Low Testosterone Low-T Symptoms, Treatment

Low Testosterone Low-T Symptoms, Treatment

A normal range for men is typically 300–1,000 ng/dL, according to the U.S. Low testosterone is often called hypogonadism, although this refers to low or no production of hormones by the gonads, which are the ovaries in women and the testicles in men. Testosterone production ramps up during puberty and typically decreases gradually with age, starting around age 30. The older the man, the more likely he is to experience below-normal testosterone levels. Also, certain medications, including antidepressants and pain narcotics, as well as those prescribed to treat prostate cancer, can lower testosterone levels.

So males with low testosterone, especially those who are older, have lower bone volume and are more susceptible to bone fractures. In the U.S., supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can vary widely in quality and ingredients. While supplements may improve symptoms of low T, there’s little data to confirm the effectiveness of over-the-counter supplements.

Low testosterone is also called testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism. Regular exercise reduces your risk of an abundance of health conditions and diseases. It could even help control sexual health issues such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It plays a significant role in the male body, and if levels drop below average, men can experience a wide variety of symptoms. Our urology team offers safe and effective treatments to help men with low testosterone levels. Our urologists can prescribe Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) through pills, shots, creams, or patches to increase the levels of testosterone in your body. Because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, you may need several tests to get an accurate diagnosis.

If you have signs and symptoms of low testosterone, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam. They’ll also ask questions about your medical history, medications you take or have taken, smoking history and any symptoms you currently have. At this time, it is unclear whether TRT increases the risk of prostate cancer or symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, based on inconclusive data, the FDA does weed increase testosterone in men warn of a possible increased risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, exogenous testosterone replacement has been used for decades and is considered to be fairly safe if accompanied by proper periodic monitoring (including hematocrit and PSA). HCG can theoretically be used long-term since it really is just LH, which is a normal pituitary hormone produced by the body.

However, it’s important to note that TRT should not be used for teenage males with typical testosterone levels to enhance puberty or athletic performance. Therefore, first-line management of men with NGI should include an optimisation of their other medical comorbidities, and trial of phosphodiesterase inhibitors for those with ED. Unlike men with infertility and erectile dysfunction, for whom there are established UK guidelines,4,5 there is no single UK consensus on how to approach male hypogonadism. Our suggested algorithm in Supplementary Figure S1 provides a pragmatic approach to low testosterone, taking into account the best evidence and practice within the NHS. You may think osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease, is a woman’s disease, but it can affect men as well. As testosterone levels fall, the bones may get thinner, weaker, and more likely to break. Low testosterone may affect different body systems, resulting in symptoms that affect memory, mood, bone, muscle, sex drive, and the ability to get or maintain an erection.

The effects — and what you can do about them — depend on the cause and at what point in your life male hypogonadism occurs. Some types of male hypogonadism can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy. In this screening test, the doctor places a gloved finger in the rectum to palpate the prostate gland for any nodules or other abnormalities.

Early detection in boys can help prevent problems from delayed puberty. Early diagnosis and treatment in men offer better protection against osteoporosis and other related conditions. When your testosterone level is low, you may not be able to get or keep an erection. Testosterone fuels the male sex drive, so when you’re running low, you may lose interest in sex.

However, if you have damaged (most commonly related to prior chemotherapy) or missing testicles, they can’t respond to the increased levels of gonadotropins. As a result, your testicles make too little or no testosterone and sperm. Every so often I have a patient who cannot get total testosterone levels above 300 ng/dL despite maximal therapy (e.g. HCG 4,000 IU three times a week combined with anastrazole 1 mg daily). In this situation, the Leydig cells that produce testosterone within the testicles are presumably not functioning properly and do not respond to LH stimulation. There have been some case reports of men who have developed antibodies against HCG, making it less effective.

LH then travels to your gonads (testicles or ovaries) and stimulates the production and release of testosterone. Your pituitary also releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to cause sperm production. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of low testosterone, ask your doctor to test your levels. A diagnosis can be made with a simple blood test, and there are a variety of treatment options to reduce unwanted side effects of low T. In addition to causing physical changes, having low levels of testosterone can affect you on an emotional level. Some people have trouble with memory and concentration and experience lowered motivation and self-confidence.

The risks and benefits of taking testosterone for many years are not known, because large studies haven’t been completed, yet. Some researchers suggest there might be a higher risk of heart disease. A drop in testosterone doesn’t always interfere with sex, but it can make it more difficult for your brain and body to get aroused. Some men may notice a drop in libido, while others may lose interest in sex completely. Low testosterone can also make it tougher to get or keep an erection.