Send us a short message, but if you have questions: contact@ As we've matured our body chemistry has changed. Do men need testosterone replacement therapy? Phoebe discussed some women's issues in a previous episode about hormone replacement for Women. Gentlemen, today it's your turn to get the low down on low Testosterone. OUTLINE: I. Reasons: I. Symptoms/Benefits: I. Libido, body fat, muscle, mood, energy, bone density, and quality of erections II. Testosterone's purpose I. Hypogonadism II. Less indication for "healthy" men III. "May" prevent issues as we get older II. Methods: I. Pellets - painful, less fat, scars II. Injections - less painful I. 2 weeks - big dose, taper off over time, intramuscular II. 1 week - less highs/lows, easier to remember, traditionally intramuscular III. Daily - It's a routine, less painful, subcutaneous III. Testing I. If you have symptoms II. Before for baseline III. After a month or so to see your levels IV. Annual testing once the dose is sorted out V. It's complicated… IV. Side effects I. Acne, hair growth, sleep apnea II. Increased risk of Heart attacks, stroke III. Reduced sperm production IV. Estrogen, I. 0.3% converted II. resulting in breast tissue, and prostate enlargement III. Testing for estrogen IV. Estrogen blocker - aromatase inhibitors (some doctors disagree with this approach) V. Cautions I. No long term testing - benefits / Risks II. "For those who have low testosterone levels but no symptoms, treatment isn't recommended.