Male Hypogonadism StatPearls NCBI Bookshelf

Low Testosterone Information & Treatment

TRT is a lifelong treatment, so your testosterone levels may drop if you stop treatment. Low-T clinics typically don’t screen for serious health conditions that can affect testosterone production. For example, patients may need bloodwork to measure prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland that, in high levels, can be a sign of a pituitary tumor. If a person notices these symptoms, they should speak with a doctor. A doctor can then come up with a treatment plan to increase their testosterone levels. A slow drop in testosterone is a normal part of aging, sometimes called “andropause” or “male menopause.” For many men, this doesn’t cause any significant problems or symptoms. Others may notice a decline in muscle mass, depression, or less interest in sex.

Symptoms include low sperm count, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, sleep disturbances and depression. That’s because testosterone plays a starring role in the influence of fat distribution, bone density, and red blood cell production. It’s also a critical factor in building muscle and bone mass, producing sperm, and driving sexual desire and function. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms and think they could be due to low testosterone levels, it’s time to talk with a doctor. An experienced urologist can help identify if Low T is the cause of your symptoms and provide effective treatment options, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Testosterone increases sex drive in men by stimulating receptors in the brain that enhance the production of sexual desire and arousal [1]. If you think you, or your partner, may be showing signs of hypogonadism, it is important to arrange a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor will conduct the appropriate diagnostic tests in addition to discussing with you the available treatment options. Low testosterone, a form of hypogonadism, occurs when the body fails to produce an adequate supply of this hormone.

In other words, men whose total testosterone levels are below 300 ng/dL could be diagnosed with TD. If there is a problem with the pituitary gland, the testicles might not get the “message” to produce. Children with intersex conditions (development of both male and female reproductive organs) may also have trouble with testosterone production.

The risk increases with age, though most people naturally lose testosterone as they get older. A doctor will typically only prescribe TRT if the person has several symptoms of low testosterone and blood test results that indicate a deficiency. The most common treatment is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). For example, a bone density test can show diminished bone mass, one result of low testosterone. To diagnose low testosterone, a doctor will often perform a physical evaluation and review the person’s symptoms. The doctor may also request testing to look for additional signs. People with low testosterone often experience a reduction in sex drive.

Low T can zap your energy levels, leaving you feeling sluggish even after a full night’s sleep. Others may find benefit from hormone therapy using testosterone gels, patches, injections, pellets or alternative hormone medications. Injections are testosterone boosters safe for building muscle typically performed weekly or twice weekly to keep levels stable. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and adequate sleep can help reduce stress and promote hormonal balance. Testing yourself for these toxic chemicals is a proactive step towards maintaining healthy testosterone levels, especially if you’re trying to conceive. Million Marker’s Detect & Detox Test Kit is the perfect, personalized tool for identifying the presence of harmful chemicals in your body.

Polycythemia can be a side effect of TD treatment, so it is helpful to get baseline values during diagnosis. On example is Klinefelter syndrome, when a genetically male child is born with an extra X chromosome. Children with Klinefelter syndrome may have smaller testicles that produce less testosterone. If the test shows a low testosterone level, additional tests may be ordered to check for a pituitary gland disorder. A blood test to check serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin levels can help determine the cause. If needed, specialized testing may be performed in the Endocrine Diagnostic Unit, based at Froedtert Hospital.

Even as you lose size where it counts, you gain it where it hurts, Dr. Anawalt says. The 13 symptoms that follow aren’t proof of low testosterone on their own, either. If low T is truly to blame for what you’re feeling, many of the health side effects of low testosterone can be reversed, or at least improved, with testosterone therapy. Low testosterone levels can be treated with a variety of approaches. Depending on the cause of the low testosterone, the treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, or hormone replacement therapy. Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, is a common condition that can have a significant impact on men’s physical and mental health. We’ll start working with you to get to the bottom of your symptoms and to help you start feeling better as soon as possible.