Did I Really Need a Testosterone Supplement?

If you watch TV, you’ve probably seen an advertisement for AndroGel, Axiron or another testosterone product. The commercials feature men who are feeling fatigued, have gained weight, or lost their sex drive. They attribute these symptoms to a condition called Low T.

The commercials say that millions of American men may be suffering from Low T. Technically, this is true. Testosterone levels in men begin to drop after the age of 30. But, this is natural, not a disease.

Treating natural aging as a disease is a very effective advertising strategy. The number of prescriptions for testosterone drugs has dramatically increased with TV advertising.  Many men are prescribed testosterone replacement therapy without any testing based on their age and symptoms. However, many symptoms of Low T are also signs of other medical conditions. It is important that doctors check for underlying medical conditions and confirm Low T with a medical test before prescribing testosterone treatment.

Even men with low testosterone levels may not need testosterone replacement therapy. Simple lifestyle changes can raise testosterone and reduce symptoms of Low T.

Five Ways to Increase Testosterone Levels – Naturally

1. Lose weight: Being overweight will lower your testosterone levels. As you lose weight, your body will begin to produce more testosterone.
2. Reduce stress: When you are under stress, your body produces a chemical called cortisol. Cortisol suppresses the production of testosterone.
3. Get more sleep: An adult male needs 7 to 9 hours of restorative sleep a day. When a man doesn’t get enough sleep, his body produces less testosterone.
4. Exercise: Thirty to 60 minutes of exercise a day will lower weight, reduce stress, improve your sleep habits, and increase your natural levels testosterone.
5. Check your medications: Many common medications can lower testosterone levels, including steroids, pain killers, antidepressants and statins.  If you have a low testosterone, talk to your doctor about your medications.

It can be very difficult to make long term lifestyle changes. However, many men don’t realize that testosterone treatment is also a long term commitment. When a man takes testosterone drugs, his body slows its production of testosterone. This means that he must slowly wean off the drug in order to rebuild testosterone levels.  If he stops, he may suffer from testosterone withdrawal symptoms including mood swings, depression, panic, nausea and sweating.

Lifestyle changes are risk-free. A healthy diet, exercise, and sleep will only improve your health. But, testosterone supplements like AndroGel have been associated with serious side-effects including heart attack, stroke and death, the source says.  These side-effects are rarely discussed in commercials.

If you have suffered a heart attack, stroke or blood clot after taking AndroGel, Axiron or another testosterone product, you may be questioning your medical decisions. Would you have chosen to use testosterone supplements if you had been informed of the side effects?

This is the question behind the existing AndroGel lawsuits. More than 45 men who have suffered cardiovascular side-effects of testosterone drugs are accusing the drug companies of putting profits before people.  They say that commercials for testosterone products have encouraged men to seek treatment for general symptoms of aging without disclosing the potential risks of testosterone drugs.

If you would like to discuss your case or learn more about filing a testosterone lawsuit, please contact The Drug Safety Lawyers for a free legal consultation.