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.
