Testosterone is involved in maintaining erectile function, and in generating the male sex drive. Further, testosterone promotes the buildup of protein into muscle (anabolism), and works against protein breakdown (catabolism). Testosterone is also responsible for more calmness and assertiveness in the male, and is involved in maintaining normal male energy levels.

Although testosterone has not been studied as extensively as the female hormones, there is sufficient data to ascribe, with a high degree of probability, a number of beneficial effects to testosterone replacement therapy in males.

In looking at these beneficial effects, it might be helpful to consider, first, a condition referred to as "andropause." The concept of andropause as a male equivalent of menopause is now gaining wide acceptance in the medical establishment, particularly as it reflects a legitimate concern for male health. Longevity doctors have always been concerned with the plummeting levels of testosterone that accompany aging.

Misgivings over testosterone treatment are completely unfounded. With the proper use of this important hormone for ultimate male health, there are very few untoward side effects. On the other hand, with proper use, testosterone may prevent much illness, malaise, fatigue, apathy, and aging in the male population. The authors have rarely seen a male exhibiting robust good health while at the same time showing testosterone levels that were well below the normal range.

Researchers Heller and Myers concluded 50 years ago that there were a number of symptoms that could be identified with andropause. Following are some of these that may be reversible with testosterone replacement:

Mental:	Vasomotor:	Constitutional:	Urinary:	Sexual:
anxiety irritability insomnia depression antisocial poor concentration	hot flashes sweats palpitations headaches	weakness fatigue myalgia nausea constipation weight loss	frequency hesitancy decreased force.	decreased libido decreased pleasure impotency