Low testosterone levels, or Low-T, affect 14 million American men, and a full 40 percent of that same population is over the age of 40. If you feel tired and your sex drive is failing, maybe you need testing and treatment for Low-T.
Let’s learn more about the symptoms of Low-T and the valuable treatments available through your men’s health specialist.
What Is Low-T?
Low testosterone, or Low-T, happens when male androgen (hormone) levels drop below normal levels. Testosterone develops the primary and secondary sex characteristics in males and is responsible for fertility and sex drive, or libido.
While everyone is different in terms of physiology and anatomy, there is a normal range for sex hormone levels. Unfortunately, these levels can be impacted by diseases, such as cancer (particularly of the testicles), diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and liver and kidney disease. Plus, testosterone can drop due to chronic health problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, and even continued stress.
What Are the Symptoms of Low-T?
The symptoms of Low-T can be both physical and mental. Two of the most distressing ones are low sperm count (male infertility) and poor libido, or sex drive. Erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to get and keep an erection, can happen, too. Some males also lose body hair on the legs, armpits, and pubic area, and their overall muscle mass, strength, and endurance may decrease.
Additionally, many men complain of:
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Muscle weakness
- Insomnia
- Low energy and tiredness
- Enlarged breast tissue
Besides the physical aspects of Low-T, there are mental and even emotional problems. These include:
- Depressed mood
- Inability to concentrate
- Poor memory and mental sharpness
How Can Your Men’s Health Specialist Treat Low-T?
If you are experiencing some of the above-mentioned symptoms of Low-T, it’s time to seek a full evaluation and treatment plan with your men’s health specialist. Low-T can be diagnosed easily with a simple blood test which detects lowered circulating levels of testosterone and prolactin. Your provider also can determine if your Low-T is related to testosterone production in the testicles or if it is secondary to dysfunction of the pituitary or hypothalamus gland.
Whatever the underlying cause, your urologist will formulate a care plan to improve related health conditions, such as diabetes, and to boost testosterone levels. Sometimes simply losing weight, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and beginning a regular exercise routine help raise testosterone levels.
However, prescription medications taken at home or administered by your provider can help, too. These medications include testosterone pellets, injections, pills, nasal gels, and patches. Your urologist will continue monitoring your symptoms and blood levels as part of your overall care.
Low-T Treatment in Gilbert and Phoenix, AZ
It’s time to take charge of your symptoms of low testosterone. Visit us at Ironwood Urology for a confidential and informative consultation with our board-certified urologist and men’s health expert, Dr. Desiderio Avila. He has years of experience in treating a full range of health conditions that are specific to men, including erectile dysfunction. He will carefully review your symptoms, underlying medical conditions, and medical history to give you an accurate diagnosis and develop a customized treatment plan for you.
To make an appointment with us, call today at (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment online.
