What is testosterone deficiency?
Testosterone deficiency, also known as low T, occurs when the body does not produce enough of the hormone testosterone. This can lead to several symptoms including:
- Decreased sex drive - Low T often leads to a reduced interest in sex or inability to perform. This can put a strain on relationships.
- Erectile dysfunction - Many men with low testosterone levels experience difficulty getting or maintaining erections. This makes sexual activity challenging.
- Reduced muscle mass - Testosterone helps build muscle mass. Deficiency can result in loss of strength and muscle tone.
- Increased body fat - Low T is linked to gaining fat, especially around the waist. This contributes to that "beer belly" look.
- Hair loss - Testosterone deficiency can cause thinning hair and baldness, especially in the temples and crown of the head.
- Mood changes - Men with low T often experience irritability, depression, and lack of focus. This can affect work, relationships, and quality of life.
What causes low testosterone?
Testosterone production naturally declines with age, usually after age 30. Other potential causes include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Chronic illness
- Injury or infection of the testes
- Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
- Medications such as opioids or steroids
- Genetic diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome
How is low T diagnosed?
If you suspect low testosterone, see your doctor for a simple blood test. They will check your total testosterone level along with free testosterone (the amount not bound to proteins). Normal total testosterone levels are 300-1,000 ng/dL. Below 300 ng/dL is considered deficient.
However, some men can still have symptoms at the lower end of the normal range. Your doctor may recommend further testing or a trial of testosterone therapy to see if your symptoms improve.
What are the treatment options?
If you are diagnosed with low T, treatments may include:
- Testosterone replacement therapy - This involves getting testosterone directly through gels, patches, injections, pellets under the skin, or other means. It is an effective way to normalize testosterone levels, but requires lifelong treatment.
- Medications - Drugs like clomiphene can stimulate the body to produce more testosterone on its own. This avoids lifelong hormone therapy.
- Lifestyle changes - Losing weight, improving diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and getting good sleep may help boost your natural testosterone. However, this doesn't work for all cases of low T.
Get treated for low T at The Hormone Hub!
If you think you may have low testosterone, visit The Hormone Hub for state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment. Our caring medical team specializes in testosterone therapy and related conditions. We offer comprehensive blood testing, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring to help you restore energy, vitality and quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!