Why should a man receive testosterone (male hormone) treatment?
Testosterone is not only necessary for sexual function, it is important for bone strength and protects against osteoporosis (loss of bone mass and increased risk for bone fractures), to preserve normal muscle mass and strength and normal red blood cell production by the bone marrow. The effects of long-term testosterone deficiency include a higher risk of bone fracture, loss of muscle mass and muscle strength, increased fat, and low red blood cell count (anemia) as well as loss of interest in sex (libido) and loss of sexual function (erectile dysfunction). Every man receiving testosterone replacement should have a regular prostate exam and a yearly blood PSA test (screening test for prostate cancer). Testosterone does not cause prostate cancer, but if a man has prostate cancer, testosterone treatment may promote growth of the cancer, which emphasizes the need for such examinations.
