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Low testosterone

Low testosterone

This common condition impacts many men over the age of 45, but many don’t realize treatment is available.

Understanding low testosterone

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that helps maintain sex drive, reproductive function, muscle mass, adequate red blood cell levels, and more. Low testosterone (also known as male hypogonadism) is a condition where the testicles (aka testes or gonads) don’t make enough testosterone for the body to function properly. Normal total testosterone level in men is > 300 ng/ml.

There are many potential causes for low testosterone levels, including certain medications, metabolic disorders, chronic illness, and more. However, testosterone levels also naturally begin declining around age 30, and continue to drop throughout a man’s life.

Low testosterone affects millions of men in the U.S., with the prevalence increasing by age. However, it’s estimated that only 5% of affected men seek and receive treatment.

Know the symptoms; ask for support

Men may fail to get treatment for low testosterone for a variety of reasons, including not understanding the symptoms, or being embarrassed to talk about them with a healthcare provider. It’s important to remember that opening up is the first step to feeling better!

Here are the top symptoms to look out for:

  • Increased fatigue
  • Decreased libido (sex drive)
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Decreased strength and exercise capabilities
  • Changes in cognitive ability
  • Depression, moodiness, and/or decreased sense of well-being

Treating low testosterone

If you have a condition, such as a sexual health condition, that causes low testosterone, treatment with testosterone replacement therapy may help. This type of treatment gives your body testosterone, balancing your levels so you feel more like yourself.

There are a few ways to get testosterone replacement therapy:

  • Apply prescription gel to the skin.
  • Adhere testosterone transdermal patches to the skin. Wear these patches during a defined period and replace them every 24 hours.
  • Testosterone injections.

If you think you have low testosterone, contact us. Our urology team at West Jefferson Medical Center is here to help.

Call us directly at 934-8100 or select a doctor to schedule online.

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