Health: Male Wonder Drug
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A growing number of men say they're having a better sex life, making more money, getting an energy boost and thinking more clearly.
3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl has more on the so-called wonder drug that has so many men are feeling like a super man.
It makes men stronger, full of lust, and more productive at work. A secret weapon nicknamed "Viagra for the Boardroom."
"The energy, the drive, and just feeling ya know even 10 years younger," said Robert Trasatti, who says his increased energy and focus on the job led to a bigger bonus. With the extra money, he went to Italy and bought a new truck.
Talking about the truck, Robert said, "I love it. My wife calls it my mistress."
But his wife's not complaining. After 26 years of marriage their sex life is recharged.
"She's happy, we're happy and that makes everybody happy," said Robert.
Testosterone is what is making everyone so happy.
Robert, who lives in Bucks County, is among a growing number of men who believe they have found the fountain of youth with testosterone replacement therapy.
"Testosterone is good for more than just your sexual function. It helps increase energy, memory, mood and drive. It gives you that feeling of self confidence and that ability to really be a strong leader, make decisions and really be a go getter in business," said Dr. Jennifer Landa, Chief Medical Officer of BodyLogicMD.
She's a nationally recognized expert on hormone replacement.
Testosterone sales reached 1.6 billion dollars last year. They're expected to triple in the next five years, according to one report.
Dr. Kenneth Varano, with BodyLogicMD in King of Prussia, says the male hormone testosterone naturally declines with age, when men are in their 50's and 60's. But some research has shown it's happening earlier, to a larger number of men.
"Typically what we see with testosterone decline is your typical couch potato syndrome. Men don't want to go out anymore. They show less interest in their wives.
They sit more. They're fatigued more," said Dr. Varano.
Testosterone can be replaced with injections, a skin cream, pellets placed just under the skin, and now there's a new underarm product.
"It's just a very, very small treatment and yet it can have such powerful effects in the body," said Dr. Varano.
But studies have shown there can be serious side effects, including an increased risk of prostate cancer.
"It depends how it's used. So most of the risk that we see has to do with abuse of testosterone," said Dr. Varano.
For Robert, who is now also enjoying his favorite hobby flying, the pellets he gets every couple of months have his testosterone level back to normal. He's got his edge back, and is flying high.
"It's certainly helped increase my drive and effort, focus. To feel more like I felt when I was younger, so that's been a big part of it," said Robert.
While there are all sorts of over-the-counter supplements, doctors say testosterone prescriptions are most effective, and patients have to be carefully monitored, with routine blood tests.
Costs range from 30 to 60 dollars a month, and it's not usually covered by insurance.
Related Links:
BodyLogicMD- http://www.bodylogicmd.com/
Testosterone Information- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003707.htm
