Things You Should Know
- If you’re a man, low testosterone may cause you to have a decreased libido, trouble getting or maintaining an erection, or decreased sperm counts.
- You might also notice physical changes, like smaller testicles, swollen breasts, hot flashes, and a decrease in muscle mass.
- If you’re a woman and you have low testosterone, you might notice a decreased sex drive, muscle weakness, decreased vaginal lubrication during sex, or even infertility.
- There are a lot of factors that can lead to low testosterone levels, including your age, weight, and certain conditions like high blood pressure or alcoholism.
- If you think you have low testosterone, have your levels checked by your doctor, then talk about your treatment options.
What Are The Most Common Signs Of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone can cause numerous symptoms, from changes in your muscle mass and bone health, to issues that affect mood, energy and sexual function.
If you have low testosterone, you may notice one or more symptoms.
Weve listed several of the most common signs of low testosterone in men below, along with information on how each issue may affect your health and wellbeing.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy And Prostate Cancer: Is There A Link
In past decades, many scientists believed that higher levels of total testosterone came with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
It was thought that low testosterone production actually helped protect against prostate diseases, so restoring testosterone to normal levels â through testosterone therapy â could mean a greater chance of prostate cancer.
So could prostate cancer be a potential risk of TRT?
Not likely, says todayâs researchers. While initial studies suggested a link between high T levels and prostate cancer, much more modern research â using much more rigorous methods â has convincingly shown that testosterone therapy comes with âlittle if any riskâ of prostate cancer.
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When Testosterone Therapy Might Help
Men who are no longer interested in conceiving may benefit from safe, monitored testosterone replacement therapy. Some patients with genetic issues that cause subfertility, such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, may also benefit.
Natural options
- Lose a few pounds: Approximately 30% of obese men have low-T. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, the more muscle you have, the less likely your body is to store excess calories as fat. However, some research suggests that low-T contributes to weight gain it’s a vicious cycle. Start by cutting belly fat, which is good for your heart health and general wellness.
- Eat a healthy diet: For full-body health and hormone balance, consider the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on lean proteins, healthy fats, and plant-based foods. Also enjoy foods that are high in vitamin D, which supports testosterone production, strong bones, and mood. Some of these include eggs, salmon, and mushrooms.
- Rethink online viewing habits: Pornography is readily available online and it can perpetuate skewed expectations for what masculinity and sexual virility should feel like. Your body was not designed to perform sexually for hours on end what you’re seeing on the screen is cinematography, not reality.
Medication options
How Can I Test My Testosterone Levels At Home
Odds are, youve seen ads for at-home tests for testosterone levels. But before you spend your hard-earned cash on a random product you heard about online, lets make sure youre buying something that will actually give you accurate results.
If youre hoping to get a short and sweet list of the best at-home testosterone tests out there, what we say next might just disappoint you but its our responsibility to give it to you straight. Theres way too much potential for user error with home testing for testosterone, and a legitimate low-T doctor is going to want you to get a reliable lab test anyway.
But before you feel too let down, heres where we make it up to you. We can coordinate an at-home test facilitated by a trusted technician, so you can have the best of both worlds. You dont even have to leave your house, and you can be completely confident that the testing process is error-free.
Focal Point Vitality also partners with labs across the U.S., so figuring out where to get a testosterone test can be as easy as stopping by a lab near you. Instead of coordinating appointments with a low testosterone clinic, then getting referred to a lab provider, you can skip straight to the part where youre getting the information you need.
If you want to know more about how to get a testosterone test on your terms, reach out to our team today for additional details.
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How Can Low Testosterone Reduce The Quality Of My Health
If you have had your blood levels tested and received a diagnosis of Low T, then you probably already understand how the symptoms that answer the question of how do I know if I have low testosterone levels can reduce the overall quality of your life. The low energy and loss of stamina that is caused by this hormone imbalance has probably curtailed your enjoyment of an active and rewarding lifestyle. Your low sex drive and erectile performance issues have probably diminished much of the sexual passion in your life. Your condition of chronic physical and mental fatigue is probably making you feel like a much older version of yourself. These things are not typically considered to be life threatening but they can certainly cause a substantial decline in an adults lifestyle satisfaction.
But what about the detrimental influence that Low T exerts on your overall condition of healthfulness? If you consider good health to be an essential component of your quality of life, then you will want to know how an untreated testosterone deficiency can have both an immediate and future undesirable effect on your wellness and longevity. It is a disorder that contributes to the loss of bone density and increases your risk for developing osteoporosis. It reduces the mass and healthy tone of your muscles. It places you at a higher risk for diabetes. And studies have suggested that it can shorten your projected longevity.
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Doctors
Who Shouldnt Take Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy may cause the prostate to grow. If a man has early prostate cancer, there is concern that testosterone may stimulate the cancers growth. Therefore, men who have prostate cancer should not take testosterone replacement therapy. It is important for all men considering testosterone replacement therapy to undergo prostate screening before starting this therapy.
Other men who should not take testosterone replacement therapy include those who have:
- An enlarged prostate resulting in urinary symptoms
- A lump on their prostate that has not been evaluated
- A PSA measurement above 4
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No : Problems Concentrating
Testosterone deficiency can have more than a physical impact. It can also affect your ability to concentrate. Men with low testosterone are more likely to experience memory problems and have difficulty focusing. This can impact your work performance as well as your ability to accomplish everyday tasks. Fortunately, TRT has helped many men restore their cognitive abilities.
Growing older doesnt have to mean putting up with uncomfortable symptoms. Men everywhere are discovering the benefits of TRT. For more information, schedule an appointment online or over the phone with Balance Hormone Center today.
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When Should I Consult A Doctor About My Testosterone Levels
If you are concerned about your reproductive health or are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms of having high or low testosterone, it may be a good idea to speak with a doctor.
You can explain your symptoms to your doctor, who may suggest a testosterone test or other hormonal tests to help diagnose your symptoms and create a treatment plan.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Low Testosterone
Feel like youre losing your mojo? Find out if your low sex drive or other signs and symptoms could be due to a lower-than-normal testosterone level.
Tired? Feeling blue? Low libido? This vague collection of symptoms may just seem like a slump, but it could actually be caused by low testosterone, also called hypogonadism or low T.
As with all hormones, testosterone levels can change. Experts estimate that more than 4.5 million men in the United States have low testosterone levels. Signs of low testosterone include difficulty achieving an erection and shifts in your body fat and muscle mass. These signs and symptoms might not seem urgent to treat, but they still deserve attention because low testosterone can affect your long-term health and quality of life. Whats more, low testosterone can itself be a symptom of a more serious health condition.
What Is Low Testosterone?
Testosterone is known as the male hormone both men and women produce testosterone, but men produce tenfold more, explains Alan Shindel, MD, director of mens health at the University of California, Davis, Health System in Sacramento. Testosterone in men, which is made by male reproductive glands called the testes, is responsible for the development of typically masculine characteristics during puberty, such as a deeper voice and facial hair. During adulthood, testosterone helps maintain your sex drive and appears to play a role in keeping your overall physical health on track.
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Treatment For Low Testosterone
If youre experiencing any of the signs of low testosterone, its important to first talk to your doctor. Many of these signs are common and could be reflective of other problems. To ensure that youre getting the proper treatment, a medical diagnosis is needed. If your doctor concludes that your suffering from low testosterone, only then should you consider treatment. Never try to self-treat low testosterone with medications that have not been approved by your doctorits too risky. Instead, talk to your doctor about treatment options to find one that works for you.
You know your body best, so if you start to notice any of these signs of low testosterone dont hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to test for testosterone imbalances and then help you correct them to mitigate these signs of symptoms. If you need any urological supplies or educational resources, visit our educational support page or our product selection guide. Byram Healthcare is proud to offer full-service urological care and we have all the high quality urological supplies that you need. If you need to order any urological supplies, all of your orders can be discreetly delivered to your home. If you have any urological questions or need personalized, confidential services, our customer service team is here to help.
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Sex Is A Lot Less Compelling
If you find yourself more interested in sleep or watching TV than engaging in sex as often, you could have low testosterone levels. Diminished sex drive is one of the most common symptoms of low T, and commonly mistaken for a byproduct of aging. And while theres nothing wrong with desiring sex less frequently, these symptoms could lead to relationship difficulties and prevent you from reaping potential benefits of sex, such as reduced stress and stronger immune function.
How To Tell If You Have Low Testosterone
This article was co-authored by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is board certified.There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 32,562 times.
Testosterone is the male hormone, but it is also found in women. In men, it is produced in the testes.XResearch source In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries, the adrenal glands, and in various tissues of the body.XResearch source Both women and men can suffer from low testosterone. If you believe this might be a problem for you, there are ways you can tell if have low testosterone.
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Is Low Testosterone Genetic
Genetic variants that affect the Y chromosome and the sex hormone-binding globulin may result in a higher risk for low testosterone. SHBG is a protein that helps deliver testosterone to the bodys tissues.
Rare genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome, where males have an extra X chromosome, may also affect testosterone production.
A 2021 study identified 141 new genetic markers that may assist in determining the risk for low testosterone.
Signs Of Low Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone found in both men and women, but it is the primary sex hormone in males. It is responsible for deepening the voice and developing body hair and muscle mass of boys during puberty. Testosterone is all needed in order to produce sperm. As men age, testosterone levels typically decrease, but in some cases, men develop a testosterone deficiency called Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome or simply Low Testosterone . Low testosterone affects nearly 40% of men aged 45 and older.
Low testosterone can be identified through a variety of symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the following signs of LT, contact Alliance Urology to figure out the best treatment plan for you.
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What Are The Treatments For Low Testosterone In Women
Treatments for low testosterone in women havent been largely studied by medical experts. While doctors know about the effects of excess testosterone in women, the symptoms of too-little testosterone arent as well known. As a result, doctors dont always have the same regimen for treatments related to low testosterone levels.
Doctors may prescribe a medication called Estratest in post-menopausal women. This medicine has both estrogen as well as testosterone in it. However, the testosterone form is a synthetic one and may not be as effective in treating low testosterone.
Doctors can also administer injections of testosterone and medical researchers are currently studying the effects of testosterone patches and pellets implanted in the skin. Some women may also obtain testosterone gel formulations from compounding pharmacies. However, these gels are traditionally used for men that have much higher average testosterone levels than when compared with women.
An over-the-counter option is taking a DHEA supplement. Because DHEA is a precursor to testosterone, the idea is that if someone takes DHEA, they could increase the amount of testosterone in their body. Speak with your doctor before starting a DHEA supplement as treatment for low testosterone.
Having too much testosterone in your body can also cause side effects. Side effects of excess testosterone use in women include:
- Acne
How Do I Decide On A Treatment Plan
People have to understand there can be various causes of low testosterone, Dr. Mezitis says. Its not just a question of whether the testicles are making enough, he says. The question is, Why is this happening?
Dr. Mezitis agrees that your doctor needs to distinguish whether the low T is primarily a testicle issue or a pituitary issue.
In addition, Dr. Mezitis says, he considers many other things before suggesting testosterone therapy, such as the status of a mans prostate health: If there is a prostate issue, I am careful about replacing testosterone.
According to guidelines from the American Urological Association, there is currently inadequate evidence to quantify the risk of testosterone therapy in men who had prostate cancer.
He would also consider a patients risk of cardiovascular disease, as the jury is out on the relationship between testosterone therapy and cardiovascular risk.
Treatment has to be tailored to the individual patient, he says. Patients on testosterone replacement should be checked for prostate pathology, high red cell mass and blood clotting, and other hormone disorders. The choice of testosterone replacement and the low T patients management should be decided with the expertise of an endocrinologist.
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Men Naturally Lose Testosterone As They Age But There Are Low
Testosterone is the hormone that gives men their manliness. Produced by the testicles, it is responsible for male characteristics like a deep voice, muscular build, and facial hair. Testosterone also fosters the production of red blood cells, boosts mood, keeps bones strong, and aids thinking ability. Lack of testosterone, often nicknamed, low-t, can cause unwanted symptoms.
Testosterone levels peak by early adulthood and drop as you ageabout 1% to 2% a year beginning in the 40s. As men reach their 50s and beyond, this may lead to signs and symptoms, such as impotence or changes in sexual desire, depression or anxiety, reduced muscle mass, less energy, weight gain, anemia, and hot flashes. While falling testosterone levels are a normal part of aging, certain conditions can hasten the decline. Low t risk factors include:
- injury or infection
- obesity