Low Testosterone
What is Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, is a condition that affects more than 20 million men in the United States today. After the age of 30, most men will begin to develop declining levels of testosterone, about 1% per year, throughout their the rest of their lives. The American Urological Association defines low testosterone as blood levels of testosterone below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). This drop in testosterone levels can lead to symptoms such as:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased energy levels
- Increase in body fat
- Changes in mood
- Irritability
- Depression
- Low libido (sex drive)
- Difficulty sleeping
- Reduced bone mass
- Hair loss
- Reduced semen volume
- Hot flashes
- Reduced muscle mass
In addition, low testosterone is highly associated with chronic disease states such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, hypothyroidism, HIV/AIDS, high cholesterol and asthma. Finally, men with a long history of narcotic intake, chronic steroid use, history of chemotherapy or radiation, testicular trauma/infection, as well as history of head trauma, are at increased risk of low testosterone.
How Common is Low Testosterone?
Since testosterone gradually decreases over time, many men do not even notice the slow change over time. Men often just assume that the symptoms of decreased energy levels, decreased sex drive, and worsening erectile function are simply a normal part of aging. Current data indicates that low testosterone affects almost 40% of men aged 45 and older, but increases to up to 50% of men over 80 years old.
Although there is no cure for low testosterone, there are certainly effective treatments available that can result in significant and noticeable changes in the quality of life of aging men.
How is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?
Low testosterone is diagnosed through a blood test looking at your total testosterone levels. As a comprehensive men’s health clinic, we also look at your free testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, and various pituitary hormones that are all important in testosterone production.
Who Should be treated for Low Testosterone?
Patients with low testosterone levels who exhibit specific signs and symptoms listed above are excellent candidates for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Patients with conditions such as anemia, diabetes, osteoporosis, chemotherapy/radiation, narcotic use, pituitary disorders and/or steroid use are more likely to benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. As a comprehensive Men’s Health clinic, we check your hematocrit, PSA, and pituitary hormone panel prior to starting TRT.
How is Low Testosterone Treated?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be administered in many forms. Two of the most popular modes of administration include:
- Transdermal gels: Applied to clean, dry skin at the same time every day. Very well-tolerated and allow for excellent absorption with minimal side effects as most of the testosterone is absorbed after 2 hours of skin contact. Transmission to others can be an issue, however, washing the area after 2 hours provides the safest way to avoid transmission of active testosterone to others.
- Intramuscular/subcutaneous injections: Usually weekly/biweekly injections. Provides you with flexibility in terms of dosing and schedule of injections to maximize your testosterone levels. It does require the patient or patient’s partner to learn how to inject or make frequent office visits.
Within the first few weeks, you should start to notice improvements in low testosterone symptoms. Coupling TRT with an improved exercise and diet regimen, this can lead to weight loss, increased lean body mass, and decreased BMI. To ensure that your hormone levels are optimized, blood work is usually done every 3-6 months.
Have a question or want to schedule an appointment?
Board-certified, fellowship-trained urologists staff Tower Men’s Health. We will pair you with one of our many experienced physicians to help address any concerns you may have and help you on your journey towards improved quality of life. Feel free to reach out to the physicians at Tower Men’s Health at 310-854-9898.