Derek Illman from London, Ontario, is a fitness fan and a self -proclaimed “podcast junkie”.
Through conversations in the gym and while listening to podcasters, the 55 -year -old man learned about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and his potential to increase energy and strength.
“I thought: ‘If TRT can help me get some minor improvements in gymnasium performance, will that translate into longevity?'” Illman said.
“It makes sense to me in my non -medical mind that a better performance in the gym should be potentially translated into a healthier or ideally healthy or ideally, better aging.”
I think that in a duly evaluated individual, testosterone can be a wonderful treatment that is very effective.– Dr. Gerald Brock
Illman said his gymnastics friend told him that it was easy to buy TRT online, but Illman wanted to go through a trusted family doctor. After being evaluated, it started with a low TRT dose in December to improve low testosterone.
But while Illman was prescribed the therapy, a London urologist says that some men are taking it without complying with the criteria, which can come with risks.
“My concern is that many of these men do not have a low testosterone, and if they are not properly evaluated, the medication can be prescribed without really needing it,” said Dr. Gerald Brock, former president of the Canadian Urology Association and the International Society of Sexual Medicine.
“I think they often connect, observe the symptoms and think that they have many of the symptoms described.”
A study by the Amerological Foundation found that a quarter of men do not test their testosterone before starting TRT and approximately half that have begun treatment, do not obtain their levels later.
There are valid medical reasons to be in TRT under the guidance of a doctor, Brock said. However, he added, approximately half of his patients interested in starting TRT have not been tested by a medical professional for low testosterone, and instead have collected it through websites, friends or vendors in gyms.
“That is a real problem because if you are taking a medication and it is not for the right reason, then it will not get the benefits and can be exposed to some of the damage,” Brock said, and added that a doctor will do blood analysis and evaluate the symptoms before prescribing TRT.
Ontario today46:36What has been your experience with testosterone replacement therapy?
We listen to their stories about taking testosterone, inside and outside the label, and listening to a health expert, Dr. Gerald Brock.
The risks of being in therapy can include blood thickening, which can cause stroke or heart attack, fertility problems and cardiovascular problems, Brock said, and these problems can be amplified when people take the incorrect dose or do not monitor possible side effects with a doctor.
Some of these side effects may also include fatigue, decreased muscle mass and reduced sexual function.
‘Plan’ online popularizing TRT
Low testosterone is not a growing problem, Brock said, but there is more awareness of the problem and access to TRT, especially among younger men.
The talk around TRT could be connected with an online “and” Perchase, “said Christian Ylagan, who teaches a course on masculinity at Western University.
Manosphe refers to an online subculture of men who express dissatisfaction with a perceived loss of masculinity and opposite feminism, and explained. He said that the subculture often adjusts to conventional forms of masculinity, where men are expected to be dominant, muscular and sexually active.
“The use of hormonal therapy, in my opinion, is really linked to reinforce some of the masculinity ideas we have,” said Ylagan.
Economic success has also been a traditional masculinity marker, said Ylagan. But as that becomes more difficult to achieve for young men, many are resorting to physical increase, he added.
“There is this narrative that if you only work in your body or achieve certain things, then you will be considered an ideal man, but what does that really mean?”
Weighing benefits and risks
Illman said he stopped the TRT gel after three months because he noticed a change in his mood: he became more irritable while driving, works and purchase of groceries.
“I was markedly in the short term and I lacked patience,” he said. “I thought this irritability is not a good personality trait that I want to perpetuate.”
Brock said changes in mood are a relatively unusual side effect.
While TRT is not for everyone, said the doctor, it can be a good combination for men who meet the criteria for low testosterone.
“I think in a duly evaluated individual, testosterone can be a wonderful treatment that is very effective,” he said. “From my perspective, if they are properly evaluated and understand the risks, the benefits often exceed the risks.”
Now out of TRT for a month, Illman said his mood has returned to normal, but is also experiencing less strength and resistance in the gym.
He said he would consider returning to therapy in the future, but that he is happy to be at a break for now.
