Men’s testosterone levels have been declining over the last few decades, and no one knows exactly why. But South Florida doctors and researchers offer new ways to combat the problem. When a man’s level falls below normal, his sex drive, energy levels, body hair, and muscle size are affected.
Low testosterone also can be a trigger for depression. A simple blood test — at home or in a lab — can reveal whether testosterone levels are low. South Florida doctors say they now have many options to raise testosterone levels: shots, gels, patches, and more recently, pills.
Pembroke Pines urologist Maury A. Jayson says he treats many patients for low testosterone. “It’s a huge health issue,” he said.
Jayson advises against patches (they tear up the skin) and topical gels (they run off as men sweat in hot South Florida). “I use mostly injections or self-injections,” he said. “There have been new formulas.
” Another newer option is pellets. “I insert testosterone pellets under the skin twice a year,” he said. Jayson said with the pellets the dosage is customizable, and the effects are long-lasting.
“It’s convenient for men who are busy, and the levels stay elevated consistently over four to six months,” Treatments for low testosterone typically have side effects: One side effect can be infertility. For older men, this may be less of a concern than for younger men who are still planning to have children. At the University of Miami, researchers studied a nasa.
