If you’re not the incredible hulk you used to be in the bedroom but feeling fit elsewhere, the last thing you want to do is to try to self-medicate with one of those over-the-counter testosterone supplements.
If you’re a man over 30, your testosterone is lower than it used to be — that’s a fact; on average a man’s testosterone drops about 1% a year after age 30. It’s also a fact that testosterone administered properly might help you feel as good as you did many years ago.
However, one of the problems with trying to self medicate is that if your health and energy levels are good overall, it’s probably not Low-T that has you sagging. While Low-T can be linked with decreased libido and erectile function, these symptoms usually appear long after Low-T has done other damage to your health.
What you’ll feel first from Low-T are lower levels of energy, increased irritability and negative moods, and perhaps a decline in mental acuity. Your “muscle mass” may be dropping, even though your exercise routine hasn’t changed. That thickening around your belt line and the not-so-good cholesterol report from your general practitioner could also signal that you need a testosterone level test.
But it’s dangerous to take a list of symptoms and try to administer supplements on your own. Some oral supplements have been linked to liver damage, and testosterone may fuel the growth of an already existing prostate cancer. Creams can have ill effects on those around you, if not properly administered.
Physicians specially trained in aging issues can run tests to diagnose whether your testosterone levels are where they should be. If supplements are indicated, your physician will prescribe a plan and a form of supplement tailored to body’s specific needs, your overall level of health and your lifestyle. Most importantly, they’ll monitor your progress to help you get the maximum potential benefits, while minimizing the risks.
Contact us to have your testosterone levels checked. Our physician can help you get back to your old self again.