Low T-like symptoms could signal something more serious

Low T-like symptoms could signal something more serious

It is important to remember that males typically lose testosterone as they age, and the potential benefits of lifestyle changes also decrease over time. In males, hypogonadism, a condition where the testicles produce little or no testosterone, may occur at any age. One 2017 review found that testosterone replacement therapy significantly improved depression symptoms and overall quality of life in those with low testosterone. Many people experience hair loss as a natural part of aging, and age-related hair loss can also affect anyone. Low testosterone can lead to reduced levels of energy and fatigue. 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.

Beginning around the age of 30, testosterone levels in men often start to decline. This can result in a variety of symptoms ranging from fatigue, difficulty with exercising and gaining muscle, weight gain, decreased sex drive, and erectile problems. Testosterone, in spite of its popular image as the sex hormone, is more complicated than we think. It is essential for normal functioning and development of the male body. Be open with your doctor about your medical history, all prescription and nonprescription drugs you are now taking, sexual problems, and any major changes in your life. Your doctor will take a thorough history of your symptoms and then complete a physical exam, including your body hair, breast tissue, and the size and consistency of the testes and scrotum. Your doctor will also use blood tests to see if your total testosterone level is low.

Whatever the case, we will get to the root of your problem and help return you to your optimal health again. The gel is convenient, because you can rub it in once a day, after you shower, dry off and start dressing. This is a small addition to your daily routine, and keeps your testosterone level very stable from day to day. If you have one or more of the above symptoms, we will measure your testosterone level with a blood sample. Men who wish to father children may wish to consult a reproductive health specialist before starting testosterone replacement therapy. Urologists tailor treatment to a patient’s personal situation, prescribing formulations that are safe and effective for you. We will also monitor your health after you start testosterone therapy, making any adjustments as needed.

Read on to learn about some of the lesser-known warning signs of low testosterone. Get the details about low testosterone, from its symptoms and causes to how it’s diagnosed and treated. Learn who’s most at risk, how long the condition may last, and the possible side effects of hormone therapy. In the case of medical testosterone deficiency, TRT can have a supportive effect. A healthy testosterone level can be supported by a holistic approach. This consists of a combination of nutrition, certain vitamins and minerals, exercise, sleep and more. Even if your levels are low and you have symptoms, low free testosterone normal total testosterone (politecnicotafalla.educacion.navarra.es)-t therapy is not always the first course of action.

Ambiguous genitalia, micropenis, and bilateral cryptorchidism are all signs of testosterone deficiency in pre-pubertal males. Karyotype testing should be performed in young adults to rule out conditions such as Turner and Klinefelter syndromes, which can result in testosterone deficiency. But we’re beginning to see more men in their 20s with low-T at the UT Southwestern male urology clinic. Sometimes low-T is caused by medical conditions, such as genetic diseases or past chemotherapy or radiation therapy. More often, symptoms can be linked to sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, anxiety, or depression. Most men respond very favorably to testosterone replacement therapy and report feeling better all-round! We prescribe low doses of testosterone as a transdermal cream (which is more convenient than pellets or injections) to restore an individual’s physiological levels.

A testosterone test measures the amount of testosterone in the blood. If you’re worried that you might have testosterone imbalance, you might want to think about a testosterone test. Your doctor can perform a testosterone test or you can order a quick and easy to use at-home testing kit. Our testosterone page explains the functions of testosterone in the body. In this article, we talk about how to get testosterone tested and some of the signs of testosterone imbalance in men and women. Testosterone plays a role in the development of muscle mass, and reduced levels of the hormone can result in a significant loss of muscle mass.

Another way low T can make you feel tired and weak is by causing anemia, a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your organs and tissues. Research into how low T levels affect memory hasn’t come up with a definitive cause-and-effect relationship. But it’s clear that as men age and their T levels drop, their cognitive abilities decline, too. And anecdotally, many men express that they feel a mental fog lifting off of them when they start on TRT, says Calvert. Other low testosterone symptoms—gaining weight, losing hair, and a lack of energy can also make your interest in sex decline.

If your testosterone level drops, as it does for almost 40% of men 45 and over, you may need to seek some help so you can maintain normal body functions. Depression is one of the most important and common symptom of low testosterone levels (4). Healthy male testosterone levels range between 450 and 600 ng/dL. Low testosterone is when testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL. Some research suggests that hot flashes may be a symptom of very low testosterone levels. However, a 2017 study on testosterone supplementation did not find memory improvements in 493 men with low testosterone levels who took testosterone or a placebo. About 15% of men with fertility problems have low testosterone levels.

It may take several measurements to determine if a patient has low testosterone as levels normally fluctuate throughout the day. The highest levels of testosterone are generally in the morning, near 8 a.m. If your most concerning symptom from lower testosterone is erectile dysfunction, erectile dysfunction medications may help. Regardless of the reason you’re experiencing low testosterone, treatment options are available to increase testosterone or reduce unwanted side effects. Testosterone replacement therapy may contribute to or cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly while you sleep. It can disrupt your sleep pattern in the process and raise your risk for other complications, like having a stroke.