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