a placebo oil.

Testosterone therapy might seem like the ultimate anti-aging formula. Yet the health benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone aren’t clear. As you age, testosterone therapy might sound promising. But there are a lot of misconceptions about what the treatment can and can’t do for you. If your healthcare professional doesn’t mention the subject, you can bring it up. You might feel embarrassed to talk about sex with your healthcare professional.

Recommendations may include sex education, counseling, and sometimes medicine and hormone therapy. If you take hormone therapy for prostate cancer, you’ll have regular follow-up meetings with your doctor. Your doctor may ask about any side effects you’re experiencing. These medicines treat advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to other hormone therapy treatments. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to 15 foods that kill testosterone, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Anti-androgens keep testosterone from acting on cancer cells. These oral medicines often are taken with an LHRH agonist or before taking an LHRH agonist. Cutting the risk of a flare is important for those who have pain or other cancer symptoms. An increase in testosterone can make symptoms worse. Taking an anti-androgen either before or with an LHRH agonist can cut the risk of flare.

Many men benefit from psychological or family counseling. Treatment of delayed puberty in boys depends on the cause. Three to six months of testosterone shots can help start puberty. The testosterone can help increase muscle mass, beard and pubic hair growth, and growth of the penis. This treatment is given only if the bones have matured enough.

Make sure your doctor knows if your sexual partner is pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away. This medicine may cause changes in the level of cholesterol and fats in your blood. If this condition occurs, your doctor may give you a medicine to adjust the cholesterol and fats.

The effect of finasteride will only last as long as the medicine is taken. Having male hypogonadism can affect your self-image and, possibly, your relationships. Talk with your health care provider about how you can reduce the anxiety and stress that often accompany these conditions.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor. The Aveed® brand is only available under a restricted distribution program called the Aveed® REMS program. Xyosted™ is available only with your doctor’s prescription. In some cases, this medicine may decrease the amount of sperm men make and affect their ability to have children.

Your healthcare professional reviews any medicines you take. The review is done to see if any of the medicines tend to cause sexual side effects. For example, SSRI antidepressants such as paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac) may lower sex drive.

It may help to remember that changes in sex drive are typical. They’re part of every relationship and every stage of life. Instead, spend some time nurturing yourself and your relationship. Talking with a sex therapist or counselor skilled in addressing sexual concerns can help with low sex drive. Therapy often includes education about sexual response and techniques.