What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone made in your testicles. It assists in sexual development and physical features such as increased muscle mass, facial hair, and a deep voice. In addition, testosterone helps produce sperm.
What is low testosterone?
Low testosterone, or testosterone deficiency, occurs when you have less than 300 nanograms of testosterone per deciliter of blood. Any man can experience low testosterone, but it’s more common as you age, particularly if you’re 40 or older.
After the age of 30, a man’s testosterone production drops by about 1% each year. As your testosterone levels continue to decrease, it’s normal to experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Common symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Low sex drive
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of body hair
- Reduced muscle mass
As the condition progresses, you might also experience feelings of irritability or have trouble staying focused at work.
What causes low testosterone?
In most cases, low testosterone occurs due to the natural aging process. However, other health problems can also put you at risk. Some of the most common culprits include autoimmune diseases like HIV and AIDS and pituitary gland disease. You might also experience low testosterone due to cancer treatment or damage to your testicles.
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
To diagnose low testosterone, Dr. Youngren reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a comprehensive physical exam. Afterward, he orders several laboratory panels, including:
- Total testosterone level
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Blood prolactin level
- Blood hemoglobin
These panels help Dr. Youngren determine if you have low testosterone and assist in identifying the underlying cause.
How is low testosterone treated?
Dr. Youngren typically treats low testosterone using testosterone therapy. Testosterone therapy is a type of hormone replacement treatment that helps restore your hormone levels to their natural balance. Testosterone comes in several forms, including gels, creams, liquids, patches, and pellets.
The type of testosterone therapy that’s right for you depends on your age, health history, and the severity of your symptoms. After determining your testosterone levels, Dr. Youngren can make recommendations that align with your needs.
Is testosterone therapy safe?
Testosterone therapy is safe and usually well-tolerated. You might experience some weight gain or acne during the first few weeks of treatment, but this should subside quickly. Once your body adjusts to the new hormones, you should begin to feel more like yourself.
If you’re interested in learning more about treatment for low testosterone, schedule an appointment at Advanced Urology. Book a consultation online or call the office to speak with a caring staff member today.
