What causes low levels of testosterone?
Usually, low testosterone (low T) levels occur as part of the body’s aging process. In fact, in most men, testosterone levels begin to decline at least by age 30, with levels dropping by 1% or more each year. Less commonly, testosterone levels can drop in response to diseases or tumors. Although most people associate testosterone with sex drive and reproduction, the hormone actually exerts a much broader influence on overall health, and low levels can cause an array of different symptoms.
What are the symptoms of low-T?
Perhaps the most commonly recognized symptom of low testosterone is a decline in sexual desire or libido or complete disinterest in sexual activity. But that’s just one of the symptoms. Other symptoms can include:
- loss of muscle mass
- weight gain
- difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- fatigue or lethargy
- irritability, depression or other mood-related symptoms
The number of symptoms and their severity can vary from one man to the next.
How is low T diagnosed?
Testosterone levels can be measured with a simple blood test.
What is testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy (also called hormone replacement therapy or HRT) uses synthetic hormones created in a lab setting to replace or augment hormones naturally produced by the body. Once a patient has been diagnosed with low testosterone levels, they’ll be able to discuss different product options to help them select the product and delivery system that works best for their needs and their lifestyle. During treatment, patients will have regular blood testing to ensure their levels of testosterone remain optimized.
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