Does testosterone therapy shorten lifespan?
Since men on average live about 5 fewer years than women, you may be shortening your lifespan by several years by taking testosterone.
Low testosterone levels (low-T) are linked to wrinkles, muscle loss, weight gain, and thinning hair. Testosterone therapy can combat physical, sexual, and emotional changes that come with getting older, especially for a man.
New research shows that men with too little and too much testosterone are at risk of a shorter lifespan. Testosterone, the male sex hormone, helps regulate heart function and plays a part in sperm production, bone health, energy levels, concentration, and muscle mass.
Guidelines from the American College of Physicians indicate that testosterone therapy might improve sexual function somewhat in some men, but there's little evidence that it improves other functions, such as vitality and energy.
Most older men don't need testosterone replacement, new guidelines say. (Reuters Health) - Older men whose testosterone levels have dropped over the years should only be given testosterone replacement to treat sexual dysfunction, according to new guidelines from the American College of Physicians released on Monday.
Generally speaking, testosterone therapy is an ongoing treatment that continues long-term, if not indefinitely. As with most chronic conditions, stopping therapy could see your symptoms returning as testosterone levels once again fall below healthy levels. This doesn't mean you're on your own.
A new study of older men carried out by The University of Western Australia has found there is a link between men who have higher levels of the sex hormone estradiol, produced from testosterone, and slower ageing.
This is why high testosterone levels can lead to an increase in height, especially during puberty. A growth hormone deficiency, however, may cause problems in the growth plate in stimulating growth and may end up making someone shorter.
Low testosterone levels have been linked to a higher risk of death in middle-aged and older men, but results from large studies are inconsistent, Antonio said. Studies have also linked sexual dysfunction with mortality in older men.
Your body will begin to redistribute your weight. Fat will diminish somewhat around your hips and thighs. Your arms and legs will develop more muscle definition, with more prominent veins and a slightly rougher appearance, as the fat just beneath the skin becomes a bit thinner.
What are the cons of taking testosterone?
- increased acne.
- fluid retention.
- increased urination.
- breast enlargement.
- decreased testicular size.
- decreased sperm count.
- increased aggressive behaviors.
Testosterone treatment has not been shown to improve erections in men with normal testosterone levels. And studies show that it does not help men with low testosterone levels if ED is their only symptom.
There's no magic number for the age at which men should start thinking about hormone therapy. Since everyone's body operates a little differently, TRT could be something you consider anywhere from your mid-20s to your late 40s or so. Ultimately, the best age for TRT is whatever age that you personally need it.
Generally speaking, testosterone therapy is an ongoing treatment that continues long-term, if not indefinitely. As with most chronic conditions, stopping therapy could see your symptoms returning as testosterone levels once again fall below healthy levels.
According to study results, life expectancy at 65 years was longest among patients taking mesalamine and shortest among patients taking steroids regardless of sex (women: 22.1 years; 95% CI, 21.8-22.5 vs. 11.7 years; 95% CI, 11-12.4; men: 19.6 years; 95% CI, 19.3-20 vs. 10.3 years; 95% CI, 9.7-10.8).
A low testosterone level by itself doesn't need treatment. Testosterone replacement therapy can have side effects, and the long-term risks and benefits aren't known. Only men with symptoms of low testosterone and blood levels that confirm this as the cause of symptoms should consider testosterone replacement.
Once testosterone levels return to their naturally “low normal,” you will start to see the benefits diminish. Aside from the physical factors, dropping your levels may lead to depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, and lack of mental clarity, aka “brain fog”.
Most older men don't need testosterone replacement, new guidelines say. (Reuters Health) - Older men whose testosterone levels have dropped over the years should only be given testosterone replacement to treat sexual dysfunction, according to new guidelines from the American College of Physicians released on Monday.
- acne.
- breast enlargement or pain.
- hoarseness.
- deepening of voice.
- pain, redness, bruising, bleeding, or hardness at injection site.
- tiredness.
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- mood swings.
Your body will begin to redistribute your weight. Fat will diminish somewhat around your hips and thighs. Your arms and legs will develop more muscle definition, with more prominent veins and a slightly rougher appearance, as the fat just beneath the skin becomes a bit thinner.
Why do bodybuilders live less?
“Professional male bodybuilders use high-dose testosterone and other performance enhancing drugs to improve athletic performance,” the authors noted in a study abstract. “These anabolic agents are potentially associated with negative sequelae including hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular effects, and possible liver damage.”
AAS use increases muscle mass and strength, and its use is known to have many side effects, ranging from acne to heart problems to increased aggression. A new study now suggests that AAS can also have deleterious effects on the brain, causing it to age prematurely.
What are they? Some athletes take a form of steroids — known as anabolic-androgenic steroids or just anabolic steroids — to increase their muscle mass and strength. The main anabolic steroid hormone produced by your body is testosterone.
For example, oral and transdermal testosterone boosters stay in your system for only a few days. Some testosterone boosters may remain in your body for about seven weeks if you take them via an injection.
If a male has low testosterone, symptoms can include erectile dysfunction, and males and females may have reduced bone mass and sex drive. The hormone has many important functions, including: the development of the bones and muscles. the deepening of the voice, hair growth, and other factors related to appearance.