
TESTOSTERONE PRESCRIBING FOR MEN
Testosterone is a hormone that regulates sex drive and bone strength and helps make sperm. Low testosterone levels can be due to a problem with your testes or pituitary gland, obesity, some health conditions, or the normal process of ageing. If your testosterone levels are low, you may notice changes in your sex drive, erections, mood, sleep, energy levels and muscle strength.
You may need testosterone replacement therapy to increase your testosterone levels. Living a healthy lifestyle can also help.
How can I get my testosterone levels tested?
Your doctor can check your testosterone levels with a blood test. Testosterone levels can vary, so if you have a low level on one blood test, you should have a second test to confirm it. It’s best to have the testosterone blood test early in the morning while you are fasting. This is when your testosterone levels are usually at their highest.
How can I treat low testosterone?
If you have low testosterone, you can take testosterone replacement therapy. This is given by injections, gels, or creams. If there is an underlying cause for your low testosterone, it should be treated. You may also need testosterone therapy. It's unclear whether testosterone therapy has any benefit for older males who have low testosterone but no testicular or pituitary problems. Getting diabetes or other health conditions under control and losing weight can improve testosterone levels.
The risks and side effects of testosterone therapy include:
• Acne or other skin reactions
• Male pattern hair loss
• Higher levels of red blood cells and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
• Reduced fertility in some people
You can also increase your testosterone levels by:
• Getting regular exercise
• Keeping stress to a minimum
• Eating a healthy diet
• Losing weight if you are overweight
Prescribing Testosterone
Testosterone prescriptions can be written by any doctor, but the medications themselves can be expensive to buy. The PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme) subsidises the medications for some men with low testosterone levels. These subsidised medications are much cheaper, but only certain medical specialists can prescribe them in this way.
Dr Darren can help to assess your testosterone level and the possible reasons it may be low. He can prescribe testosterone treatment, and this will usually be available under the PBS if your level is truly low. This can be done in conjunction with your GP if you wish, and your GP can then continue providing subsided prescriptions for you.
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