Although discussing topics of sex, aging and hormonal imbalances is often uncomfortable for men, it is necessary to understand men’s health issues and their treatment. A doctor specializes in men’s urology, and can provide the most advanced treatment options for Low Testosterone. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of a low-T treatment and provide you with options for managing your symptoms. Read on to learn more.
Although low testosterone symptoms in men may not be immediately apparent, the symptoms of low testosterone can be subtle or aggravated by certain conditions. Low T is often associated with bone loss, which results in osteoporosis. Testosterone is important for the formation of and maintenance of erections. It also stimulates receptors in the brain to produce nitric oxide, which helps to maintain a firm erection.
Symptoms of low testosterone should be accompanied by signs or symptoms to be properly diagnosed. For example, men with low testosterone may experience erectile dysfunction, a lower sex drive, and a more difficult time maintaining erections. Treatment options include oral and injectable testosterone. While the least expensive treatment option, injections are not without risk. You must visit your doctor for blood tests on two different days. It is best to undergo the procedure while fasting, as at-home tests are inaccurate and may not work at all.
A doctor can prescribe a testosterone-boosting medication to increase your levels. There are many benefits and risks associated with testosterone therapy, and you should consult a doctor before undertaking any treatment. Low Testosterone can cause unwanted symptoms and even a loss of libido. If you have symptoms of low testosterone, it is essential to get help as soon as possible. And with the right treatments, men can resume normal lives without feeling the effects of low testosterone.
While the cause of low testosterone is still unknown, there are several causes of it. In some cases, a low-T level can be a result of trauma to the testicles, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. There are also genetic disorders that affect the production of testosterone, such as Klinefelter syndrome. Genetic variants of the Y chromosome may also contribute to low testosterone levels. When used to treat hypogonadism, testosterone replacement may reduce spermatogenesis and pos a risk of infertility.
A low-T level is common in men and can cause many problems. A pituitary disorder, a brain tumor, or an undescended testicle, can interfere with the hormone release. Certain medications, including antidepressants and opioids, can also cause low levels. Furthermore, aging can cause a drop in testosterone levels, especially in men. This is especially true if the low T is due to an underlying disease, such as diabetes.
Depending on the cause, a doctor may run a luteinizing hormone test to determine whether the cause of your Low-T level is a pituitary gland problem. Blood hemoglobin levels can also indicate low levels of Hgb. This can be a sign of a tumor, and therefore requires further testing. If you suspect that you may have Low Testosterone, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
If you suspect that you have low testosterone, the first step is to see your primary care physician. Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning. A level of 300 ng/dL is considered low. Nearly 98% of testosterone is bound to proteins in the blood, including albumin and sex hormone binding globulin. Free testosterone is not bound to proteins and is generally associated with sexual problems.
In addition to the physical changes associated with low levels of testosterone, men can suffer from poor concentration, less energy, and sleep problems. Low levels of testosterone may even prevent a man from fathering a child. Some health conditions can lower testosterone levels, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and steroid medicines. If you’re taking one of these medicines, ask your doctor about getting your testosterone tested. If your doctor suspects low testosterone, you should take the appropriate precautions.
Treatment options for low testosterone levels can include a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. One such treatment is testosterone replacement therapy, which involves self-injections of testosterone to replace lost testosterone. These can be very painful and require repeated sessions. Alternatively, testosterone gels can be applied to the skin twice daily and can be gradually increased to higher levels. When you choose a testosterone therapy, remember that the dosage will fluctuate over a period of two to four weeks, so it’s best to start small and increase your dose over time.
While testosterone levels naturally decrease as men age, obesity and malnutrition may be the leading causes of low testosterone in men. Age-related increases in weight are directly linked to lower testosterone levels, as is excessive exercise. But there are many more causes, including genetics and an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Once you have been diagnosed with Low Testosterone, your doctor will discuss your options for treatment. You’ll be glad you did!
In addition to pituitary disorders, other causes of low testosterone include HIV/AIDS and certain medications. Symptoms of low testosterone include depressed mood, decreased energy, and a lack of muscle mass. Low testosterone can also be caused by an undescended testicle. In addition to these causes, some people experience low testosterone temporarily or permanently, as a result of surgery or major illness. If your symptoms persist, your doctor may prescribe an appropriate treatment.
If you have low testosterone, the level of testosterone in your blood is below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). However, the upper limit of normal is between 1,000 and 2000 ng/dL. Nonetheless, your doctor will need to conduct a full blood test to make sure that you do have hypogonadism. The lower limit of normal is 350 ng/dL. Another test that can detect low testosterone is the serum testosterone level.
