ABC 6: Treating 'manopause': Options for low testosterone

Testosterone treatments for men are gaining popularity these days, but is there a reason for it? Is it really that easy to “turn back the clock” and are there risks involved? ABC 6 reporter, Terri Sullivan, spoke with OhioHealth urologist Dr. Greg Lowe, about a startling trend.

Testosterone is the hormone that’s there to promote sex drive, energy and even muscle mass. Some people call it ‘manopause’ when a man’s level of testosterone starts declining, which is a normal part of aging and can be confirmed with a blood test. However, doctors like Dr. Lowe are seeing a startling trend of younger men showing up with low testosterone. There is concern that this trend could be caused by environmental, stress or diet-related factors. Additionally, there is really no quick fix.

How is low testosterone treated?

There are a couple of main ways in which doctors attempt to combat low testosterone. The first method simply involves putting it back into the body. But because the hormone is being replaced, the body is not encouraged to produce more testosterone on its own.

The second method of restoring testosterone is a bit different, and is more along the lines of prompting the body to create its own. It involves the use of a medication that hopefully the patient can discontinue using once the body begins increasing its hormone production.

Dr. Lowe does caution that for some patients being treated for low testosterone, the results can be disappointing. Men who are looking for a quick fix will not always see a robust response; however, those who are willing to put in the work by exercising and eating right may increase their chances of seeing good results.