Male Hormone Replacement
Testosterone deficiency or male androgen deficiency can result in a lack of interest in sex and sexual acts, lack of intimacy, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, lack of energy, and depression. Men can be of any age, although it appears that testoerone deficiency becomes more clinically significant as men age, specifically over the age of 65 years.
Testosterone replacement therapy may in the form of a patch, a gel, or an injection. Dr. Boyle prefers the use of a gel formulation, which is applied daily and delivers a steady state constant dosing of testosterone. This delivery best mimics how the body normally secretes hormone. Injectable agents such as testosterone enanthate or testosterone cypionate are generally reserved for severe endocrinopathies not responsive to other therapy. Injection of testosterone is administered once every 1-2 weeks and give a high peak of medication initially which wears off in the body until the next dose is given.
There are numerous benefits to treating symptomatically low testosterone, but there are also potential complications and side effects. The most concerning negative impact is on fertility and sperm production, and for that reason testosterone replacement is not recommended for men desiring fertility and is considered contraindicated.
Dr. Boyle will evaluate all men with symptoms suspicious for testosterone deficiency and discuss a detailed treatment plan for each patient. Monitoring of laboratory values and physical examination are required 1 month after the initial treatment and then every 6 months for men on androgen replacement, to screen for the possible adverse effects on red blood count, prostate health, weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure. The proven benefit of testosterone replacement is clearly seen with improvement in overall energy, sex drive and libido, mood, bone density and lean body mass, although the potential benefits needs to be weighed against the possible adverse side effects.
Karen Elizabeth Boyle, M.D.
Reproducive Medicine & Surgery, Sexuality and Aesthetics
Contact Us
Karen E. Boyle, M.D.
Phone: 877-290-5055
Fax: 410-825-5811
Chesapeake Urology Associates at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC)
Physicians Pavilion North
6535 North Charles Street, Suite 625
Baltimore, MD 21204
