What is low testosterone?
Low testosterone, also known as male hypogonadism, is a medical condition that occurs when a man’s testes don’t produce enough testosterone. Testosterone is an important hormone that helps men maintain and develop:
- Bone density
- Body hair
- Muscle mass
- Reproductive function
Testosterone also plays an important role in the creation of red blood cells.
Low testosterone occurs naturally. In fact, after the age of 30, a man’s testosterone production decreases by about 1% each year. Additional factors can speed up this process, leading to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Common outside causes of low testosterone include:
- Certain prescription medications
- Alcohol abuse
- Kidney failure
- Certain inflammatory conditions
- Chemotherapy
You might also experience low testosterone as a result of an injury to your testes or an infection of your testes (orchitis).
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
The symptoms of low testosterone vary from person to person and depend on the severity of the condition. That said, telltale signs of low testosterone include:
- Low sex drive
- Difficulties with concentration and memory
- Moodiness and irritability
- Loss of muscle mass
- Erectile dysfunction
If you have low testosterone, you might also become depressed or lose interest in activities you used to enjoy.
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
To diagnose low testosterone, Dr. Blick performs an exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing. He also orders a blood test to check your testosterone levels. Healthy men have testosterone levels between 300 ng/dL to 1,000 ng/dL. Dr. Blick usually recommends conducting blood tests in the morning, because that’s when your testosterone levels are highest.
If these tests don’t provide enough information, Dr. Blick might also order an MRI, CT scan, or hormone tests to figure out what’s causing your low testosterone.
How is low testosterone treated?
Treatment for low testosterone depends on the severity of your symptoms. However, when possible, Dr. Blick recommends conservative, integrative methods of care. If your testosterone levels are only a little off, Dr. Blick might recommend healthy lifestyle changes like losing weight, participating in resistance exercise, or eating a healthier diet.
For more serious cases of low testosterone, Dr. Blick might recommend treatment with testosterone injections, gels, or pellets.
If you haven’t been feeling yourself and you suspect low testosterone may be to blame, make an appointment with Dr. Shawn Blick today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.
