Signs You May Have Low Testosterone

In men, testosterone is thought to regulate a number of functions.  These include:

·       Sex drive

·       Bone mass

·       Fat distribution

·       Muscle size and strength

·       Red blood cell production

·       sperm production

Between the age of 30 and 35, men begin losing their testosterone about 1% every year.  This means that by the time a man gets into his 50’s he may start to experience some of the symptoms of low testosterone.  These symptoms include:

·       Low libido

·       Weight gain

·       Feeling tired

·       Memory loss

·       You don’t want to socialize

Many men are hesitant to see their doctor for symptoms of low testosterone. But it is important to see your doctor in order to get an accurate diagnosis.  Your decreased sex drive, or increased waistline may stem from a much more serious problem. Many men don’t want to go to the doctor because they are embarrassed, but the answer could be as simple as a lifestyle change.  Alternatively if low testosterone is stemming from a testicular or pituitary problem, then this too can be treated accordingly.

If you are suffering from low testosterone, your doctor will do a routine history and physical and take a blood sample to check testosterone levels.  Usually blood is taken in the morning when testosterone levels are highest.  More than one blood test may be needed to come to a definite conclusion. Seeing both a urologist and endocrinologist may be necessary in order to see if levels are well below normal and need to be treated.

Some of the possible causes of low testosterone in younger men include both chronic disease and different types of therapies.   Here are some of these most common causes:

•                Type 2 diabetes

•                Chronic illness such as: Liver, kidney disease or COPD/ lung disease

•                Pituitary gland problems

•                Testicle injuries

•                Anabolic steroids

•                Radiation therapy or chemotherapy

Hypogonadism still remains one of the primary causes of low testosterone. Primary hypogonadism stems from a problem in the testicles.  This could be from a developmental issue, injury to the testicles or radiation/chemotherapy treatment.  In secondary hypogonadism, the testicles are normal but function improperly because of a problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

Testosterone treatment is a lifelong commitment.  Once you start therapy, your natural testosterone production is halted, therefore this is a lifelong commitment.   Testosterone therapy also has possible side effects like an overabundance of red blood cells, sleep apnea, enlarged prostate, and acne. For those who truly have low testosterone that is not a part of normal ageing and cannot be remedied by lifestyle changes, there are numerous benefits to low T treatment. Because symptoms of low-testosterone vary from man to man, benefits from treatment can also vary.  Some benefits could include:

·       Improved muscle mass and strength

·       Increased bone density

·       Improved sexual desire

·       Boosted energy

·       Decreased irritability and depression

·       Decreased body fat

·       Better mood

·       Improved erectile function