Low Testosterone Specialist

What is low testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone produced by both genders, but men have much higher levels. Research shows that testosterone plays an important role in the development of male features, including increased muscle mass, body hair, and a deep voice.

Throughout your life, the levels of testosterone in your body fluctuate. After the age of 30, your testosterone decreases by about 1% each year. While this loss of testosterone is completely natural, some men experience testosterone levels that are abnormally low. 

When left untreated, low testosterone can trigger a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and negatively affect your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Common symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Decreased body hair
• Decreased muscle mass
• Low sex-drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Growth of breast tissue
• Osteoporosis
• Infertility
• Fatigue
  
  

If you’re experiencing one or several of these symptoms, contact the team at The Endocrine Center right away.

What causes low testosterone?

Low testosterone can occur for various reasons, but it’s usually due to an underlying health problem like:

• Pituitary disorder
• Sleep apnea
• HIV or AIDS
• Hypothalamic disease
• Klinefelter syndrome 
• Kallmann syndrome
  
  

You might also experience low testosterone due to testicular damage or a noncancerous pituitary tumor.

How is low testosterone diagnosed?

To diagnose low testosterone, the team at The Endocrine Center reviews your medical history and conducts a physical exam. They then assess your muscle mass and the size of your testicles and order a testosterone blood screen. A testosterone screen measures the level of testosterone hormone in your blood.

If the test confirms you have low testosterone, the team orders additional screens to pinpoint the underlying cause. Depending on your age and testosterone levels, the team might recommend hormone testing, semen analysis, pituitary imaging, genetic studies, or a testicular biopsy.

How is low testosterone treated?

Treatment of low testosterone depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. Typically, the team at The Endocrine Center recommends healthy lifestyle changes like exercising regularly and eating a balanced, nutritious diet.

If your symptoms persist, the team might recommend:

• Testosterone injections
• Testosterone replacement therapy
• Testosterone gels, patches, or pellets
• Testosterone nasal spray
  
  

Testosterone injections are safe and well-tolerated. The team administers the injection into a muscle, which helps restore hormonal balance to your body.

If you have low testosterone, you might also benefit from participating in a clinical trial. The team at The Endocrine Center regularly conducts medical research to advance treatment for low testosterone.

To receive treatment for low testosterone, request a consultation at The Endocrine Center. Book online to schedule an appointment or call the nearest office today.