Low Testosterone American Diabetes Association

Treating low testosterone levels

Any issue with your testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary gland can cause low testosterone (male hypogonadism). This could result from a combination of the irritability, decreased sex drive, and fatigue that can come with low testosterone. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not commonly caused by low testosterone production. In cases where ED accompanies lower testosterone production, hormone replacement therapy may help your ED. Production increases during puberty and starts to decrease after age 30.

But unlike menopause, awareness around low testosterone symptoms is less common. Providing access to accurate information about low testosterone and a straightforward way to access quality care can help more people find the right treatment options for them. A blood test called a serum testosterone test is used to determine the level of circulating testosterone in a body. The test is usually performed in the morning, when T levels are highest. In general, a diagnosis of low testosterone is made if the hormone’s level is below 300 ng/dL.

As boys exit puberty and enter adulthood, testosterone maintains muscle strength and mass, hair growth, bone density, sexual functions, energy and mood levels. Generally, testosterone levels are highest in the morning and lowest in the evening but fluctuation does occur with age. Be open with your doctor about your medical history, all prescription and nonprescription drugs you are now taking, sexual problems, and any major changes in your life. Your doctor will take a thorough history of your symptoms and then complete a physical exam, including your body hair, breast tissue, and the size and consistency of the testes and scrotum. Your doctor will also use blood tests to see if your total testosterone level is low. To get a diagnosis of hypogonadism, you need at least two early morning (7–10 AM) blood tests that reveal low testosterone in addition to signs and symptoms typical of low testosterone. The cause of hypogonadism can be investigated further by your doctor.

As men age, testosterone levels tend to decline, which is normal. However, low T can cause unwanted symptoms and sometimes health concerns. Your provider will test your blood level of testosterone if you have signs or symptoms of hypogonadism. Because testosterone levels vary and are generally highest in the morning, blood testing is usually done early in the day, before 10 a.m., possibly on more than one day. Talk to a healthcare provider if you struggle with any of these symptoms.

TRT is also available as injections, skin patches, and pellets placed under the skin. Most people will notice relief from symptoms within 3–60 weeks of starting TRT. People with low testosterone may find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Semen is the fluid that makes bucked up testosterone booster (renewmespa.com) the majority of male ejaculate. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth.

Testosterone replacement also affects metabolic parameters, with effects on cholesterol occurring in 4 weeks, peaking at 6–12 months, and blood sugar levels improving after 3–12 months. On average, it takes about 3 weeks to see an improvement in sexual desire (libido), energy, and mood. Men are increasingly seeking testosterone measurement for a variety of reasons and GPs are thus faced with a burgeoning number of ‘low testosterone’ results needing to be actioned. As the diagnosis of hypogonadism is not always straightforward, careful clinical and biochemical assessment is essential prior to prescribing. A doctor can check your testosterone level with a simple blood test.

LH then travels to your gonads (testicles or ovaries) and stimulates the production and release of testosterone. Your pituitary also releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to cause sperm production. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of low testosterone, ask your doctor to test your levels. A diagnosis can be made with a simple blood test, and there are a variety of treatment options to reduce unwanted side effects of low T. In addition to causing physical changes, having low levels of testosterone can affect you on an emotional level. Some people have trouble with memory and concentration and experience lowered motivation and self-confidence.

Typical exam or diagnostic findings include obesity, loss of body hair, gynecomastia, mild anemia, and osteoporosis. Testicular volume may be decreased (normal volume 15 to 30 mL, equivalent to the size of a quarter dollar coin). In addition to size determination, the testes should be palpated to rule out the presence of a mass, which may represent a benign or malignant tumor.

An experienced urologist can help identify if Low T is the cause of your symptoms and provide effective treatment options, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Low testosterone, otherwise known as ‘Low T,’ is a common condition that affects nearly 40 percent of men over the age of 45. Testosterone is the hormone that helps men maintain and develop muscle mass, red blood cell levels, bone density, sexual and reproductive function and a general sense of well-being. While levels start dropping at around age 30, when they get too low, men can start to notice some unpleasant symptoms.

See your health care provider if you have symptoms of male hypogonadism. Finding the cause of hypogonadism is an important first step to getting appropriate treatment. The primary question that needs to be addressed at that time is whether they may want to conceive children again in the future.