By Dr. David Samadi
The “macho man” hormone testosterone is a part of medicine that, quite often, is overused and over-abused more than necessary. Of course, testosterone is an essential and potent chemical messenger that directly influences many physiological processes in a man’s body. Testosterone influences men’s sex drive, bone mass, fat distribution, and muscle mass and strength, among other things. What man doesn’t want to look strong, muscular, and ready for sex anytime of day or night? Advertisers understand this and play upon this notion.
I remember a 2014 Time magazine cover of an older man titled, “Manopause and the $2 billion testosterone industry.” That provocative cover, along with clever marketing and advertisement, pumped a ton more money into making men believe that more testosterone is their quick fix and best remedy for remaining youthful and virile. That’s why, on any given day of the year, you’re bound to see a commercial on TV hawking a testosterone supplement promising to bring back men’s youthful vigor. Unfortunately, these TV ads help drive these sales by warning men they may have “low T.” Men watching may be convinced they need hormone replacement therapy when they see these ads. These ads hawk testosterone products with little to no scientific evidence they work by people with no medical background or authority to be recommending testosterone therapy to any man.
Urologist’s advice on testosterone supplements
As a urologist and prostate cancer surgeon, my advice to men is to stay away from any spa, TV ads, or nonmedical person selling supplements for low testosterone. Testing testosterone and getting an accurate measurement can be tricky since levels fluctuate during the day. Only a doctor should check a man’s testosterone levels. Testosterone levels should be checked before 9 a.m., when levels are at their highest. Also, two tests are necessary to check for accuracy.
Testosterone deficiency may or may not have symptoms. But I can tell you, men with low T are like a car that’s run out of gas – they may be depressed, lack energy, motivation, and self-confidence, have reduced muscle mass and increased fat mass, loss of body hair, hot flashes, fewer spontaneous erections or difficulty sustaining erections and have little interest in sex.
For any man who does have low testosterone, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy usually outweigh the risks. It can be very helpful when men are selected correctly for using this therapy. Testosterone therapy for these men can help maintain muscle mass, slow osteoporosis, boost energy and stamina, and bring back their love life. But, I stress, these men must be under surveillance by their doctor. Testosterone levels must be monitored and checked regularly as one possible side effect of testosterone therapy is it could stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Takeaway message
My best advice is to steer clear of any testosterone supplements sold on TV, at spas, gyms, or any disreputable source. Men who think they have low T should talk to their doctor and get tested. If therapy is needed, follow up with their doctor periodically to have testosterone levels checked, making sure the treatment is not causing any health problems.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.