What Is The Difference Between Hypogonadism And “Low T”
The testosterone drugs that we have mentioned on this site are approved treatments for hypogonadism resulting from the insufficient production and secretion of testosterone. Hypogonadism in younger men can be caused by a testicular disorder or disorder of the endocrine system. It can also develop as a result of disease or alcohol/drug abuse.
However, in older males, testosterone levels gradually decline — typically about 1 percent a year after age 30.[i] As such, it is important to determine in older men if a low testosterone level is simply due to the decline of normal aging or if it is due to a disease or disorder.
In an effort to increase the awareness, sales, and revenue of their products, drug manufacturers have sought to broaden the application of testosterone replacement therapy to the general public by portraying it as a fountain of youth that will allow men to combat the side effects of aging. In an effort to increase the visibility of their product, manufacturers have engaged in a campaign to rebrand hypogonadism as “Low T.” This campaign expands the physical symptoms traditionally associated with hypogonadism to broaden the appeal of the drugs. For example, according to a “test” developed by the drug manufacturers themselves, if one feels tired after dinner or is unable to play sports as well as he used to, he may be suffering from “Low T” and should consult his doctor about being placed on testosterone replacement drugs.
Drug manufacturers have been extraordinarily successful in this campaign to rebrand hypogonadism as “Low T.” This success has allowed them to create a multi-billion dollar market for prescription testosterone therapy in the United States. The size of the market and the revenue derived from it by the manufacturers is only expected to increase in years to come.
If you are not sure if your prescription for testosterone therapy was for true hypogonadism or for “Low T” and you have suffered a heart attack or stroke while on testosterone, you need information. Our attorneys are available to provide confidential case evaluations simply by calling or by emailing info@charlesboyk-law.com.
