Top 8 Testosterone Myths and Facts
We can thank the internet for giving us access to a plethora of information about any subject, but it is also the source of much more than just the top 8 testosterone myths and facts. Search long enough, and you will likely find conflicting reports of what testosterone can do to your body.
For every research article that shows testosterone causes heart attacks, another tells you that testosterone therapy is beneficial for cardiovascular health. What can you believe?
Separating the truth from the fallacy (or the myths from the facts) often requires a bit of sleuthing. You do not need a medical degree to get to the truth. All it takes is some conscientious research and looking at the source to determine what is correct.
Websites that belong to hormone clinics, hospitals, and medical research facilities will most likely give you up to date information on testosterone and other hormones. Internet sites that focus on selling you products (you know the ones – you can click on an item to buy) are not reputable sources for information.
In this report, we will discuss some of the most interesting facts about testosterone while debunking some of the more common myths.
The list below highlights the myths and testosterone facts that we will discuss:
- Myths
- Testosterone therapy is not for women
- You will get huge muscles from testosterone
- Testosterone use will make you angry and aggressive
- Cancer and heart attack risk increases with testosterone use
- Facts
- It is natural for testosterone levels to decline
- Low T can lead to other medical issues
- Testosterone therapy is safe and legal
- Treatment with testosterone can interfere with male fertility
As you can see, there are pros and cons to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The purpose of this report is to clear the air about some of these concerns.
Separating the myths from the facts is essential when considering testosterone replacement therapy.
4 Top Testosterone Myths
Picking only the top 4 testosterone myths and facts in each category was not easy, especially where myths are concerned. After all, just because it is normal for testosterone levels to decline does not mean you automatically have Low T. Many people adjust fine to changes in hormone levels.
Another myth that did not make it into the top 4 is that Low T only impacts male sex drive. First of all, testosterone is also crucial for female sex drive. Second, there are many other reasons why men need testosterone, including red blood cell production, quality sleep, proper metabolism, and sharp brain functions.
First up in our examination of the top 8 testosterone myths and facts are the 4 myths we have selected to examine:
-
Women do not need testosterone replacement therapy
The truth is that everyone needs to maintain healthy testosterone levels for optimum well-being. Women need testosterone for red blood cell production, libido, metabolism, brain functions, and especially protecting their bone density and muscle mass.
-
Testosterone therapy will make anyone develop bulging muscles
The only ones who develop bulging muscles from testosterone are the people who use it illegally as part of a bodybuilding program. Yes, it is true that testosterone will help improve lean muscle mass, tone, and strength. However, to get enormous muscles, you also have to lift a lot of weight.
-
Testosterone treatment causes aggression
This is another case where the only time this may be true is when people abuse testosterone for illegal purposes. Doctors who prescribe testosterone therapy do not approve the use of dosages large enough to cause any aggressive behaviors.
-
Testosterone use increases the risk of cancer and heart attacks
Although this was once thought to be true, research has shown testosterone to be safe for most people. Regarding heart attacks, testosterone offers many protective benefits for heart health. Breast cancer and prostate cancer are two of the primary concerns surrounding testosterone use. Women who are at risk of breast cancer and cannot receive estrogen therapy can often use testosterone with an estrogen blocker to relieve symptoms of menopause. For men concerned about prostate cancer, research has also shown that TRT does not increase PC risk or recurrence.
There you have it – 4 testosterone myths debunked. Now on to review 4 testosterone replacement therapy facts you should know.
Testosterone myths can prevent people from receiving a treatment that can help improve their quality of life.
4 Top Testosterone Facts
Just as with the myths, choosing only four facts about testosterone was also difficult. After all, there is so much we want you to know about testosterone therapy.
It is true that testosterone improves muscle tone at the same time that it helps decrease belly fat. However, the numbers on the scale may not reflect that much weight loss as you will be increasing muscle mass while losing fat.
It is also true that testosterone will help improve cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels. Testosterone plays a crucial role in red blood cell production for circulation and heart health.
Here are the top 4 testosterone therapy facts we have selected to review:
-
Testosterone levels naturally decline as people age
Yes, it is true that all adults experience a decrease in testosterone production as they age. For men, the decline often starts in the mid to late-twenties. While it is only about 1 to 2 percent each year, that decrease will add up over the coming years and decades. By the time most men reach age fifty, they have 20 to 40 percent less testosterone in their bloodstream. Women do not see much of a change until menopause, but then their levels drop rather quickly.
-
Low testosterone can increase the risk of other health concerns
Although it is not considered a direct cause, low testosterone may increase the risk of the following medical issues:
- Cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis due to high cholesterol, blocked arteries, poor circulation, high blood pressure, weight gain, and more
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia due to decreased bone mineral density
- Type 2 diabetes resulting from impaired glucose uptake, insulin insensitivity, poor metabolic function, and weight gain
- Dementia caused by lack of stimulation to androgen receptors in the brain that support cognitive functions and memory
- Obesity due to weight gain from poorly functioning metabolism
-
Testosterone treatment is legal and safe
Only when a doctor prescribes testosterone is it safe to use. You cannot purchase testosterone legally in the US without a prescription.
-
Testosterone replacement therapy can lead to male infertility
Here is the good and bad news – testosterone therapy can help reverse almost all of the symptoms a man has that are associated with Low T. What testosterone therapy cannot do is improve sperm production and maturation. It is only testosterone that the testes produce that can affect spermatogenesis. Instead, when the hypothalamus senses an increase in testosterone levels from TRT, it reduces natural testosterone production which can further diminish sperm count. To counteract that action, the hormone specialist can also prescribe HCG injections to stimulate testicular testosterone production.
Getting the truth about the top 8 testosterone myths and facts can provide information necessary to make an educated decision about hormone replacement therapy.
What You Need to Know about Testosterone
As you can see, the facts about testosterone replacement therapy show why maintaining proper testosterone levels is important – no matter who you are or what your age. Without enough testosterone, the body and the brain can suffer breakdown. From the loss of structural integrity in the muscles and bones to brain fog and impaired cognitive functions, Low T can have a detrimental impact on one’s life.
Another important fact is that testosterone, along with growth hormone, helps protect the body from too much of the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol levels are high, testosterone and GH levels decline. That fact becomes especially problematic because cortisol interferes with the body’s ability to fall asleep at night. Lack of sleep is the number one reason why testosterone and growth hormone levels decline. The majority of the production and function of those two hormones occur during deep sleep. Getting less than 7 hours interferes with healthy hormone production.
For more information about the top 8 testosterone myths and facts, or for a free consultation to find out more about testing, diagnosis, and treatment of Low T, please contact our hormone clinic. Consultations are free and confidential.