Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

ABSTRACT

Testosterone deficiency is the most common deficiency observed in the male world. Testosterone plays a vital role in the body and its deficiency shows immediate signs. With increased stress and an unhealthy lifestyle, infections, and trauma this problem is increasing and increasing only. Men, mostly tend to avoid going to doctors due to embarrassment or unknowingness which leads to the worsening of the case with increasing age. In Modern Pathy, they consider testosterone replacement therapy as a go-to and easy solution for this but not knowing that it can have both good and bad sides. In this article, we will go through information about testosterone, introduction to testosterone replacement therapy, its needs, types, the procedure of getting it, pros and cons, and ayurvedic solutions at planet ayurveda replacing this therapy.

INTRODUCTION TO TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Whenever we discuss manliness or masculinity, testosterone levels are the major parameter considered, and so is the increasing trend of testosterone replacement therapy for treating the deficiency. Testosterone replacement therapy or also known as androgen replacement therapy is considered for males having symptoms of hypogonadism and having decreased testosterone levels. It can also be defined as the dysfunction of gonads. Testosterone can be taken in multiple forms under the guidance of a physician but when abused for non-medical usage like bodybuilding, increasing stamina, or enhancing sexual performance, it can lead to a plethora of side effects.

WHAT IS TESTOSTERONE

Testosterone is a major androgen found in males and in minute amounts in females. In males, testosterone plays a large number of important roles: –

• Development of genital organs (Penis and testes),
• Voice deepening during teenage years,
• Maintaining the density of bones,
• Maintaining libido,
• Sperm production,
• Growth of facials and body hair,
• Muscle mass and strength,
• RBCs production,
• Stamina,
• Distribution of fat,
• Regulation of fertility

Normal levels: – The normal levels for a male aged between 19 – 49 years are considered 249 – 836 ng/dL; for males over 50 years, it is between 192 – 740 ng/dL. Testosterone production falls by 30% in the 70s and 80s and when they drop below 300 the person is diagnosed with testosterone deficiency.

CAUSES OF  TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY

There can be multiple causes leading to testosterone deficiency and these can include: –

• Steroid abuse,
• Delayed puberty,
• Excessive estrogen,
• Klinefelter’s syndrome,
• Injury to testes or orchitis,
• Pituitary gland dysfunctioning,
• Alcohol abuse,
• Renal diseases,
• HIV/AIDS,
• Kalmaan’s Syndrome,
• Trauma to the head,
• Metabolic disorders like Hemachormatosis,
• Chemotherapy

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Male pattern baldness,
• Mood swings,
• Extreme fatigue,
• Weak bones,
• Erection difficulty,
• Anemia,
• Low libido,
• Less semen volume,
• Smaller testicles,
• Muscle mass loss,
• Weight gain (mostly body fat).

To combat all these signs and symptoms testosterone replacement therapy is usually considered widely.

TYPES OF TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

To administer testosterone to a patient there are multiple ways from which individual can choose: –

• Oral testosterone: – These tablets are consumed twice daily within dosages ranging from 225 – 396 mg but long-term consumption can cause liver damage, stroke, and hypertension.
• Intranasal form: – Testosterone gel is applied inside the nose thrice daily keeping intervals of 6-8 hours.
• Implants/Pellets: – Testosterone pellets are implanted by the doctor under the skin of the buttock or hip that gradually dissolves and releases testosterone slowly and can work for upto 3-6 months with varying doses.
• Transdermal/Topical: – Testroene gels or cream can be applied on the skin which can help achieve more stable testosterone levels. The patient shall avoid making any skin contact with another person around.
• Injectables: – One or two shots can be given intramuscularly to the patient every week or every two weeks.
• Buccal or cheeks patches: – These patches are applied twice daily with a gap of 12 hours and they release testosterone slowly in a 12 hours time period.

The cost of this therapy varies from patient to patient and can vary a lot depending upon the following factors: –

• Medication types,
• Dosage,
• Mode of administration.

WHO REQUIRES TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

TRT is required by individuals who upon testing show low testosterone levels and have symptoms like: –

1. Male pattern baldness,
2. Extreme exhaustion,
3. Mood swings,
4. Small testicles,
5. Less semen production,
6. Reduced libido,
7. A fall in muscle mass and increase in fat,
8. Weaker bones and reduced bone mineral density,
9. Trouble in getting and maintaining erections.

PROS AND CONS OF TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Every treatment or therapy is having its good or bad sides and just like that testosterone replacement therapy can have pros and cons both of which are mentioned below: –

Pros

TRT can have the following benefits: –

1. Mood improvement,
2. Anti-aging effects,
3. Increased libido,
4. Improved sexual performance
5. Improved sexual functions,
6. Increased energy,
7. Increased muscle strength,
8. Increased bone mineral density,
9. Increase in lean muscle mass,
10. Increased fat burning,
11. Improved cognition,
12. Improved erythropoiesis,
13. Stable blood sugar levels.

Cons

TRT can lead to multiple complications if not taken with proper guidance. These can be:

1. Skin issues like acne, rashes, and itch,
2. Mental symptoms like anxiety, anger, and aggressiveness,
3. Priapism,
4. Hair loss (male pattern baldness),
5. Deep vein thrombosis,
6. Bladder irritability,
7. High Blood pressure,
8. Prostatomegaly,
9. Gynecomastia,
10. Decreased sperm production,
11. Testis shrinkage,
12. Liver issues,
13. Blood cell increase leads to an increased risk of clot formation.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea, urinary symptoms, blood issues, prostate cancer and raised Prostate-specific antigen, and Heart diseases shall avoid opting for Testosterone replacement therapy as it can lead to a worsening of the case.

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF LOW TESTOSTERONE

According to Ayurveda, testosterone levels can not fall if the person is having normal BMI and proper sleep schedule, takes a proper diet excluding drugs and alcohol, and exercises enough but with age this hormone can fall as this process is natural and connect be stopped. As per the Ayurvedic concept, the fall in testosterone can be observed due to the vitiation of vata dosha which in turn can vitiate other doshas and put the system out of work leading to hormone imbalance. Vajikarana therapy is considered for the management of low testosterone conditions in Ayurveda after performing purification of the whole body by Basti or medicated enema. This therapy involves sexual stimulation and increases libido improving fertility, sexual health, and quantity along with the quality of reproductive elements. The process of Vajikarana therapy involves: –

• Apyayana or the nourishment process involves the nourishment of shukra dhatu and helps to improve the overall quality and quantity,
• Prasadana is a clearing and soothing effect that helps to pacify the vitiated dosha,
• Upachaya (increasing) is a process of increasing the shukra dhatu,
• Shukrajanana or genesis promotes the formation of shukra dhatu.

There are many herbal formulations also available in the market that helps to boost testosterone quality and quantity. Planet Ayurveda also manufactures pur herbal formulations based on time-tested formulas and methods that are mentioned in ancient texts written by Ayurveda experts. All the medications are prepared under the strict guidance of MD Ayurveda experts and follow the classical methods only.

For low testosterone levels, a special pack has been formulated by Planet Ayurveda experts named TRT CARE PACK. This pack includes:-

1. Tribulus Power

These are capsules formulated from the purest extracts of Gokshura or Tribulus Terrestris which is a known aphrodisiac and helps to improve athletic performance by increasing energy, the sexual functions, and helps in infertility cases, and improving libido as well. It also boosts the testosterone levels in the body, strengthens the tissues of the penis, and supports stronger erections. Gokshura is also believed to have positive effects on prostate disorders and urinary retention issues.

Dosage: – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.

2. Atirasadi Churna

This product has been formed after a great amount of research and study of ancient texts and is a perfect remedy for low testosterone cases. The word when split into two means Ati e. full of and rasa i.e. juice or full of power. This churna is a blend of Safed and Kali Musli, Ashwagandha, Gokshura, Shatavari, Kesar, and many more herbal ingredients useful in boosting testosterone levels without any side effects.

Dosage: – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.

3. Male Support Formula

These capsules are known as “Herbal Viagra” and contain pure extracts of Ashwagandha, Gokshura, and Shilajit and are known to improve the symptoms of testosterone deficiency and keep male sexual health at its best without any addiction or side effects. It also helps to provide emotional stability to patients having issues at home or work that might lead to hormonal imbalances.

Dosage: – 1 teaspoonful daily with plain water, after meals.

4. Musli Strength

The formulation is created by the addition of both Gokshura and Safed Musli which are the most renowned herbs in Ayurveda for their effects on male sexual health and well-being making this formulation the best aphrodisiac and super helpful in improving sexual functions, testosterone levels, and stamina. This formulation is also observed to help improve blood circulation in the body along with stabilising hormones and fighting long-standing infertility.

Dosage: – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.

5. Amalaki Rasayan

This formulation is formed with extracts of Indian gooseberry or Amla which is known as the best fruit in the whole dietary system as it is a rich source of vitamin C. This is an aphrodisiac (Vrishya) herb that boosts sexual functions and also keeps infections and cellular damage away as it is rich in antioxidants. It also keeps mood swings and sexual weakness away by boosting stamina and immunity. Amla also helps to keep the temperature maintained in the scrotum so that sperm production can be done at a normal rate.

Dosage: – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.

CONCLUSION

Testosterone deficiency is becoming common and common with an increase in stress and improper lifestyle. Men tend to feel embarrassed and seek no medical care due to shame which leads to the worsening of the cases. Consumption of steroids and over-the-counter medications leads to even worse consequences in later life. Testosterone replacement therapy seems like the perfect solution to this but it has multiple side effects that are not taken under proper guidance. At Planet Ayurveda, we have done proper research for a long time on such cases and come up with multiple herbal solutions that help to restore normal testosterone levels without any addictions and side effects.