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Is It Really “Low T”?

You're a man who's been pretty conscientious about protecting and maintaining your own health. You eat right, exercise regularly – but you're not young anymore. Physical exertion takes more out of you, and you pay for it more afterward. You're not sleeping as well as you once did. Despite proper nutrition and exercise, you don't have as much energy these days, your muscles are getting a bit flabby and you're starting to develop a bit of a spread around the middle. Worst of all, your sex drive has dropped noticeably.

Then, everywhere you turn, you're seeing ads describing your problem and identifying it as “Low T,” or low testosterone levels. The answer is to “T it up”! Just ask your doctor, and he or she will be happy to prescribe Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), and within weeks – even days – you'll be feeling like you're twenty-five again!

However, there are a number of issues to consider before starting TRT. Decreased testosterone is, in most cases, a natural consequence of the aging process, and not always necessarily a bad thing. On the other hand, while there are some patients who may actually benefit from TRT, most men begin testosterone therapy without any real medical need.  Unfortunately, these men are unnecessarily being exposed to an elevated risk of heart attack, stroke, and potentially prostate cancer.

Reputable medical professionals will tell you that many of the effects of age-related testosterone depletion can be mitigated through exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate water consumption (in fact, a recent UK study confirmed links between low testosterone levels and a poor diet). But suppose you are still feeling fatigued and unable to sleep or function normally...is it really “low T,” or something else?

In fact, there are a number of medical conditions that can mimic the symptoms of “low T” that have virtually nothing to do with testosterone levels. Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid is not producing enough of the hormones triodothyronine or thyroxine (both necessary for the function of many body systems) can cause symptoms similar to those associated with “low T.” These symptoms may also be due to abnormally low levels of serotonin or dopamine, neurotransmitters that play an important part in allowing cells to communicate with one another. It may also be something as simple as a deficiency of B vitamins, which are important for cell metabolism.

Given the risks of unnecessary TRT, it is important to have a complete physical examination – including comprehensive blood tests – to make certain that you have a genuine need for testosterone supplements and to confirm that your falling energy levels are not due to some other cause.

Of course, hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake and the T pushers are not likely to tell you any of this...

Learn more about Testosterone lawsuits

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