Last week The Guardian, a London based newspaper, published an article on the effects of low testosterone and the potential of testosterone replacement therapy (“TRT”) to help men who are struggling with the symptoms associated with the issue.
There are several interesting points brought up by the journalist. First, the subject of the article, a successful forty something doctor and father of 5 children, had just accepted the symptoms he was suffering (low energy, fatigue, etc.) as normal symptoms of aging that can’t be addressed. He even attempted to change his diet and exercise routine and believed it would produce needed relief.
He is quoted as saying, “I bought into the cultural narrative that with a busy lifestyle, these symptoms are nothing more than normal ageing.” And this coming from a doctor! It is sometimes assumed that because someone is a physician that they have sufficient knowledge on any and all medical conditions or adverse symptoms experienced by their patients. However, in the subject’s experience, not only was he not familiar with why he was suffering from the symptoms of low testosterone, his primary care physician (what is referenced in the article as a GP) wasn’t either.
The article goes on to say “A GP [primary care physician] wrongly concluded that Vossen’s symptoms were just part and parcel of normal life. It was only after spending seven months fruitlessly doing more exercise, improving his diet and getting more sleep that Vossen sought a second opinion.”
I think this is a second interesting and very important point: medical specialists are important. Men who are experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone including fatigue, low libido, loss of muscle mass, trouble sleeping, and so forth, should really consult the opinion of a doctor who understands the effects of low testosterone and can correctly diagnose and treat andropause (low testosterone). This is not to knock the importance or abilities of primary care physicians. PCPs are a first line of defense and treatment for many common ailments and issues. But if you really consider the role of a PCP it’s not difficult to understand why seeing a men’s health specialist is so critical. Your PCP has a very limited time with you and they are seeing pediatric and geriatric male and female clients before and after you many of whom are very ill. In comparison your symptoms may seem ordinary and not acute or may fall into what they consider the “normal symptoms of just getting old.”
Even the subject of the article admits this and forcefully so. He is quoted as saying that clinical awareness of low testosterone is “terrible.” That is a strong statement but accurate. It’s understandable but men don’t have to accept it.
The last important point is that is takes some time for the effects of low testosterone treatment to kick in. Usually the symptoms of low T won’t begin to subside for 3-4 months. Patients should realize that seeing the right doctor and getting the right treatment are 2 of the 3 important steps needed for successful treatment. The third step is critical: following the TRT protocol as prescribed by the doctor. If men want to see the results of TRT they need to do as their provider suggests. Regular, consistent and thorough application of TRT protocols are essential to experience the incredible results possible with correct treatment.
If you are interested in getting a second or even a first opinion on whether you are suffering from andropause or Low T and you live in Massachusetts, please give Boston Vitality a call today. You can call our office at 781-399-LowT. We are eager to get you the help you may need. Call today and see if you are a candidate for TRT.
