The High Cost of Low TestosteroneMonday, 22 Apr 2013 A study reported in the Journal of Sexual Medicine (Vol. 10, Issue 2, 2013) sought to quantify the cost burden imposed by testosterone deficiency in men. After examining six national databases, scientists estimated that testosterone deficiency was affecting 13.4 percent of men between the ages of 45 and 74. They also estimated that testosterone deficiency is involved in the development of approximately 1.3 million new cases of cardiovascular diseases, 1.1 million new cases of diabetes, and more than 600,000 osteoporosis-related fractures in the first year it is present. Over a 20-year period, the researchers estimated that testosterone deficiency would be responsible for up to $525 billion in health-care expenditures in the United States. As this study points out, the cost of not treating testosterone deficiency is severe; increases in diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis are all related to testosterone deficiency. The most frequent complaint of a man with low testosterone is fatigue. Other complaints include irritability, low libido, poor brain function, and weight gain. Testosterone deficiency has been linked to the development of many chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis for over 70 years. Every male patient who comes to my office gets a hormone workup. This includes measurements of testosterone, free testosterone, progesterone, and estrogens. Balancing a man’s testosterone levels can literally change his life in a short period of time. Patients have described feeling like they wake from the dead after taking testosterone. I recommend bioidentical, natural testosterone formulated by a compounding pharmacist. Testosterone can be used topically or by injection. Larger men do better with injections. © 2013 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved. |