Low Testosterone (low T)
What is Low Testosterone (Low T)?
Low testosterone, often referred to as "low T," is a medical condition characterized by insufficient levels of the hormone testosterone in a man's body. Testosterone is a crucial hormone responsible for various functions, including the development of male sexual characteristics, muscle mass, bone density, and overall well-being.
As men get older, testosterone levels gradually decline - typically about 1 percent a year after the age of 30 or 40. In addition, certain medical conditions such as heart, kidney and liver diseases, diabetes, and obesity are contributing factors.
How Common is Low T?
Low testosterone, or low T, is very common issue as men get older. Data suggest that 2 in 100 men have low testosterone – one percent of younger men and fifty percent of men over eighty years old. According to The American Urology Association, testosterone that is less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) is considered low.
Low T is more common in men who have diabetes or who are overweight. In one research study, 30% of overweight men had low T, compared to only 6.4% of those with normal weight. The same study found diabetes to be a risk factor for low T. In another study, 24.5% of men with diabetes had low T, compared to 12.6% of those without diabetes.
While the prevalence varies with age, it's estimated that around 2-6% of men under the age of 50 and up to 20-30% of men over the age of 60 may experience low T to some degree.
Why Do Men Get Low T?
There are several factors that can contribute to low testosterone levels in men. These factors may include:
- Aging: Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, leading to age-related low T.
- Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses like diabetes, obesity, and certain hormonal disorders can impact testosterone production.
- Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and opioids, can suppress testosterone production.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can also contribute to low T.
- Testicular Issues: Damage to or diseases affecting the testicles can lead to low testosterone.
The main side effects of low testosterone include decreased energy, decreased libido, and weight gain. There are many over the counter supplements available for low T but supplements are not studied or FDA approved. Many, if not all of these, may be dangerous. Our board-certified urologists offer multiple options to treat low T in a safe and effective manner and these can include testosterone gels, patches, injection, or long-acting pellets under the skin.
Low testosterone can affect sex drive, build muscle, main bone strength, increase fatigue, breast tissue growth, and red blood cell production.
IMPORTANT: There are many "men's health" clinics that advertise "custom treatments" for low testosterone. Most of these clinics are not staffed by urologists and just charge higher prices for generic medications or treatments our physicians can provide at a fraction of the cost or perhaps can even be covered under your health insurance.
Symptoms
Low testosterone can manifest with a range of symptoms, including:?
- Decreased libido (sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) (difficulty achieving or maintaining erections)
- Fatigue and reduced energy levels
- Mood changes, including increased irritability and depression
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat, particularly around the abdomen
- Decreased bone density, potentially leading to osteoporosis
- Cognitive changes, such as reduced concentration and memory
- Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or increased sleepiness.
Low sex desire alone may not be caused by low testosterone. However, a patient experiencing a combination of low sexual desire, reduced erectile function, depression, and fatigue should consult a board-certified urologist.
Treatments
Blood samples, physical exams, MRIs, bone density scans, and an examination of medical history can be used to diagnose low testosterone. Treatment for low testosterone aims to raise testosterone levels to a healthy range and alleviate symptoms. Common treatment options include:
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): This can be administered through injections, topical gels, patches, or implantable pellets.
- Lifestyle Changes: Improving diet, exercise habits, and overall health can help boost testosterone naturally.
- Managing Underlying Conditions: Treating underlying medical conditions contributing to low T, such as diabetes, can be beneficial.
- Medication Adjustments: In some cases, changing or discontinuing medications that suppress testosterone production may help.
- Psychological Support: Counseling or therapy can be useful for managing mood-related symptoms.
Talk with a board-certified urologist about all treatment options and which ones would be best for you.
At UroPartners, you can trust that your journey to better health is guided by experienced urologists who are experts in men's health. Unlike the testosterone injection mills that have become so common, our team is dedicated to evidence-based medicine tailored to you. We're committed to providing you with therapy that's proven to make a real difference in your well-being.
Contact your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or have concerns other about low testosterone.