Low Testosterone: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

When to treat low testosterone? Ohio State Health & Discovery

In some men, estrogen levels will increase as testosterone levels increase. Men naturally need some estrogen, one of the main sex hormones that women have, in the body for bone health and other body functions. But too much estrogen can cause conditions such as gynecomastia (male breast tissue). Excess estrogen can also cause sleep apnea, edema (swelling), and acne. An estimated 1 in 50 men have low-T and experience symptoms such as lessened energy, decreased libido (sex drive), erectile dysfunction, lack of concentration, or trouble sleeping.

According to the American Urological Association (AUA), 4 in 10 males ages 45 years and older have low testosterone. The American Urology Association reports that low testosterone affects around 2 in every 100 men. The risk increases with age, though most people naturally lose testosterone as they get older. Rare genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome, where males have an extra X chromosome, may also affect testosterone production. A doctor will typically only prescribe TRT if the person has several symptoms of low testosterone and blood test results that indicate a deficiency. Many people experience hair loss as a natural part of aging, and age-related hair loss can also affect anyone. Testosterone production can moringa powder increase testosterone slow as a person ages, and many older people experience symptoms of low testosterone.

Experts don’t suggest that low testosterone causes these conditions. That is, men with medical problems or who are in poor general health might then develop low testosterone. Researchers are unlocking the mysteries of how low testosterone is related to men’s overall health. Along the way, they’re uncovering connections between low testosterone and other health conditions. Channa N Jayasena received an honorarium for debating the safety of testosterone therapy at a meeting organised by the Society of Endocrinology sponsored by Besins Healthcare. Richard Quinton has received honoraria and hospitality from Bayer UK.

According to the Department of Health & Human Services in Victoria, Australia; testosterone production in women is often age-dependent. By the time a woman is 40 years old, her levels of androgens have decreased by half. Healthcare providers and medical researchers don’t know how to prevent low testosterone from genetic conditions or damage to your testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary gland. On the other hand, changes in the body that occur as a result of sleep apnea can lead to low testosterone levels. As men age, they can experience a number of symptoms related to sexual function that may be a result of lowered levels of this hormone. This test measures the percentage of red blood cells in the bloodstream.

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.

Testosterone levels also play a role in libido, erectile function, and ejaculatory function. Your doctor will help you decide if measuring your testosterone levels is important. Blood tests are the only way to know for certain if testosterone levels are low. The normal range is above 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Two blood tests on separate days must show low testosterone levels before a diagnosis is confirmed. Maintaining normal testosterone levels throughout a man’s life can support his sex drive and fertility, and build the strength of his muscles and bones. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for your situation.

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.

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.