What Is Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism or Low T, is a common condition men experience as they age. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone essential for male reproductive health, overall health, and well-being.
Causes of Low Testosterone
A variety of conditions can cause low testosterone. Causes of low testosterone include:
- Age: Beginning around the age of 30, testosterone levels in men naturally begin to decline.
- Injury or infection: Damage to the testicles or conditions such as mumps can impair testosterone production.
- Testicular cancer or treatment: Testicular cancer or its treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, can affect testosterone levels.
- Hormonal disorders: Conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or adrenal gland disorders can lead to low testosterone.
- Chronic illness: Long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or HIV/AIDS, can cause low testosterone levels.
- Obesity: Excess body fat can interfere with hormone production and regulation, leading to reduced testosterone levels.
- Medications: Certain medications, like corticosteroids or opioid pain relievers, can impact testosterone production.
- Substance abuse: Alcohol, tobacco, and drug use can negatively affect testosterone levels.
- Genetic conditions: Some genetic disorders, like Klinefelter syndrome, can cause low testosterone.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone can appear in various ways, and its symptoms can be physical and emotional. Common symptoms include:
- Reduced libido: A decrease in sex drive is often one of the first signs of low testosterone.
- Erectile dysfunction: Low testosterone can contribute to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Fatigue: Chronic tiredness and a lack of energy can be linked to low testosterone levels.
- Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass: Testosterone plays a vital role in maintaining muscle strength and mass, so a decline in levels can lead to weakness and atrophy.
- Decreased bone density: Low testosterone can reduce bone density, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
- Mood changes: Low testosterone has been associated with depression, irritability, and a decreased sense of well-being.
- Sleep disturbances: Testosterone imbalances can lead to insomnia or other sleep disorders.
- Gynecomastia: Low testosterone can cause breast tissue development in men — a condition known as gynecomastia.
- Hair loss: A decrease in testosterone levels can contribute to thinning or loss of body and facial hair.
- Testicle shrinkage: Reduced testosterone production can cause the testicles to shrink in size.
Treatments for Low Testosterone
Before you receive treatment for low testosterone, your physician will conduct a blood test will to measure your testosterone levels. If your levels are low, several treatment options are available to help. These include:
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): This treatment involves supplementing the body with testosterone through injections, patches, gels, or pellets implanted under the skin.
- Lifestyle changes: Improving your diet, increasing physical activity, and managing stress can help boost testosterone levels naturally.
- Treatment of underlying conditions: Addressing conditions like obesity, thyroid disorders, or sleep apnea can help improve testosterone levels.
- Medication adjustments: If certain medications are contributing to low testosterone levels, your doctor may recommend adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication.
- Testosterone-boosting foods: Consuming a diet rich in zinc, vitamin D, and healthy fats can help support testosterone production. Foods such as oysters, lean meats, eggs, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon can be beneficial.
Low Testosterone: When To See a Doctor
Low testosterone can significantly impact your quality of life. If you believe you’re suffering from low testosterone, you should schedule an appointment with a urologist. Your urologist can confirm a diagnosis of low testosterone and can help you identify potential causes.
With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, managing low testosterone and regaining your overall health and well-being is possible.
Urology Center Of Iowa
Clinic Locations
Phone
515-400-3550
Fax
515-400-3551
Address
12129 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325
Need A Urologist?
Contact us at one of our locations to schedule an appointment.