Low levels of the hormone Testosterone might not need any treatment. There are side effects that are related to Testosterone Replacement Therapy, plus there are no known long term benefits. When one is considering the procedure, the best thing would be to talk to a doctor to know whether the procedure is ideal. When considering testosterone replacement therapy St Petersburg FL residents need to know what the treatment involves.

There are some instances in which symptoms of low levels of testosterone are easily seen, while in certain cases they are not. Over a period of time, levels of low testosterone in men decline as they age. In addition to that, some conditions will lead to decreased levels of the hormone, including depression, low muscle mass, irritability and erectile dysfunction. In case someone has low testosterone levels and tests indicate the levels are very low, replacement therapy might be needed. The treatment is however not required if there are no symptoms.

There are various options that men have when it comes to replacement. There is the skin patch that is either worn on arms or upper body sections. It is supposed to be applied daily. Some people also have gels prescribed for them. They come in clear packets and contain testosterone. When there is application of the gel, the hormone gets absorbed via the skin into the body. The mouth patch is also an option and involves taking the medication as a tablet or orally through other means. A more direct option involves the use of implants or injections.

One should know what the therapy involves. Generally, it is not easy to predict the results because treatments work differently in individuals. In many people however, the possible outcomes are improved energy levels, more quality erections and improved sex drive. The mass of muscles could also improve, as well as density of bones.

There are possible side effects that one should expect. These include itching, rash and irritation at the site where the hormone was applied. Some studies show that there is increased risk of stroke and heart attack that is associated with the use of testosterone. Conditions that might be made worse with the treatment include sleep apnea, blood clots and congestive heart failure.

There are men that grow breasts after the procedure. That is not a common occurrence but is a possibility when there is conversion of testosterone into estrogen. The effects of testosterone are diminished by estrogen. The use if aromatase inhibitors controls this effect but should also be closely monitored. The monitoring is important because if there is over-suppression of estrogen, there will be a feeling of fatigue.

There are chances that the therapy might lead to a man becoming infertile. The testicles will not be able to manufacture enough testosterone or sperms. That negatively impacts fertility. For people that are on the treatment for a long time, the production of testosterone naturally is affected.

When one is not sure whether the replacement therapy will work for them, they should consult a doctor. That is so that they understand the risks and side effects that can be expected. Doctors test the level of hormone in the body before advising whether the treatment is required or not.