Testosterone Supplements: How Are Harmful Testosterone Supplements Promoted?
Men are typically diagnosed with Low T when their testosterone level drops below 300 nanograms per deciliter, which is the commonly accepted definition of hypogonadism, or Low T. When a man receives this diagnosis, the doctor may recommend that he begin taking testosterone supplements.
Unfortunately, although testosterone supplements often raise testosterone levels, it isn't clear whether these supplements actually improve a man's symptoms. In the largest study conducted so far, testosterone therapy did not produce any improvement in bone density, cognitive thinking or muscle strength. The only notable improvement involved muscle mass. However, the results stated that the increase in muscle mass was "not enough to improve physical mobility."
Nonetheless, because many men, and even many doctors, don't possess a sophisticated knowledge of how testosterone works within the body, these drugs are often prescribed and used without much thought.
The Role of Marketing
In the beginning, Low T therapies were primarily directed at men with congenital deficiencies or men suffering from multiple symptoms of Low T. However, according to an article published in 2012, the latest marketing efforts have focused on a much larger population. From the article:
"The latest marketing push by drug-makers is for easy-to-use gels and patches that are aimed at a much broader population of otherwise healthy older men with low testosterone, or androgen deficiency."
Pervasive gender stereotypes tell us that men should be athletic, sexually dynamic, energetic and productive. Unfortunately, many men who suffer from low testosterone feel like they aren't meeting their full potential. As a result, they may experience low self-esteem, depression and a number of other issues. Thus, men who believe Low T may be affecting their lives are often in search of a quick fix. Since testosterone supplements often provide immediate, positive results, men will often agree to take them without considering the long-term effects.
Marketers are aware of the emotional and psychological effects of Low T, and they use this information to their advantage. In fact, drug manufacturer Eli Lilly generated $48 million in Axiron sales just last year, and Androderm generated a staggering $87 million in sales for the same time period.
In our next post we will discuss how the Marketing of these Low T supplements have caused more harm than good.
If you would like to explore the possibility of bringing legal action to obtain compensation for medical problems, deaths or other issues related to Low T medications, please contact the experienced attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates, LLP at (855)-423-3666 to discuss your options.
For more information regarding the use of Low T drugs, please visit www.usacivialaction.com and download a copy of our free E-book, The Fall of Testosterone: How a Vaunted “Low T” Therapy Has Backfired and Put Millions of Men at Risk for Heart Problems and Stroke.