What will testosterone shots do for me

If a doctor prescribes male testosterone injections to an adolescent to treat a constitutional delay of growth and puberty , the goal will be to achieve an accelerated growth spurt during puberty.

This therapy should not affect the final adult height that the adolescent reaches. Doctors may prescribe testosterone injections to treat low testosterone due to certain medical conditions in males. It does not cure the underlying condition, but it may help alleviate some of the symptoms.

People can also use these injections to treat sexual dysfunction resulting from bodily changes after menopause or as part of masculinizing hormone therapy. People should be aware of the possible serious complications of using testosterone in both the short-term and long-term. Doctors should do a thorough evaluation and, if testosterone replacement therapy is an option, discuss the benefit and risks with the person before prescribing it. Learn more about testosterone levels here.

Abstinence from masturbation and other forms of sexual activity may temporarily raise testosterone levels, but masturbation does not affect…. Testosterone supplements may include injectable treatments or those that are transdermal, meaning people apply them to the skin. Learn more about…. People tend to associate testosterone with males, but everyone requires some of this sex hormone.

Testosterone levels change over time, and lower…. Sex drive, or libido, naturally varies between people. If a person wants to boost their libido, there are many methods they can try, including…. What to know about testosterone injections. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. What are testosterone injections? Share on Pinterest A doctor may recommend testosterone injections to treat sexual dysfunction in males.

Types of testosterone injection. How to use them. Are they safe? Side effects. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Only rarely are oral medications used to treat low T because these medications have potentially harmful side effects to the liver. For men who are prescribed testosterone replacement therapy, it usually takes three to six months to work, Farooq says. Research published in in the European Journal of Endocrinology , however, suggested that the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on men's libido and symptoms of depression may begin after three weeks.

Treatment for low testosterone is an ongoing process and usually will continue long term. As with many other chronic conditions, if you stop the therapy, the problem returns — your testosterone levels will drop back down to below-normal levels.

The number of men using testosterone replacement therapy in the United States has increased dramatically over the past several years. Several short-term studies have shown it to be an effective treatment in appropriately selected individuals, but the long-term effects remain unclear. Like any other medication, testosterone replacement therapy carries certain risks.

Although research has shown mixed results, it could possibly stimulate growth of existing prostate cancer. Testosterone replacement could also contribute to sleep apnea. Farooq says that men should be screened for sleep apnea before receiving treatment for low testosterone. Treatment for low testosterone could also limit sperm production, cause your body to make too many red blood cells, or lead to acne or enlargement of the breasts.

He also says that bringing your spouse or partner with you to checkups can help if you feel apprehensive about discussing your concerns or symptoms with your doctor. Among the tests you can expect are the prostate-specific antigen PSA screening test for prostate cancer and blood tests to measure lipids, liver function, and red blood cell count.

By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. It's also possible that these conditions cause low testosterone levels, so treatment might result in increase of testosterone levels. Testosterone therapy can help reverse the effects of hypogonadism, but it's unclear whether testosterone therapy would benefit older men who are otherwise healthy.

Although some men believe they feel younger and more vigorous if they take testosterone medications, there's little evidence to support the use of testosterone in otherwise healthy men. 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. Also, some research shows that testosterone therapy can increase your risk of heart disease.

More research is needed. If you wonder whether testosterone therapy might be right for you, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Your doctor will likely measure your testosterone levels at least twice before recommending testosterone therapy. Treating normal aging with testosterone therapy is not advisable. If you don't have a medical condition that's contributing to your decline in testosterone levels, your doctor might suggest natural ways to boost testosterone, such as losing weight and increasing muscle mass through resistance exercise. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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