Terminalcoffee discussion

Why has this (low testosterone) suddenly burst into prominence? Has there been on ongoing epidemic that is only now being recognized? Or, more cynically, is it gaining exposure because someone found a way to reverse some of the symptoms, and patented drugs rake in serious cash?

Advertisements for drugs claiming to cure "Low T" now appear on television with nearly the same frequency as those for limp-dick drugs. Despite a lengthy list of side effects, more and more men are asking doctors to test their testosterone levels to see if they should get the drugs.

What gives?

It is marketing trying to sound like medicine.

The main drug to treat this has gone off patent, so now generics will be available. In an attempt to keep a very profitable drug, the company has changed the formula just enough to get a new patent. now they need to sell the new drug as superior to the drug they sold for a decade.

In other words, a scam.

Aaron wrote: "In other words, a scam."

I think of it as a tax on the uninformed.

Ignorant people being scammed. It is what it is.

Aaron wrote: "Ignorant people being scammed. It is what it is."
The information is readily available. I can't help people that choose to remain ignorant or choose to be irrational in their spending decisions.

Branding and marketing is all about giving people irrational reasons to spend more for stuff.

I know. I worked as a Consumer Advocate for years. I helped protect consumers against this kind of marketing.

The other reason these ads are everywhere is demographics. There are enough baby boomers willing to spend money to delay aging that this is an attractive market.

Demographics are everything, aimed primarily at the baby boomers and this delay aging nonsense. Attractive, to them, yes. Fantasy for others.

It's like those ads for prescription drugs aimed at uninformed persons. The side effects are worse than the illness.

It's a market that promotes shallowness and a quick fix. Neither are effective, and companies are down sizing because of it...not the giant conglomerates, mind you, but the average small company.

What about low T in women?

As we make fun of the whole problem, and rage against the advertising machine, I must ask, "Y'all do know what low T is don't you???"

Do some research.

Scout wrote: "Do some research."

Hope you're not referring to my quasi snide comment.

I will be the first to agree that there is a lot of promotion and marketing going on, but like other real, serious health conditions, I hope that this one hasn't just become more fuel for ridicule by the ill informed.

There is a "low T" clinic in the shopping center where my farmer's market is.

Sally wrote: "There is a "low T" clinic in the shopping center where my farmer's market is."

There's a Krispy Kreme doughnut store, Starbucks, a Dairy Queen, and a cheese shop right across the street from one of the local hospitals that specializes in Cardiac Care in my neck of the woods. Full service neighborhood if you ask me.

Scout wrote: "What about low T in women?"

I don't think many women would necessarily want to have treatments of the same kind or for the same reason as men.

If the hair loss or clinical depression were associated with the condition, well that is a different story.

A couple of years ago, articles suggested that women with low sex drive could benefit from testosterone replacement, as women's bodies do naturally produce the hormone, and production declines with age as it does in men. I wouldn't recommend it, though, as I tried it and grew a nice moustache.

Have to bring this up: What about Viagra for women. I don't know the demographics, so I'm wondering how successful it's been.

@Scout
Post a pic of that stash.