Low Testosterone Treatment

Low Testosterone Information & Treatment

Urologist Amy Guise, MD, identifies the myths and shares the facts about Low-T. The first is due to reduced production of testosterone from the testes, known as classical, or primary hypogonadism. This often appears in younger men, from conditions such as testicular cancer, testicular trauma or torsion (strangulation), or a congenital condition. In addition to the typical symptoms of Low T, men who have below normal levels of this hormone may experience a sense of ill-being, foreboding, or feeling as if something is terribly wrong, but not knowing what. Men may also report fatigue, inadequate sleep, increased irritability, and poor mood.

They may also recommend additional tests to rule out other conditions. Healthy male testosterone levels range between 450 and 600 ng/dL. Low testosterone is when testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL. However, a 2017 study on testosterone supplementation did not find memory improvements in 493 men with low testosterone levels who took testosterone or a placebo. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and steroid medicines can also affect testosterone levels.

If low testosterone symptoms bother you, speak with a healthcare professional. TRT is a lifelong treatment, so your testosterone immune system levels may drop if you stop treatment. Research suggests that up to 35% of men with erectile dysfunction have low T. However, research is inconclusive on whether testosterone replacement therapy could successfully treat erectile dysfunction. A healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition, exercise, weight management, and that avoids excessive use of alcohol and drugs can help keep testosterone levels normal. Testosterone comes in several forms, including shots, gels, patches, and tablets you place on your gums. Injections are the least expensive option, but they can be painful.

Since different situations can result in low testosterone levels, Dr. Ortiz recommends that all men should see a doctor from the age of 40, at which time they can begin to lower this hormone to levels from 0.4% to 4% annually. Because of this, every man should perform a testosterone test and a prostate check. Age is the main cause of testosterone decrease, as you get older you can experience this situation. But also their general health will have repercussions on this. Diseases such as diabetes, smoking, varicocele, high blood pressure, or obesity are some situations that could result in low testosterone levels. This hormone is only released in the morning, so it is recommended that its measurement be ideally at eight in the morning and fasting, through a blood test.

The American Urology Association identifies low testosterone as less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). While men may have feelings of embarrassment, they are not alone. It should also be noted that low testosterone itself can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. If a man has shown some breast development, doctors may check his levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen. For 100 years, the Endocrine Society has been at the forefront of hormone science and public health. Read about our history and how we continue to serve the endocrine community. Our physician referral directory is comprised of over 6,500 members of the Society.

In recent years, the idea of naturally boosting testosterone that’s lost due to aging, obesity, or lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol has gained attention. The deadline to have twice the impact to advance healthcare research is May 15. The complications of untreated hypogonadism differ depending on when it develops — during fetal development, puberty or adulthood.

During treatment, your doctor may need to repeat blood tests to monitor your levels of testosterone, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. To diagnose low testosterone, your doctor will ask questions about your health history, give you a physical examination, and assess you for possible signs and symptoms of low testosterone. If low testosterone is suspected, a blood test measuring the level of testosterone in your blood can verify the diagnosis. Also known as male hypogonadism, low testosterone levels affect about 5 percent of men nationwide.

In this way, it will be possible to detect if the testosterone levels in the body are normal or low. It is also recommended that they be interpreted by a specialist since frequently the laboratory reference values are not correct. Although it’s common for aging men to have lower testosterone levels, a significant reduction can be a cause for concern as it can lead to other health ailments.