With age, testosterone levels drop in every man. | Image: The first

According to the menopause in women, it is now said that men are also affected by a so-called “andropause”. These “menopause of men” are said to happen to men between the ages of 40 and 65. Complete nonsense! – say experts and professional society.

Business model testosterone

Testosterone – careless use can be dangerous. | Image: The first

But dealing with the supposed problem is about a lot of money. Testosterone preparations are prescribed to treat symptoms such as lack of energy and weakness. Sales increased noticeably, last year pharmacies in Germany sold over 500,000 packs of various testosterone preparations, 55 percent more than in 2007, according to a BR-Data research.

What testosterone levels are normal?

The testosterone level is measured in nanomoles per liter.

• At over 12 nanomoles per liter, one speaks of the normal range.
• Between 8 and 12 nanomoles per liter is called the limit range.
• A pathological deficiency is only present below 8 nanomoles.

Danger from testosterone

If there is no pathological deficiency, the administration of testosterone is dangerous.

• There can be a dependency on the drug because your own body produces less and less of the hormone.
• Cancer of the prostate has to be excluded. Testosterone would speed up the course of the disease.

Trial with a test patient

A thorough examination is imperative when prescribing testosterone. | Image: The first

In the “health check” a test patient is sent to various doctors. Who prescribes the hormone when there is no pathological finding? The test patient received a prescription three times after a single test of his testosterone level. He felt insufficiently informed about the risks and side effects of the preparations. But above all, its values ​​should have been determined a second time before a prescription was issued.

Earn money with testosterone?

Prof. Dr. med. Oliver Hakenberg from the German Society of Urology has a critical assessment of our test patient’s visits to the doctor: “The sample you made has now shown that some are very quick with testosterone therapy at hand, without it really being necessary. And then of course the question arises whether monetary aspects may also play a role with these doctors.