Low Testosterone Symptoms and Treatment

Low Testosterone Symptoms Signs of Low-T

As part of your consultation, a physician will usually conduct blood tests to check your testosterone levels and determine the underlying cause of your Low T symptoms. Based on the results, your physician will make a final diagnosis and prescribe a medicated plan to help you restore your testosterone to healthier levels. Low testosterone, also known as male hypogonadism or Low T, is a medical condition in which the testicles can no longer produce enough testosterone.

There are several treatment options available such as gels, patches or injections that increase the amount of testosterone in your body. Your blood test results can vary depending on when the test is taken. This is because hormone levels fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle and even between morning and evening. If you’re still getting a period, there’s a specific window in your cycle that’s best for measuring testosterone in your blood. Talk to a healthcare provider if you struggle with any of these symptoms. They can evaluate you and assess if testosterone levels may be responsible. Many men experience symptoms of low testosterone, but it is easy to pass these symptoms off as another health condition or even just blame them on the natural process of aging.

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly while you sleep. It can disrupt your sleep pattern in the process and raise your risk for other complications, like having a stroke. Low testosterone can cause lower energy levels, insomnia and other changes in your sleep patterns.

Low T is also a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease so its important to get checked to not only help your symptoms but protect your heart. When you have your testosterone levels tested, or test yourself at home, a healthcare provider will look at both your free testosterone levels and your total testosterone levels. Your total testosterone levels include both free and bound testosterone.

It’s possible that as with males, female testosterone levels naturally decline with age, and may lead to symptoms, such as low energy and impaired muscle growth. But at this time, research into the effect of low testosterone in females is limited and there are no conclusive guidelines for what should be considered « low » testosterone levels in females. Testosterone replacement may not only increase testosterone levels but also improve bone health, muscle development, and anemia (low red cells in the blood).

Testosterone is responsible for a man’s sex drive, his appearance, bone mass and muscle development as well as his ability to generate sperm. Generally, clomifene does not have adverse effects at the doses used for this purpose. It significantly affects your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. But as you age, testosterone levels naturally drop — a process that can bring some frustrating and unexpected changes. Testosterone preparations can reduce a man’s levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which triggers sperm production. Men who are hoping to become a father need to carefully consider the risks testosterone replacement therapy may present to fertility. High PSA could indicate a prostate condition, such as prostate cancer.

Low testosterone can lead to a reduction in this volume, which can make the bones more susceptible to fractures. Some people may also have something in their genetic makeup (their DNA) that interferes with their body’s ability to produce or process DHEA and DHEA-S. Low testosterone has been linked to osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones.

If any of these risk factors are in your family health history, tell your doctor. The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus are located within the brain and control hormone production. For example, it is normal to feel less interested in sex as you get older. If your most concerning symptom from lower testosterone is erectile dysfunction, erectile dysfunction medications may help. Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, low testosterone can still contribute to a decrease in the hours of sleep. LOH and low testosterone are more common in men who have Type 2 diabetes, overweight and/or obesity.

Your doctor may want to run this test a second time before diagnosing low testosterone. When levels of the hormone are low, their sperm « count » can be low, too. Some men have subtle problems like mood changes, poor concentration, and less energy. These symptoms can easily be caused by other health problems though, like anemia, depression, sleep troubles, or a chronic illness.

Men who wish to father children may wish to consult a reproductive health specialist before starting testosterone replacement therapy. Among testosterone’s main functions are sexual desire, producing and maturing sperm, having good erections, reaching orgasm and making it pleasurable; all this in the sexual sphere. If you’re wondering whether you have symptoms of low testosterone, talk to your primary care provider about testing and next steps. Certain medications, chronic illnesses, radiation treatment and natural aging may also contribute to lower testosterone production over time. Treatment for low testosterone is individualized based on the patient to treat the underlying causes of the low-T. Sometimes hormones can be supplemented and prescribed by a doctor. If a pituitary problem is the cause, pituitary hormones can be given to help the body make more sperm and restore fertility.