How Does Low Testosterone Affect Men?

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Testosterone is a natural hormone responsible for the normal growth and development of certain male organs and for maintenance of other masculine traits. In men, testosterone is produced in the testes (the reproductive glands that also produce sperm) and regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. With low testosterone levels, men can experience a decrease in energy and libido, increase in body fat, and emotional changes.

A decrease in testosterone levels is to be expected as men age. Other factors can also contribute to low T, including chronic health issues such as diabetes or obesity, medications such as corticosteroids or trauma. Our comprehensive health assessment tests for low testosterone levels as well as a multitude of other related issues and can be treated with customized, testosterone replacement therapy treatment plans.

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How Common Is Low Testosterone?

It’s hard to pin down an exact number for exactly how common testosterone deficiency is among men. The condition becomes drastically more common as men age, and it’s estimated that as many as 40% of older men have low testosterone.

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Many men, especially younger men, are nervous to seek treatment for low testosterone. While symptoms differ from person to person, men with low testosterone also experience a decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction, and heart disease.  Waiting to seek help can lead to the late detection and worsening of these progressive conditions.

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Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone

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Fatigue

Low testosterone can result in a lack of energy. If you find that you’re feeling sleepy for much of the day, even after you’ve had a good night of rest, there’s a high chance that a hormonal imbalance is to blame. Many patients find that their energy levels soar after they begin testosterone therapy.

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Weight gain, particularly around the belly

Testosterone encourages muscle growth. When men do not have enough testosterone, it can inhibit muscle growth. Muscle tissue burns calories at a higher rate than fat tissue. When men have low testosterone, it can result in fat gain, and for mostmen, that gain happens around the belly and hips. Sometimes, the imbalance of testosterone and estrogen can cause men to hold onto more body fat than they would otherwise.

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Loss of mental clarity and difficulty concentrating

Studies have shown that men who take testosterone tend to experience an increase in memory. Testosterone affects many physical processes in the body, and focus, clarity, and memory are no exception. Life issues caused by low testosterone- such as stress and relationship issues- can also play a role in the struggle to focus.

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Loss of libido

While most men experience a decrease in interest and libido as they age, low testosterone causes a steeper drop-off than what is normal for most men. Low testosterone can cause a variety of health issues (such as hair loss and erectile dysfunction) that may also inhibit certain desires.

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Depression, irritability or anxiety

Low testosterone can result in a number of mood changes. Hormonal imbalances are often to blame for depression, anxiety, and other mood issues. Fatigue caused by low testosterone can also add to these issues.

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Loss of muscle mass

Since testosterone is key for building muscle in the body, low testosterone can cause loss of muscle mass. This loss of mass can also add to fat gain, as previously mentioned.

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Increased hair loss

Some men begin to lose hair as they age, and low testosterone can also play a role, especially if the balding occurs suddenly.

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How Treatment Works for Low Testosterone

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By knowing your testosterone numbers, our medical professionals can provide quality treatment for low T and other underlying conditions with testosterone replacement therapy. Your path to vitality happens with four steps:

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1. Health Assessment
   During your initial visit, our medical professional will conduct a comprehensive health assessment, including a simple blood test. This test is part of a full lab panel, including your PSA, A1C, and more. All of your lab results, the responses to our health questionnaire and your medical history will be discussed with our medical provider at your next office visit.

2. Personalized Plan
   Based on your health assessment, lab results and medical history, your provider will create your personalized testosterone replacement therapy treatment plan, if testosterone therapy is appropriate.

3. Treatment Regimen
   Your treatment regimen is based on your personalized plan. If your numbers indicate low t, we will discuss testosterone replacement treatment options using testosterone replacement injections, which are administered by a medical professional in our office typically every seven to 10 days.

4. Optimization and Prevention
   Once your testosterone replacement therapy regimen is underway to address symptoms of low testosterone (or other underlying health conditions), your provider will optimize treatments to maximize your health and wellness.

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Benefits of Low Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

By treating the symptoms of low testosterone, patients feel energized, stronger, and less irritable; enjoy more productive sleep and a renewed sense of self; find it easier to concentrate and remember; and experience an increase in libido.

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Our providers get to know you on a personal level and gather important health data often to assess progress with greater efficiency.

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At G&M Medical Center we focus on treating your symptoms of low testosterone levels, so you can rediscover the best version of yourself.