Symptoms and Treatment of Low Testosterone

The level of testosterone hormone in the body naturally declines as a man grows older. In fact, up to 40% of all men aged 45 years and older experience the effects of low testosterone. The symptoms of low testosterone may appear even earlier in some men.

Also called hypogonadism or low-T, low testosterone is characterized by a variety of symptoms such as:

  • Low libido (decreased sex drive)
  • Fatigue and lethargy
  • Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
  • Reduced testicle size
  • Breast growth in men (gynecomastia)
  • Loss of body and facial hair
  • Muscle weakness
  • Thinning of bones (osteoporosis)
  • Moodiness, irritability and depression
  • Decreased sense of well-being
  • Increased body fat or reduced muscle mass
  • Difficulties in concentration
  • Memory loss and sleep disturbances
  • Decreased hemoglobin level and mild anemia
  • Skin changes such as fine wrinkles
  • Diagnosis of low testosterone

Dr. Amar Raval of Palm Harbor, FLLow-T is diagnosed by measuring the quantity of testosterone in the blood. To clearly assess the level of testosterone, a urologist will request blood tests for both total testosterone and free testosterone. Often, it takes several measurements to confirm that a man has low-T because the levels tend to change throughout the day, with the highest levels occurring in the morning. Testosterone levels are also affected by body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, nutrition, age, illness and certain medications. Additional tests for sex hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) may also be requested by the urologist for a better picture.

Treatment of Low Testosterone

If low-T is diagnosed, the missing hormones may be replaced through hormone replacement therapy, restoring the body’s testosterone levels to normal. In some cases, however, particularly when low-T is diagnosed but no troublesome symptoms are noted, the urologist may not administer any treatment.

For men with bothersome symptoms, the therapy is administered to remove the symptoms and associated sexual problems. Testosterone replacement therapy can be given in different forms and the urologist will discuss options with the patient before deciding on the most appropriate method. After the treatment begins, testosterone levels are monitored to ensure the most effective dose is given.

The different ways of administering testosterone include:

  1. Injections – The urologist gives regular injections deep into a muscle (intramuscular injection) every 2-3 weeks to 3 months depending on the type of injection chosen. When appropriate, the urologist may delegate the task of injecting testosterone to a nurse or teach the patient how to self-inject. When done correctly, the injections are not painful.
  2. Testosterone Implants – Cylindrical pellets are inserted into the abdomen, thigh or buttock by the urologist under local anesthetic, once every 3-6 months.
  3. Testosterone Patches – Used every day and applied on different areas of the body, including arms, back, buttocks and abdomen, the patches work similarly to nicotine patches used by people trying to quit smoking. They deliver testosterone hormone gradually through the skin.
  4. Testosterone Gel – These gels are applied to clean dry skin, usually on the arm, shoulder, back or abdomen. They should be applied after showering to prevent the gel from washing off too quickly.

There are several benefits that can be derived from testosterone replacement therapy. They include:

  • Improved sexual function
  • Enhanced mental sharpness
  • Increased bone density and protection against osteoporosis
  • Increased muscle mass and loss of body fat
  • Greater strength and improved physical performance
  • Enhanced mood and better sense of well-being

Are you experiencing any bothersome symptoms and suspect you could be having low testosterone? Speak with your doctor as soon as possible about the problem. You do not have to live with these symptoms when effective treatment is available. For more information about testosterone replacement therapy, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

Do You Need Testosterone Therapy? Learn How Urologists Like Dr. Edward King Treat Low Testosterone

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Testosterone is vital for maintaining bone density, muscle mass, and libido; low testosterone can lead to various adverse side effects.
  • Consultation with endocrinologists or urologists, like Dr. Edward King, is crucial for the proper diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone.
  • Testosterone therapy requires careful monitoring by a specialist to ensure patient safety and optimal results.

Understanding Testosterone and Its Importance

Testosterone, a naturally occurring anabolic steroid, is produced by the testicles and plays a vital role in the human body. According to Dr. Edward D. King, a renowned urologist in Oxford, FL, testosterone is responsible for increasing bone density and muscle mass. It also influences libido, or sex drive, and contributes to overall well-being.

Recognizing the Signs of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone levels can result in several adverse side effects. Dr. King explains that diminished libido, weakness, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, and an increase in weight gain (specifically fat instead of lean muscle mass) can all be indicators of low testosterone.

Seeking Professional Help for Low Testosterone

When faced with symptoms of low testosterone, it is crucial to consult with specialists such as endocrinologists or urologists. Dr. King emphasizes the importance of seeking care from professionals like himself who specialize in managing diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, and hypogonadism (the medical term for low testosterone).

Testosterone Therapy: Close Monitoring is Key

Testosterone therapy can be an effective treatment for low testosterone, but it requires careful monitoring by a qualified specialist. Dr. King highlights the potential risks associated with testosterone therapy, such as polycythemia (a significant rise in red blood cell count), which can lead to stroke if not closely monitored. Testosterone therapy can also cause an elevation in liver enzymes, necessitating regular liver function tests. It is essential to ensure that the patient’s testosterone level remains within the normal range – not too low and not too high.

Advanced Urology Institute: Leading the Way in Urological Care

The Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida, is committed to providing exceptional care for patients with urological conditions, including low testosterone. Dr. Edward King and his team of expert urologists offer state-of-the-art treatments to help patients regain their quality of life and enjoy improved overall well-being.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is Dr. Edward King, I’m a urologist at the Advanced Urology Institute.

Testosterone is an anabolic steroid, so it occurs naturally in the body, it’s produced by the testicles, and it’s involved in increasing bone density and also muscle mass. When your testosterone is low, some of the side effects can include diminished libido or sex drive, weakness, fatigue, also loss in muscle mass, and increase in weight gain, that is fat as opposed to lean muscle mass.

Low testosterone should be managed by specialists such as endocrinologists or urologists, because we are the specialists in dealing with diminished libido erectile dysfunction and low testosterone, or the medical term is hypogonadism.

Testosterone therapy should be monitored closely because it can cause a pretty significant rise in the red blood cell count, that’s a condition called polycythemia, and it can lead to stroke, if not monitored closely.

It can also cause an elevation in liver enzymes too, so those need to be checked as well. And plus, we need to ensure that the patient’s testosterone level remains within the normal range, that is not too low, and certainly not too high.

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