Low Testosterone Male Hypogonadism UNC Mens Health Program

Low Testosterone: 5 Myths That Keep Men From Getting the Care They Need

Testosterone therapy is increasingly common in the United States, and many of these prescriptions are written by primary care physicians. There is conflicting evidence on the benefit of male testosterone therapy for age-related declines in testosterone. Physicians should not measure testosterone levels unless a patient has signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, such as loss of body hair, sexual dysfunction, hot flashes, or gynecomastia.

Testosterone replacement comes in many forms, including shots, gels, patches, or implantable pellets. However, it is important to know that testosterone treatment usually leads to either low sperm counts, or no sperm seen whatsoever in the semen. In one study, 30% of men who were overweight had low testosterone, compared to only 6% of those with weight in the normal range.

Some research suggests that hot flashes may be a symptom of very low testosterone levels. There are no known ways to prevent low testosterone that is caused by genetic conditions or damage to the testes or pituitary gland. Low testosterone is diagnosed with a blood test to measure the amount of testosterone in the blood. It may take several measurements to determine if a patient has low testosterone as levels normally fluctuate throughout the day. The highest levels of testosterone are generally in the morning, near 8 a.m. In most cases, men need to have both low levels of testosterone in their blood and several symptoms of low testosterone to go on therapy.

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. It’s responsible for facial hair, muscle mass, growth of the penis and testicles, and sex drive. It helps the testicles produce sperm and the penis to become erect. A 2021 study in 5,888 men found that people with low testosterone levels had a higher risk of developing anemia. This condition occurs when you have low levels of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

Men and women need the proper amount of testosterone to develop and function normally. However, the optimal amount of testosterone is far from clear. Some men are born with conditions that cause low testosterone. Also, some boys who are delayed entering puberty (after age 14) may also benefit from testosterone injections. First, other problems, including isolated gonadotropin deficiency (a lifelong deficiency of certain puberty hormones), should be ruled out. While testosterone is necessary for producing sperm, Dr. Rogers says, external testosterone replacement will lower sperm counts.

However, despite these limitations, several studies provide important insights into the impact of SERMs, AIs, and hCG on spermatogenesis. As we age, our energy levels decrease, but for those with low testosterone, this lower energy level is even more pronounced. This symptom typically coincides with sleep disruptions, mood swings, and weight gain. The evidence from studies isn’t clear about whether taking testosterone lowers or increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots in the veins. Our entire team is committed to providing advanced and compassionate care. Our urologists are prepared to help with common conditions to the most difficult and complicated diagnosis and offer the newest and most innovative treatment options. As men age, there’s a slow, progressive decrease in testosterone production.

In men who have severe symptoms, getting treatment can be life changing. Dr. Philip J. Cheng is a urologist that provides a full spectrum of care to his men’s health and LGBTQ+ patients.Dr. Cheng grew up in New Jersey and went to Rice University to study psychology. He received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, graduating with honors. He completed his general surgery internship and urology residency at Harvard Medical School/Brigham & Women’s Hospital. After residency, he went to the University of Utah, where he completed his Genitourinary Reconstruction and Men’s Health fellowship under the direction of Dr. James Hotaling.

These are classic consequences of decreasing testosterone levels, but they may also indicate other conditions. The only way to know for sure is to visit The Endocrine Center for a simple test. Testosterone therapy is approved for the treatment of delayed male puberty and abnormally low production of testosterone secondary to malfunction of the testes, pituitary or hypothalamus. To diagnose low testosterone, your doctor will ask questions about your health history, give you a physical examination, and assess you for possible signs and symptoms of low testosterone. If low testosterone is suspected, a blood test measuring the level of testosterone in your blood can verify the diagnosis. Testosterone is a sex hormone that’s primarily responsible for helping develop male characteristics like facial hair and a deeper voice.

If you suspect you’re dealing with such symptoms, the team at Arlington Family Practice in Arlington, Massachusetts, can test your testosterone levels and treat your symptoms. Read on to learn some of the common symptoms of low testosterone, which can improve significantly with proper treatment. After age 30, testosterone levels in men can decline somewhat, and this is often not problematic. But if your testosterone levels get too low, it can cause how long does a testosterone shot stay in your system range of symptoms and interfere with your daily life, overall wellness, and relationships.

All men have estrogen in them but lowering it may help with sperm production. These meds include clomiphene citrate, letrozole or anastrozole and are pills. There are also injectable drugs that act like the hormones sent down from glands in your brain that will increase sperm production. Fertility specialists for males will prescribe these drugs, because sometimes they can act to lower sperm counts if they are used incorrectly. Sperm production is stimulated by hormones other than testosterone. Testosterone is required for sperm production, but the level in the testes where sperm is produced is many times higher than in the blood.