Recently released studies relating to the potential dangers associated with testosterone replacement drugs have many men wondering if there is a safer alternative. The studies showed that men taking testosterone replacement drugs are as much as 29% more susceptible to testosterone heart attacks and testosterone strokes. The number of men in the United States who are currently taking testosterone replacement drugs has quadrupled since 2000. The FDA approved these testosterone supplements only for the treatment of hypogonadism, endocrine tumors and for men undergoing chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Scores of men, however, are obtaining off-label prescriptions for testosterone replacement drugs in response to the blitz attack of direct-to-consumer advertisements which imply a man can turn back the clock with testosterone.
Men with lowered libido, decreases in bone density, decreases in strength and muscle mass, and lower energy levels are told to seek treatment for “Low-T,” even though these are the same symptoms attributed to the natural progression of aging. The arteries of older men tend to thin, and testosterone supplements can increase blood clotting—perhaps one reason for the increase in deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli among men taking the drug. The dangers now coming to light regarding testosterone replacement drugs and testosterone injury beg the question as to whether there are safer alternatives to treat low testosterone.
What About HCG Treatment for Low T?
Men with symptoms of low testosterone may find HCG a useful add-on to increase their energy levels, strength, muscle mass and bone density. HCG is a bio-identical human hormone secreted by the placenta in the pregnant female. The male counterpart to HCG is called LH (leutinizing hormone secreted by the pituitary) and is the messenger which instructs the testicles to make more testosterone. Injecting HCG in a man will stimulate the testicles into producing larger amounts of testosterone, thereby potentially resolving conditions of low testosterone. Unfortunately, some older males will have a positive response to HCG, while others will have a very small response or no response at all. Some testosterone replacement drugs are mixed with HCG as a means of kicking up the levels of testosterone in the body. Other times the HCG is used as a stand-alone treatment.
Since HCG treatment for low testosterone is not specifically approved by the FDA, adverse side effects may go unreported. While some of the potential side effects of HCG are relatively minor, others should be reported to your physician. Difficult or labored breathing, flushing of the skin, hive-like reactions on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet or sex organs, pain in the chest, groin, legs or calves, a sudden, severe headache, slurred speech, a sudden loss of coordination, sudden weakness in the arms or legs, tightness in the chest, unusually warm skin or vision changes are serious and require immediate medical attention. A loss of interest or feelings of discouragement, headache, irritability, lack of appetite, trouble concentrating, insomnia and fatigue are less serious side effects of HCG, but should nonetheless be reported to your physician.
Getting the Help You Need
As you can see, HCG therapy may also have serious side effects, just like testosterone replacement drugs. Do not take testosterone supplements or HCG unless prescribed by your doctor, and be sure you tell your doctor about all drugs you are currently taking as well as your complete medical history. If you feel you have suffered testosterone injury as a result of taking testosterone replacement drugs, it may be beneficial to speak to a testosterone injury lawyer.