We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Androgen Replacement Therapy?

Marjorie McAtee
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,907
References
Share

Androgen replacement therapy is typically used as a treatment for andropause, a condition that occurs in men as testosterone levels drop with age. Most men begin to experience a slight reduction of testosterone levels around age 30, and may develop symptoms consistent with those of andropause by the age of 40. Symptoms of andropause can include erectile dysfunction, weight gain, lowered sex drive, irritability, depression, fatigue, and hair loss. Androgen replacement therapy can also be used to treat other conditions responsible for lowered testosterone levels, such as damage to the testicular organs, cancer, and a range of other serious conditions. The treatment can have side effects, and may not be appropriate for some patients.

Multiple methods commonly are used to conduct androgen replacement therapy. The hormones may be smeared onto the skin in gel form, usually on the upper body. Care is typically advised with this method, since the gel should not generally be allowed to rub off onto others. Androgen replacement therapy can be done by injecting male hormones into the muscles, which must usually be done at least every three weeks. This type of therapy may cause drastic swings in hormone levels.

Skin patches are also used in androgen replacement therapy. These adhesive patches, usually applied to the abdomen, arms, buttocks or back, release hormones into the skin. They can cause discomfort in some men.

The side effects of androgen replacement therapy can include enlargement of breast tissue, acne, prostate enlargement, shrinking of the testicles, aggressive feelings, and severe mood swings. Fluid retention and sleep apnea can also occur. Red blood cell counts may rise, and sperm counts may be lowered. Levels of blood cholesterol may be altered by this type of therapy.

The treatment can, however, relieve many of the symptoms of lowered testosterone levels, including depression, fatigue, and cognitive problems. Men suffering from erectile dysfunction as a result of lowered testosterone levels may also experience relief from this condition. Androgen replacement therapy can cause enlargement of the prostate, so it is not generally advised for men suffering from enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. Men with breast cancer are also usually discourage from undergoing this type of hormone therapy. The replacement hormones used in androgen replacement therapy could cause the rapid advancement of prostate and breast cancers.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Marjorie McAtee
By Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee, a talented writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, brings her diverse background and education to everything she writes. With degrees in relevant fields, she crafts compelling content that informs, engages, and inspires readers across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a skilled member of any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-androgen-replacement-therapy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.