Hypogonadism in Men

Low Testosterone: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Lower levels of testosterone cause both a loss of muscle mass and an increase in body fat. In particular, a condition called gynecomastia, which involves large or swollen breasts in men, often presents itself. This issue arises when there is an imbalance between the two hormones testosterone and estrogen and can have a big effect on a man’s mental wellbeing and sex life. Testosterone plays a vital role throughout a male’s entire lifetime. This hormone develops male sex organs before birth and specific characteristics at puberty like voice deepening, increased penis and testes size, and facial hair growth. Testosterone is essential for libido, sperm production, red blood cell production, and muscle maintenance in adulthood. For these reasons and more, testosterone is considered a necessary hormone for men’s overall health and well-being.

A shift in sleep patterns can be frustrating, and amplify the other signs of low testosterone on this list. In addition to low libido, a man may also experience difficulties in achieving and maintaining an erection. Joshua Calvert, M.D., is a urologist who specializes in vasectomy and vasectomy reversal, Peyronie’s disease, testosterone management, and male infertility. Emily Shiffer is a freelance writer specializing in health, nutrition, weight loss, and fitness.

While changes to the lifestyle and diet alone may not raise levels sufficiently, they can often help. Most people will notice relief from symptoms within 3–60 weeks of starting TRT. However, anyone who experiences one or more of the above symptoms should seek medical attention. Semen is the fluid that makes up the majority of male ejaculate.

This article will use the terms «male,» «female,» or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Your Ob/Gyn is there for you throughout many different parts of your life. At Cleveland Clinic, our experts can help you throughout your entire journey. As DHEA is a precursor to testosterone, taking a supplement may help your body create testosterone.

One of these is an oral prescription therapy called clomiphene citrate, which testosterone booster is best for erectile dysfunction stimulates the body to produce more testosterone. This is why testing for low T should always involve a thorough physical exam and medical history to rule out other explanations for your symptoms. We will also make sure you are up to date on other age-appropriate screenings, like prostate or colorectal screening. Another factor your healthcare specialist may take into consideration is the types of medicine you take. Narcotic pain medications, antidepressants, and similar substances could lead to Low T, and radiation or chemotherapy are known contributors to the issue. When you arrive at the clinic, all of these factors and more will be taken into consideration to get a full picture of your individual situation. But we’ve had years of experience and training that allows us to easily identify the signs of low testosterone, or low T.

However, researchers have yet to prove that supplementation is safe and effective in the long term. If you suspect a dip in your testosterone, contact The Endocrine Center at any of our Houston, Texas, locations or request an appointment online. For more research-backed information and resources, visit our dedicated men’s health hub. People with low testosterone may find it difficult to fall or stay asleep.

Most of the time, there is no apparent reason why a person has low testosterone. In this case, testosterone replacement therapy is a common and successful treatment. Testosterone is a type of hormone produced primarily in the gonads.

That said, low testosterone could accelerate the process, leading to bone weakness and poor density. Testosterone deficiency is also linked with chronic conditions that contribute to ED, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Hormones that are in balance do many important things, including ensuring you have enough energy throughout the day.

Some men with low testosterone have reported a loss of focus, irritability, or even depression. Sudden mood swings in addition to some of the other symptoms listed are one of the more pronounced signs of low testosterone. Similarly, testosterone support for muscle growth and maintenance comes with the downside of muscle loss and weakness when hormone levels dip.

It is therefore advised to see a healthcare professional for medical workup. If low testosterone symptoms bother you, speak with a healthcare professional. TRT is a lifelong treatment, so your testosterone levels may drop if you stop treatment. We can evaluate your symptoms and order a simple blood test to check your testosterone levels.