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Suffer Low Libido And Enlarging Breasts. Using Testosterone. Safe?
Question: I am 91 male. Libido is gone, breasts are enlarging. I get mailings urging using testosterone. Does it help and what dangers does testosterone have? XXXXXXX YYYY@YYYY
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
The levels of testosterone decrease as a man ages.
Reduced libido and enlargement of the breast are two signs of possible low testosterone.
Other symptom or signs are erectile dysfunction, hair loss, muscle loss, reduced energy , irritability and decrease in bone mass.
Before starting on a replacement therapy it would important to confirm by a blood test that the values are actually low.
There are different ways to receive replacement. It can be done as : (1)topical gels (2) skin patches (3)administered to the inner cheek called the transbuccal system (4) oral medication (5) intramuscular injections (6)implants under the skin
There are possible side effects of this medication , they include: headache, hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, increased blood pressure, increased blood count, it can actually cause increase breast enlargement in some men because the testosterone is converted to estrogen, nervousness.
You may consider speaking to your doctor for blood tests and to find out which method is available and more suitable for you.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
The levels of testosterone decrease as a man ages.
Reduced libido and enlargement of the breast are two signs of possible low testosterone.
Other symptom or signs are erectile dysfunction, hair loss, muscle loss, reduced energy , irritability and decrease in bone mass.
Before starting on a replacement therapy it would important to confirm by a blood test that the values are actually low.
There are different ways to receive replacement. It can be done as : (1)topical gels (2) skin patches (3)administered to the inner cheek called the transbuccal system (4) oral medication (5) intramuscular injections (6)implants under the skin
There are possible side effects of this medication , they include: headache, hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, increased blood pressure, increased blood count, it can actually cause increase breast enlargement in some men because the testosterone is converted to estrogen, nervousness.
You may consider speaking to your doctor for blood tests and to find out which method is available and more suitable for you.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX Gibson XXXXXXX
Thank you very much for your response. I have received information that taking testosterone as a supplement could cause cancer and difficulties with the prostate gland. Given my age would the cancer develop if I lived another 8 to 10 years (which I do not think will happen)? If I took testosterone, what are the percentages that it would help the ED problem? XXXXXXX
Thank you very much for your response. I have received information that taking testosterone as a supplement could cause cancer and difficulties with the prostate gland. Given my age would the cancer develop if I lived another 8 to 10 years (which I do not think will happen)? If I took testosterone, what are the percentages that it would help the ED problem? XXXXXXX
HI
It can potentially affect the liver and the prostate. It is unlikely that there would be any significant changes with your prostate based on your present age especially if you do not have significant prostatic problems at the moment.
In terms of ED , testosterone replacement often improves the other signs and symptoms of low testosterone with sometimes no change in ED.
There are other therapies used for ED such as viagra, cialis or levitra.
Please feel free to ask anything else
It can potentially affect the liver and the prostate. It is unlikely that there would be any significant changes with your prostate based on your present age especially if you do not have significant prostatic problems at the moment.
In terms of ED , testosterone replacement often improves the other signs and symptoms of low testosterone with sometimes no change in ED.
There are other therapies used for ED such as viagra, cialis or levitra.
Please feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX
What would be the damage to the liver and what length of time would it take for that to happen? The prescription resolution of the ED problem did not seem to fit me when the possible side effects are listed, including a heart attack in view of my atrial fibrillation problem. What is your counsel on this? Is one of he prescription medications be less likely to cause heart problems, or are they equally dangerous?
Thank you for your patience with my questions. XXXXXXX
What would be the damage to the liver and what length of time would it take for that to happen? The prescription resolution of the ED problem did not seem to fit me when the possible side effects are listed, including a heart attack in view of my atrial fibrillation problem. What is your counsel on this? Is one of he prescription medications be less likely to cause heart problems, or are they equally dangerous?
Thank you for your patience with my questions. XXXXXXX
Hi,
The damage to the liver is not seen with the transdermal or intramuscular route. It is mainly a proble with the oral replacement so this method would be avoided.
There is an increase risk of heart disease if the testosterone causes polycythemia which is an increase in red blood cells that causes increase viscosity or thickness of the blood.
This side effect is especially seen with injectable form in older persons.
One study found that it only occurred in 5.5% of persons using the scrotal transdermal patch.
The other medications used for ed such as viagra, cannot be used if a man is using nitrates but can be used with other medication.
These would treat only the ed but will not help with other aspects of low testosterone.
Please feel free to ask anything else
The damage to the liver is not seen with the transdermal or intramuscular route. It is mainly a proble with the oral replacement so this method would be avoided.
There is an increase risk of heart disease if the testosterone causes polycythemia which is an increase in red blood cells that causes increase viscosity or thickness of the blood.
This side effect is especially seen with injectable form in older persons.
One study found that it only occurred in 5.5% of persons using the scrotal transdermal patch.
The other medications used for ed such as viagra, cannot be used if a man is using nitrates but can be used with other medication.
These would treat only the ed but will not help with other aspects of low testosterone.
Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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