There’s so much on TV and the internet these days about low testosterone. There are even companies with outrageous products that claim to give you the boost you need to reach normal hormone levels.
Let’s take a moment to really understand what it means to have low testosterone. We’ll talk about common symptoms and some of the ways doctor and the team at GP Urology can help you or your spouse get help.
What’s Testosterone and What Does it Do?
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the human body, mainly in men by their testicles. Having the right balance of testosterone helps make for healthy sexual development. The hormone can also affect a man’s appearance, building muscle and bone mass while also stimulating the production of sperm. Generally, testosterone makes its first “outward appearance” when a young boy hits his adolescent or teen years. It can seem like overnight; your little guy turned into a man, complete with facial hair, more muscle mass, and a manlier voice.
As teens turn into men and continue age later in life, it’s not uncommon for testosterone levels to take a dip. The American Urological Association estimates that around two in 10 men over the age of 60 experience low testosterone. As men grow older into their 70s and 80s, the odds increase a bit to three out of 10 men. Low testosterone (commonly called Low-T) is usually diagnosed when levels of the hormone go below 300 nanograms per deciliter. At urology office, the doctor can do a simple serum testosterone test to determine how much of the hormone is circulating through your body.
What You Should Know About The Signs of Low Testosterone
When your testosterone levels aren’t where they should be, your body has a way of letting you know in the form of various symptoms. Take a look at some of the most common one and see if any apply to you:
- Decreased sex drive – Not having enough testosterone can tank your libido. This, in combination with a normal lowered sex drive as men age, can create a drastic drop in your desire for sex.
- Erectile dysfunction – Testosterone can affect your ability to achieve an erection before sex or stop your ability to have them spontaneously.
- Fatigue and irritability – Believe it or not, Low-T can make you tired and cranky too. It’s not uncommon for men with low testosterone levels to be extremely tired, even though they’re getting enough sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, what happens? You get irritable!
- Memory issues – Doctors are beginning to see a connection between lowered testosterone levels and how your memory works. As we grow older and testosterone decreases, your ability to remember important details can do the same. The Journal of the American Medical Association released a study where findings showed men with Low-T experienced improved memory with testosterone supplementation.
How Do You Treat Low Testosterone?
Most men with Low-T, no matter if it’s caused by genetics or aging, will benefit from TT. But there are some risks involved, so it’s important to have a discussion with doctor about your needs and concerns. He can talk with you about how to manage and treat your symptoms so that you can get back to enjoying life again.
