Sunday, September 4, 2011

Should I Take Testosterone to Boost My Libido?

The past few years has seen an increase in interest in disorders of sexual function, including erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. However sexual dysfunction affects both men and women, and increases with aging.

Testosterone is frequently used for decreased libido in both men and women. With normal aging there is a natural decrease in testosterone that may be associated with decreased libido. It is often prescribed for men who have a condition called hypogonadism, which is characterized by lower than normal testosterone levels and can be caused by conditions that affect the testes, pituitary gland or hypothalamus gland, or by a genetic disorder. Many doctors prescribe testosterone for older men with ED who have "low normal" testosterone levels, especially in males who have not responded to Viagra.

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It can be prescribed as a pill or as a gel that is applied locally to the penis. Studies of the long term safety and efficacy of testosterone have not been done. Testosterone can cause gynecomastia (enlargement of breasts), a loss of sperm (with infertility), and excessive frequency and duration of erections - the side effect that prompts doctors to prescribe it for ED. In women there is a decrease of estrogen, progesterone and androgens (including testosterone) on the order of 25-50% after menopause. Testosterone is the hormone that is most linked to libido in women. Because of this decreased libido can be treated with testosterone in women. Testosterone should not be used in patients with serious cardiac, hepatic, or renal disease, or in patients with carcinoma of the breast or prostate.

Should I Take Testosterone to Boost My Libido?

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