If you feel like you’re lacking in a certain vitality that you used to have, you could actually be suffering from the effects of low testosterone. It’s normal for testosterone levels to decline as you get older but it can really affect how you feel. According to the American Urological Association, about 40 percent of men over the age of 45 have low testosterone.
When you have low testosterone, it may be a symptom of Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome or simply “low t.” Low testosterone is a real problem, but it’s fixable. The providers at Atlas Men’s Clinic explain more about recognizing the signs of low testosterone.
What are the signs of low testosterone?
The symptoms of low testosterone may be subtle at first, but they tend to get worse over time. Some of the signs you may notice include the following:
- Low sex drive
- Irritability
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Less body hair
- Less beard growth
- Reduced lean muscle mass
- Erectile dysfunction
Some of these symptoms may indicate other health issues, such as diabetes or high cholesterol, so it’s vital to have a thorough health checkup to rule out other causes.
What causes low testosterone
Low testosterone may seem like a typical effect of aging, but it can have other causes. Some of the other causes of low testosterone may include:
- Testicle injuries
- Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation
- Stress
- AIDS
- Alcohol use disorder
- Using certain medications
Even if you have some of these conditions, you may still be able to take testosterone therapy. Your provider will evaluate your overall health to determine whether or not you can safely take testosterone therapy.
Tests we may perform
In diagnosing low testosterone, we may order specific blood tests. These may include the following:
- Serum testosterone
- Prolactin level
- Luteinizing hormone
All these hormones play a role in your body’s ability to produce testosterone. If they’re imbalanced, it can result in low testosterone.
Treatment for low testosterone
If you have low testosterone, you may get testosterone supplementation. These supplements come in the following forms:
- Oral medications
- Patches
- Pellets placed under your skin
- Skin gel
- Injections
You may have side effects from medications, including acne and fluid retention. If you find it bothersome, we may be able to adjust the dose.
Not everyone is a good candidate for testosterone replacement therapy; if you have a heart condition or plan to have children, it may not be a good choice for you at this current time.
If you think that you have low testosterone, it’s a good idea to get checked. If you have low testosterone, you can feel better by starting to take supplements. Call our Atlas Men’s Clinic providers or use the online feature to request an appointment today at one of our offices in Los Angeles or San Diego, California.
