How Low Testosterone Can Affect Men's Lives

Posted

How Low Testosterone Can Affect Men’s Lives (NAPSA)—As the summer Greater Odds Of Having Low T* months are upon us and menstart preparing their lawn mowers for peak performance, it is also Obesity important for them to set time aside to focus on their own health ae ax Diabetes and well-being. High Blood Pressure The longer days and warmer weather create more time for activities with family and loved ones, but for some men, the season doesn’t bring the enthusiasm High Cholesterol 2x 1.x sx it once did. It is important for men 0 depressed mood, loss of energy or decreased sexual function to know *Mulligon T, Frick ME Zuraw QC, Stemhagen A, McWhirter C. Prevalence of hypogonadism in males aged atleast 45 years: the HIM study. Int J Clin Pract. 2006; 60(7):762-769. ing from an underdiagnosed but treatable condition. Hypogonadism, or low testos- terone can be common to many other conditions. who are experiencing fatigue, that they may actually be suffer- terone, is a common condition in which a man’s body does not pro- duce enough testosterone. It is estimated to affect more than 13 million men over the age of 45 in the United States; however, more than 90 percent of those with the condition remain untreated. Men who are suffering from other conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or asthma/COPDare at an increased risk for low testosterone. The symptoms of low testos- 05 #10 15 #20 25 30 35 The symptoms of low testos- low testosterone, and once identified, a variety of treatment options are available.” Testosterone replacement therapy is available in several forms, including AndroGel, a testosterone gel that is the No. 1 prescribed form of testosterone ther- apy in the United States. As with any therapy, there are potential risks, and men should consult their physician to decide the best are mistaken as depression or treatment option for them. “For men who think they may be suffering from symptoms associated with low testosterone, a simple conversation with their toms that are physical and emotional, low testosterone can have a sis, proper treatment and improvement of symptoms once symptoms such as fatigue or a a normal range. Men experiencing these symptoms are not alone, and they should not attribute terone can be common to many other conditions and oftentimes erectile dysfunction. With symp- significant impact on a man’slife. “Many men do not realize that diminished interest in sex can be attributed to a low level of testos- terone,” said Dr. Natan Bar- Chama, director of Male Repro- ductive Medicine and Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in NewYork. “But the good news is that a simple blood test is all that is needed to confirm the diagnosis of doctor can lead to proper diagno- testosterone levels are returned to their symptoms to the aging process,” said Dr. Bar-Chama. Men whobelieve they are experiencing symptoms of low testos- terone should talk to their doctor about a simple blood test. For additional product and safety information about AndroGel, visit www.androgel.com. Editor’s Note: AndroGel is indicated for replacement therapy in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenoustestosterone. AndroGel must not be used ifyou have known or suspected prostate cancer or breast cancer (a rare condition for men). AndroGel must not be used by women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as testosterone may cause fetal harm. The major risks of AndroGelinclude prostate enlargement, prostate cancer and transfer of testosterone to others (including women and children). Transference can occur when vigorous skin-to-skin contact is made with the application site and can be minimized by washing your handsafter application and covering the application site with clothing. The most common adverse events reported are skin irritation where gel is applied, breast development or tenderness, acne, prostate enlargement, changes in lab test results, and changesin urinary habits. Remember, this information does not take the place of the advice you get from your doctor or other health care professional. Always talk with your doctor if you have questions about AndroGel.