You may have noticed that you don’t have as much energy as before, or that you have developed issues during intimacy. This is not something you should be ashamed of – instead, it may be a sign of a larger medical concern.
Low testosterone is something that 19 to 39 percent of older men deal with. And while low testosterone can lead to several health issues, the opposite can also be true in that certain conditions can lead to low levels of testosterone. If you have any concerns, it’s critical that you speak with an experienced specialist in men’s health to determine the problem.
Here are some answers to questions you may have around low testosterone:
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is the male sex hormone. During puberty, those levels are important for developing features in men like a deeper voice, facial hair, and muscle strength. As men grow older, testosterone levels naturally decrease. But too much loss leads to hypogonadism, which is defined as testosterone levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter. A variety of factors – from injury to obesity – can lead to low testosterone.
What are signs of low testosterone in men?
There are several warning signs to look for if you feel low testosterone is an issue. Five of the most important factors are:
- Low sex drive: You may not feel as strong an urge toward intimacy as before.
- Erectile dysfunction: You may experience issues with maintaining an erection during sexual activity.
- Fatigue: You may have a general feeling of tiredness.
- Loss of muscle: Low testosterone and muscle mass go hand in hand. You may experience a loss of lean muscle.
- Irritability: You may experience sudden mood swings or hot flashes.
What about weight gain?
There are other connections associated with low testosterone. Weight gain and obesity can result in lower testosterone levels. Studies have shown that men who lose weight do see a boost in testosterone levels. Other studies have proved that testosterone therapy can produce sustained and significant weight loss.
What about low testosterone and hair loss?
Some hair loss can be attributed to aging. But if you are noticing bald spots you haven’t seen before, are struggling to grow beard hair that used to sprout quickly or notice more thinning hair on your body than usual, it could be an indication of low testosterone.
What type of doctor treats low testosterone?
You may be wondering, “Are there low testosterone doctors near me?” The answer is yes. If you have questions about this issue, you want to make sure to schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable urologist who can discuss with you what symptoms you may be experiencing and can provide targeted and precise therapy.
What are low testosterone treatment options?
There are several effective therapy options for low testosterone. Your urologist should be able to provide you with a range of options and discuss what may work best for you, along with any potential side effects.
- Topical medicines: These creams are rubbed on the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Injections: Testosterone can be injected into the buttocks or thighs. While effective, it can lead to peaks and valleys of testosterone and an increase in mood swings.
- Pellets: Small pellets are inserted under the skin at the doctor’s office. This pain-free procedure will then produce steady testosterone releases for a 3- to 4-month period.
What else do I need to know about the pellets?
A small number of pellets, about the size of Tic Tacs, are inserted into the fat of the buttocks. The five-minute procedure is preferred by many patients because of the low side effects and strong outcomes. This method produces consistent testosterone release.
If you are worried about low testosterone, consult an expert. Testing can be done to determine if you have a problem and what steps you can take to fix it. Most men deal with low testosterone quickly and safely. Don’t let low T slow down your life.
