While both men and women have some testosterone and some estrogen, men have much more testosterone and women have much more estrogen. The high level of testosterone gives men their manly features such as strong muscles and facial hair.
Testosterone is also key to a man’s healthy sex drive and sperm production, so low levels of testosterone – or low-T – drives down a man’s desire and sexual health. Low-T affects approximately 40% of American men over the age of 45, and they experience hair loss, reduced muscle mass, low libido, and erectile dysfunction.
Over the course of a normal day, every man’s testosterone levels can fluctuate. But consistently low levels are a problem, and the symptoms are hard to ignore. Let’s talk about the reasons behind low-T and who you can talk to about getting treatment that makes you feel like yourself again.
Causes of Low Testosterone Levels in Men
There are many reasons for low-T in men, and some of the most common include the following:
- Being overweight
- Testicle injury or infection
- Urologic cancer or cancer treatment
- Pain-relieving medication
- Steroids
- Pituitary tumors
- Liver or kidney disease
- Hormonal issues
- Type 2 diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Genetic disorder
Having low testosterone levels may indicate an underlying condition, disease, or disorder, and can affect a man’s overall health. Many men who experience symptoms of low testosterone levels continue living undiagnosed until a situation occurs, such as erectile dysfunction, that motivates them to seek a medical evaluation and treatment.
For instance, men who are having difficulty conceiving with their partner may get tested by a urologist and find out that they have low-T, which has fostered infertility. Your urologist can provide treatments that will help to increase your testosterone levels, thereby fostering improved fertility.
How Low-T Is Diagnosed
Low testosterone is diagnosed by using a series of tests. A normal range is 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or higher, and a man’s testosterone levels can be determined through a physical examination and a blood serum test.
If you suspect that you have low-T, know that the only way to receive proper treatment is by first receiving a clinical diagnosis by a healthcare practitioner. Low testosterone levels are indeed common, but other conditions must first be ruled out as the underlying cause. If an underlying health condition is the reason behind your low-T, that health issue must be addressed in order to begin treating your low testosterone.
Low-T Diagnosis and Treatment in Phoenix
Our experienced medical team at Ironwood Urology is here to help you with your sexual health issues. We specialize in men’s health issues, including low-T and infertility.
Dr. Desi Avila has many years of experience treating men who are dealing with low-T, Peyronie’s disease, prostate cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). He also treats men who are having urinary issues such as overactive bladder and abdominal pain.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Avila, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (480) 961-2323 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you.
