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What’s the first thing that pops to mind when hearing the words, “male sex hormone”?
For most people, it’s obvious—testosterone. This molecule is not only a key component of male sexuality, but it’s also a culturally-acclaimed symbol frequently associated with aggression and masculinity.
Testosterone is medically referred to as a hormone that is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics in the body.
Aside from regulating and increasing sex drive, it also helps increase energy levels and fights against mood swings.
It’s no surprise that this hormone is so important to men. Yet despite this fact, topics revolving around testosterone remain shrouded in myths and misconceptions.
Here are some of the most prevalent Internet myths about testosterone that you should know about.
Myth 1: Low Testosterone Levels Sharply Dip As Men Age
It should come as no surprise that male sex hormones decrease with age in men. One study supports this—claiming that serum testosterone levels began dropping by 1.6% each year once a man reached his 30s.
However, the problem here lies when patients undergo a sudden, sharp decrease in testosterone levels, which can lead to a host of problems that an otherwise healthy male wouldn’t have.
This sudden drop is what doctors refer to as andropause or male menopause. Andropause is a clinical condition characterized by a significant decrease in testosterone levels. This could happen due to various reasons, such as:
- oxidative stress
- chronic inflammation
- low testosterone
Symptoms of andropause include the following:
- increased body fat
- depression
- fatigue
- insomnia
- erectile dysfunction
Fortunately, andropause is treatable. Doctors usually recommend lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy to help patients cope with the condition.
If you think you may be suffering from andropause, make sure to consult with a testosterone specialist to get your hormone levels checked.
Myth 2: Low Testosterone Only Affects Libido
While it’s true that one of the most noticeable effects of low testosterone is a decreased libido, other symptoms can arise that aren’t necessarily sexual.
Low testosterone levels can cause a host of other problems in men, such as:
- decreased bone density
- increased body fat
- low energy levels
- mood swings
- decreased lean body mass
These are just some of the ways low testosterone can affect men. If you suspect that your testosterone levels may be low, contact a doctor to get a customized treatment plan.
Myth 3: Ordering a Testosterone Supplement Online is Safe
Testosterone pills and supplements online are often advertised to help you increase your muscle mass, libido, and energy levels.
While it’s true that testosterone can help with these things, it’s important to remember that taking it without doctor supervision can be dangerous.
Since many of these medicines are not controlled, there is a lot of concern about their safety. Following an internal investigation conducted by the FDA, it was revealed that as many as 20 out of 25 male pills found in online retailers had undeclared ingredients in them.
Namely, these pills contained either of the following ingredients:
- Vardenafil
- Sibutramine
- Desmethylsibutramine
- Sildenafil
- Phenolphthalein
- Fluoxetine
- Tadalafil
It should be noted that these ingredients are effective under a doctor’s supervision. However, some people may be at risk of developing side effects like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack when taking them without proper medical guidance.
Furthermore, patients with heart problems and kidney problems should avoid using these products to avoid any further complications.
While there are some safe and effective testosterone boosters on the market, there are also a lot of bogus products that claim to do the same thing but don’t live up to the expectation.
To err on the side of caution, always get a medical professional’s advice before taking any supplement, testosterone or otherwise.
Myth 4: All You Need is More Testosterone
If you’re experiencing low libido, fatigue, and other issues, your first instinct may be to assume that all you need is a quick fix in the form of testosterone-boosting injections, pills, and creams.
However, this line of thought is flawed for two reasons.
First of all, as we’ve mentioned before, taking testosterone without doctor supervision can be dangerous.
Secondly, even if you are under a doctor’s care, taking testosterone without addressing the underlying issues can do more harm than good.
Low testosterone is linked with a plethora of health conditions, such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
It’s not enough to just take testosterone if you’re suffering from these conditions. You need to address the root cause of the problem to see real, lasting results. In doing so, you’ll also be lowering your risk of developing any number of serious health complications.
Myth 5: High Testosterone Is Synonymous With Athleticism
There’s a pervading cultural belief that all men with high testosterone levels have better athletic performance than those with lower levels.
However, at the most basic level, testosterone hasn’t been shown to have any direct impact on athletic performance.
There are some indirect effects that testosterone may have on athleticism, such as increased muscle mass and strength, but these effects aren’t always translated into the sports themselves.
One study involving track-and-field athletes found that those with low T levels had moments where they performed better than those with higher T levels in 100-meter sprint races.
With the degree of variability made visible from the studies, it’s hard to say that testosterone replacement or boosting practices has a clear-cut impact on athletic ability.
Contact Tampa’s Leading Men’s Clinic for a Testosterone Consultation
Want to learn more? Read on the myths of prostate health.
Testosterone is a hormone that’s essential for many functions in the body, but it’s also one that comes with a lot of misconceptions.
Some people believe that they need to take testosterone to improve their athletic performance, while others think that it’s a quick fix for all their health problems.
Neither of these beliefs is true. Testosterone treatment should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision, and it’s not a cure-all for health issues.
If you’re experiencing low libido, fatigue, or testosterone deficiency, talk to the medical professionals Prestige Men’s Medical Center in Tampa about possible causes and treatment options, like testosterone therapy. We are a leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, testosterone therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
