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Testosterone is an essential hormone for the proper regulation of male growth and sex characteristics. Men can become deficient in testosterone, and many seek out testosterone patches to return them to normal levels. These patches can have a devastating effect on sperm count.
Significance
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testes. It is responsible for male growth and secondary sex characteristics. A deficiency in testosterone can result in a decrease in muscle mass, depression and erectile dysfunction.
Function
Testosterone patches help bring normal testosterone levels back to the body. They are usually applied to the skin on the testicles, but they can also be applied to the arms or torso. Some people abuse them.
Consequences
The pituitary gland in the brain senses when artificial testosterone enters the body. Confused, it shuts off the hormones that stimulate the testicles to produce sperm. This can bring a male's sperm count down to as low as zero.
Time Frame
For men taking small doses of testosterone, sperm count can return to normal six months to a year after patch use is discontinued. Most men will experience side effects like fatigue, depression and erectile dysfunction until the body starts producing testosterone normally.
Potential
Men who are still unable to produce a normal count of sperm after coming off testosterone patches can get pituitary hormone injections two or three times a year.
Source:
Synthetic Testosterone Seemed Like a Good Idea. Then Came Fertility Issues.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Pros and cons
Resource:
Testosterone Transdermal
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