Testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment often associated with older men. As the body ages, its production of testosterone naturally begins to decline. This happens when you reach your 30s, and continues over time. Some men have a faster decline, leading to low T levels.
While testosterone therapies are usually used in older individuals, there are cases where TRT for young men becomes an important consideration. Parents and young men themselves need to understand why this is sometimes necessary.
Why Would An Adolescent Require Testosterone Treatment?
Testosterone therapy is the foundation of treatment used for the management of hypogonadism in adolescents.
Hypogonadism in young males manifests itself as a lack of secondary sexual development or a lack of normal pubertal progression.
The body doesn’t produce enough testosterone, the hormone needed for masculine growth during puberty. Male hypogonadism can affect the development of muscle mass, the deepening of the voice, the growth of body and facial hair, and the growth of the penis and the testes.
Hypogonadism in young males can also cause the development of breast tissue and excessive growth of the arms and legs in relation to the body.
It is a condition that can’t simply be treated by testosterone replacement therapy without a thorough test panel. Health professionals need to do an extensive series of tests. They can then decide if TRT is a good treatment option.
Complications of Hypogonadism in Adolescence and Young Men
Untreated hypogonadism can have serious consequences for an adolescent if left untreated.
Some of the physical effects of hypogonadism are the growth of abnormal genitalia and enlarged male breasts. Down the line, a young male may have infertility, erectile dysfunction, and osteoporosis.
For teens with hypogonadism, this is something that can have a significant impact on their overall self-esteem. This is a time when teenagers go through several changes in their bodies. Hypogonadism, particularly when not treated in a timely manner, could potentially result in both psychological and physical complications.
When Does Puberty Begin For Boys?
For those who are male at birth, puberty usually begins around age 11 or 12, but may start as early as age nine or as late as age fourteen.
There will be a progression of noticeable physical changes, such as a cracking in the voice as it begins deepening. Changes in physical hygiene become apparent as male adolescents start to sweat more and develop body odor.
Hormonal changes will cause more oil on the skin, especially on the face, and they may become prone to acne breakouts.
Generally, they will go through a growth spurt along with a widening of their shoulders and a definition of their muscles. The development of additional hair on the body, especially on the face and under the arms, will accompany the growth of hair in the pubic area.
The Stigma of TRT For Young Men and Adolescents
The idea of seeking testosterone hormone therapy for young men seems to be a somewhat complex or embarrassing topic. There is a negative stigma that people usually associate with this and the male gender, regardless of age.
Some people may view testosterone therapy as “cheating” or “taking a shortcut” to manhood or masculinity. Some people view all testosterone therapy as bad because they equate testosterone use with the synthetic testosterones responsible for “roid rage” and the excessive muscle growth of bodybuilders in the past.
In the modern day, TRT for young men is becoming more common. It’s not just random, as there are specific tests to be done. However, when teens and young adults with hypogonadism realize that help is available, they might be more open to seeking support and treatment.
This is also why parents need to become more aware of the critical role that treatment plays for young men or teens who have hypogonadism. Testosterone therapy for these individuals can help them develop the male characteristics that they might expect at a certain age.
How can Androgenix help?
At Androgenix, we understand how sensitive the topic of puberty can be. When testosterone production fails to increase enough during this time in a boy’s body, it can cause physical complications and mental health problems. Our experts have experience helping to do detailed testing and create personalized plans to ensure every patient’s needs are taken into consideration in their therapy.
Call us today to find out how we can help.
