Low Testosterone Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

10 Low Testosterone Symptoms You Shouldnt Ignore

It’s difficult for researchers to estimate how common low testosterone is since different studies have different definitions for low testosterone. Exercising more and losing weight can help slow the decrease of testosterone your body is experiencing. The deadline to have twice the impact to advance healthcare research is May 15. If any of these risk factors are in your family health history, tell your doctor.

Low levels of testosterone that are atypical of normal aging are due to other primary or secondary causes of hypogonadism. Hypogonadism in males happens when the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. Hypogonadism can start during fetal development, during puberty, or during adulthood. Fat cells metabolize testosterone to estrogen, lowering testosterone levels. Also, obesity reduces levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that carries testosterone in the blood.

A diminishing sex drive occurs naturally with age, but when the cause is low testosterone, a male will notice a significant decrease in the desire for sex. In many women, the ovaries continue to produce hormones like testosterone. Some women may also be deficient in enzymes that process DHEA and DHEA-S into testosterone. For congenital hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy often helps prevent problems related to delayed puberty.

4) A baseline DEXA scan should be considered for men with a total testosterone of under 200 ng/dL. The scan should be repeated every one to two years thereafter. For the treatment of low testosterone in men who wish to conceive children, SERMs (clomiphene or tamoxifen) are usually the first choice due to its ease of use (it comes in pill form) and relatively low cost. Historically, clomiphene was the more commonly used SERM, but in 2023 production of the generic form of clomiphene was stopped for some reason. Brand name clomiphene (Clomid) is still available but it is much more expensive- the use of tamoxifen has therefore picked up recently since the mechanisms of action is similar but the price is much lower. This involves providing androgens directly in the form of hormone replacement (injections, patches, gels, pellets), anabolic steroids, prohormones, or testosterone boosters.

The cardiovascular safety of testosterone therapy also remains unclear. Thus, exposing many men to testosterone therapy, particularly those with established CV disease, who have normal testosterone levels, would not appear to be good practice. Testosterone replacement may improve your sexual desire, does hdl cholesterol increase testosterone your muscle mass, and help prevent bone loss.

Male hormonal treatments are intended to be taken over the long term, typically until a pregnancy has been established. If you are having symptoms of low testosterone, talk to your doctor or find one near you. Many testosterone formulations are available (Table 459,60 ), and no formulation has superior clinical effects. The selection of formulation requires discussion about administration route, adverse effects, and cost. Testosterone preparations are FDA Schedule III controlled substances that are subject to diversion and misuse.

Testosterone comes in several forms, including shots, gels, patches, and tablets you place on your gums. Injections are the least expensive option, but they can be painful. You take the shots every 2 to 4 weeks, as prescribed by your doctor.

However, a healthy level for you depends on your age, lifestyle, and bioavailable testosterone level – the unbound testosterone your body isn’t using for daily functions. Testosterone is a natural hormone produced primarily in the testicles, and it helps men maintain everything from bone density and body hair to sex drive and sperm production. However, you don’t have to hit a certain number or level despite what the constant flow of ads may tell you. A 2021 study in 5,888 men found that people with low testosterone levels had a higher risk of developing anemia. This condition occurs when you have low levels of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.