Many men face symptoms of low testosterone (low T) throughout life, such as low energy and low sex drive.
There has been a lot of discussion and research of menopause in women, however, not until recently has there been a spotlight on low Testosterone (low T) in men. Some have called this “Andropause”. Low testosterone affects about 40% of men over the age of 45. As men age, their levels of testosterone may decrease. Increasingly, people are mentally, physically, and sexually active much later in life than our parents or grandparents. At the Austin Urology Institute we do an extensive work-up to find the source of your symptoms and help you feel better.
Testosterone is a vital hormone in men responsible for regulating muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and libido. Low testosterone (low T), or hypogonadism, occurs when the body produces insufficient levels of this hormone, potentially impacting physical and emotional health.
Low T can manifest in a variety of ways, including:
Physical Symptoms:
-Decreased muscle mass and strength
-Increased body fat
-Low energy or chronic fatigue
-Thinning hair or hair loss
-Reduced bone density (osteoporosis)
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms:
-Depressed mood or irritability
-Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
Sexual Symptoms:
-Reduced libido (sex drive)
-Erectile dysfunction
-Fewer spontaneous erections
Low T can result from various factors, including:
Aging: Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, typically by about 1%-2% per year after age 40.
Medical Conditions:
-Diabetes
-Obesity
-Metabolic syndrome
-Chronic illnesses (e.g., kidney or liver disease)
Injury or Damage: Trauma to the testes or conditions affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Lifestyle Factors: Excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and chronic stress.
Medications: Certain treatments, such as opioids or corticosteroids, may suppress testosterone production.
Medical History and Physical Exam:
We will discuss symptoms, lifestyle, and any underlying conditions.
Blood Tests:
Testosterone levels are measured through a blood test, typically conducted in the morning when levels are highest.
Additional tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions or determine the root cause.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, weight loss, stress management, and quality sleep can help naturally boost testosterone levels.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT):
-Delivered via injections, gels, or pellets, TRT aims to restore testosterone to normal levels.
-Benefits may include improved energy, mood, libido, and overall well-being.
-Regular monitoring is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment, as TRT may carry risks such as blood clots, sleep apnea, or elevated red blood cell counts.
Address Underlying Causes:
-Treating conditions like obesity, diabetes, or thyroid issues can help improve testosterone levels without direct hormone therapy.
Medications:
-In some cases, medications (i.e Clomid or Enclomid) that stimulate natural testosterone production may be recommended.
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