SEXUAL HEALTH

Testosterone Therapy
What You Should Know

What is Testosterone? What Causes TD?

Testosterone is the male sex hormone made in the Some causes of TD are:
testicles. Testosterone hormone levels are important to • Medical conditions diagnosed at birth
normal male sexual development and functions. This
hormone helps boys develop male features like body and • Autoimmune diseases
facial hair, deeper voice and muscle strength. Also, men • Injury to the testicles by accident
need testosterone to make sperm. • Removal of testicles (because of disease)
What is Low Testosterone? • Chemotherapy or radiation
Some men have low testosterone levels. This is • Opioid use
called Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD) or Low • Obesity (being overweight)
Testosterone (Low-T).
• High blood pressure or high blood sugar
What are the Symptoms of TD? • Infection
Some signs and symptoms of TD are: • Aging
• Low sex drive
How will my doctor know for sure that I have TD?
• Feeling very tired all the time (Fatigue)
If you are worried, you should see your doctor to talk about
• Loss of lean muscle mass your symptoms. Your doctor may:
• Irritability • Perform a physical exam and complete a medical history
• Erectile dysfunction to include any related diseases and medications you take
• Depression • Order blood tests to check your testosterone level
• Order other tests such as hormone tests

Testosterone hormone levels are What is the Treatment for TD?

important to normal male sexual If you have TD, your doctor may offer you testosterone
therapy (TT). There are usually five different ways to take
development and functions.
testosterone.

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Testosterone Therapy
What You Should Know

• Transdermal (through the skin) 5. Is TD a common medical condition?

• Injection It is hard to know how many men have TD. Overall,
• Oral/buccal (by mouth) about 2.1% (about 2 men in every 100) may have TD.
• Intranasal (through the nose) As few as 1% of younger men may have TD, while as
• Pellets under the skin many as half of all men over 80 years old may have
TD. TD is more common in men who have diabetes or
Frequently Asked Questions About who are overweight. If you are overweight, try to work
Testosterone Therapy on keeping your weight within recommended ranges.
Getting more exercise may help you lose weight and also
1. Are there any harmful effects of TT? may help your testosterone levels.
Yes, TT may have some harmful effects. Testosterone
6. How will I know the testosterone therapy is
Therapy may interrupt normal sperm production. You
working?
should not have TT if you plan on having children soon.
During treatment, you will need routine checkups to see
You may get a rash or itching from gels and liquids.
that your testosterone level stays normal. When you are
Gels and creams may transfer easily to others. Follow
stable on TT, total testosterone and certain other lab
prescription directions and avoid skin contact with
tests should be checked every 6-12 months, as prescribed
women and children immediately after skin applications.
by your doctor.
Make sure you cover the area and wash your hands
well after touching the medication. Clothing should be About the Urology Care Foundation
washed separately.
The Urology Care Foundation is the world’s leading urologic
You may have an allergic reaction after some injections. foundation – and the official foundation of the American
Possible side effects of testosterone pellets include Urological Association. We provide information for those
swelling, pain, bruising. actively managing their urologic health and those ready
to make health changes. Our information is based on the
2. I think I may have TD. Is TT the answer for me?
American Urological Association resources and is reviewed by
You may need TT, but it may or may not be the best medical experts.
treatment for you. TD comes naturally as you grow older,
To learn more, visit the Urology Care Foundation’s website,
and there may be other reasons for TD levels. You should
UrologyHealth.org/UrologicConditions or go to
not be taking TT if you do not have low testosterone
UrologyHealth.org/FindAUrologist to find a doctor
levels. If your blood testosterone is low then your doctor
near you.
will give you a full exam and help you get TT or the best
treatment for you.
Disclaimer
3. Is it true that TT may cause prostate cancer? This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a
There is no evidence linking TT to prostate cancer. substitute for professional medical advice. It is not to be
4. Does TT cause vein clots or heart disease? used or relied on for that purpose. Please talk to your
urologist or health care provider about your health concerns.
At present, there is no reason to believe that TT causes Always consult a health care provider before you start or
vein clots. Also, there is no strong evidence that TT either stop any treatments, including medications.
increases or lessens the risk of cardiovascular events. But,
while you are on TT, you should call your doctor right away For more information about urologic conditions, visit
if you have signs or symptoms of stroke or heart attack. UrologyHealth.org/Download or call 800-828-7866.

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