Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that is important for sexual and reproductive development. Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism, occurs when the body does not produce enough testosterone due to issues with the testicles or pituitary gland.
Some signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels in men include:
Diagnosing testosterone deficiency usually involves a blood test to measure total testosterone, free testosterone, and other related hormones. A level below 300 ng/dL is generally considered low testosterone.
If diagnosed with low T, treatment options include:
Here are some frequently asked questions about testosterone deficiency:
What causes low testosterone?
Common reasons for low testosterone include aging, injury/trauma to the testicles, pituitary tumors, inflammatory diseases, obesity, sleep apnea, alcoholism, opioid pain medication use, and radiation exposure/chemotherapy. Genetic conditions like Klinefelter’s syndrome can also affect testosterone.
How is low testosterone treated?
If lifestyle changes like weight loss, diet, and exercise do not improve symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy is typically used. Options include injections, gels/creams, patches, and pellets placed under skin. Follow-up care monitors treatment effectiveness and adjusts dosage as needed.
What are the risks of testosterone deficiency?
Untreated testosterone deficiency can contribute to osteoporosis, loss of lean muscle mass, increased body fat, impaired fertility or low sperm count, anemia, hot flashes, fatigue, and mental fogginess. It has also been linked to higher risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.