Knowra Testosterone replacement therapy Testosterone replacement therapy Testosterone replacement therapy supplies testosterone to treat confirmed hypogonadism and certain other specified indications. Treatment aims to restore appropriate hormone levels while monitoring benefits, adverse effects, and underlying causes.
Testosterone : A steroid hormone involved in reproductive development, sexual function, muscle and bone maintenance, and blood-cell production. Replacement supplies this hormone when endogenous production is insufficient.
Male hypogonadism : A condition in which the testes produce insufficient testosterone or sperm because of testicular or hormonal dysfunction. It is the principal condition for which testosterone replacement is prescribed in men.
Erectile dysfunction : Persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Testosterone may help when deficiency contributes, but it is not a general treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Clomiphene citrate : A selective estrogen receptor modulator that can stimulate pituitary gonadotropin release and endogenous testosterone production. It may preserve sperm production in selected men, unlike exogenous testosterone.
Erythrocytosis : An abnormal increase in red blood cell concentration or mass. Testosterone-related increases can require dose adjustment, interruption, or evaluation for other causes.
Testosterone gel : A transdermal formulation applied to the skin to deliver testosterone into the bloodstream. Daily application provides a non-injectable replacement option, with precautions against skin transfer.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis : The hormonal signaling system linking the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. Disruption at different points in this axis helps distinguish causes of low testosterone.
Male infertility : The inability to achieve pregnancy after a period of regular unprotected intercourse, involving male reproductive factors. External testosterone can suppress sperm production, so fertility goals can make replacement inappropriate.
Human chorionic gonadotropin : A hormone medication that activates the luteinizing hormone receptor and can stimulate testicular testosterone production. It can support endogenous production and fertility in some cases where replacement suppresses both.
Spermatogenesis : The process by which germ cells develop into mature sperm in the testes. External testosterone can suppress the hormonal signals needed to sustain this process.
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