Low Testosterone Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Low Testosterone Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

During the initial workup, if a clear treatable condition that explains androgen deficiency is diagnosed, it should be addressed first (11, 14). Unlike many low-T clinics, we calculate bioavailable testosterone by measuring levels of two proteins, sex hormone binding globulin and albumin, that typically bind to testosterone. It’s possible to have a normal total testosterone level and experience low-T symptoms if this balance is off. In a 2017 study of 398 men who received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer for 12 months, 93% of participants experienced hot flashes. This happened when testosterone levels were “castrate,” which is below 50 ng/dL.

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.

PSA is a blood test that serves as a screening tool for prostate cancer. Testosterone makes prostate cancer grow, so men with prostate cancer would not want to increase their testosterone levels. Prostate cancer is rare in young men, and the new American Urologic Association guidelines do not recommend screening for prostate cancer in men less than fifty years of age. Men between the ages of forty and fifty should be screened only if they have certain risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer or are of African American descent. Male hypogonadism should be diagnosed only if there are signs or symptoms of hypogonadism and total serum testosterone levels are low on at least two occasions. The evidence now is really quite strong that it is free testosterone levels, not total testosterone levels, that matter.

Hypogonadism can begin during fetal development, before puberty or during adulthood. 3) Prostate-related symptom assessments can be done for men who have a history of BPH or urinary voiding problems to see if there are any adverse changes in their high estrogen symptoms on trt after the start of therapy. Is that it has corticosteroidal activity and can affect adrenal gland function. Letrozole is also non-steroidal and therefore does not affect adrenal function. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a urologist recommending these gimmicky, untested products.

This is a known risk factor for hypogonadism, with studies showing that over 50 percent of obese males have low testosterone levels. Of note, there is no consensus on the necessity and timing of repeated PSA testing and digital rectal examination for men on testosterone therapy. Although the Endocrine Society and a multidisciplinary Canadian panel recommend annual PSA and digital rectal examination screening in men 40 years and older,9,11 the U.S. A blood test is the only reliable way to determine your testosterone levels. If your levels are clinically low, your doctor might recommend TRT as a treatment option to restore normal levels and improve your health and well-being.

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.

They can evaluate you and assess if testosterone levels may be responsible. 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. Both testosterone levels and cognitive functions, particularly memory, decline with age. As a result, doctors have theorized that lower testosterone levels may contribute to affected memory.

The risks and benefits of taking testosterone for many years are not known, because large studies haven’t been completed, yet. Some researchers suggest there might be a higher risk of heart disease. A drop in testosterone doesn’t always interfere with sex, but it can make it more difficult for your brain and body to get aroused. Some men may notice a drop in libido, while others may lose interest in sex completely. Low testosterone can also make it tougher to get or keep an erection.

However, a healthy level for you depends on your age, lifestyle, and bioavailable testosterone level – the unbound testosterone your body isn’t using for daily functions. Testosterone is a natural hormone produced primarily in the testicles, and it helps men maintain everything from bone density and body hair to sex drive and sperm production. However, you don’t have to hit a certain number or level despite what the constant flow of ads may tell you. A 2021 study in 5,888 men found that people with low testosterone levels had a higher risk of developing anemia. This condition occurs when you have low levels of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

That’s unnecessary, and so much chemical modification increases the risk of enlarged prostate or increases the risk of prostate cancer. Even safe and moderate testosterone therapy bears a slightly increased risk. Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) is a condition in which your testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. It has several possible causes, including conditions or injuries affecting your testicles, pituitary gland or hypothalamus. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms and think they could be due to low testosterone levels, it’s time to talk with a doctor.