Male hypogonadism Diagnosis & treatment
Could you have low testosterone?: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Low testosterone is a common condition that often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to other conditions. If you suspect you’re experiencing low testosterone, call or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Rotman. We have offices on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and in Hewlett, New York. In 2014, the FDA approved an extra-long-acting intramuscular injectable form of testosterone called testosterone undecanoate. It is administered at an initial dose of 750 mg, followed by a second dose 4 weeks later. Testosterone undecanoate is not used as a first-line agent but rather in patients without access to other treatment forms. Clomiphene or hCG therapy may be used together with testosterone supplementation to help maintain testicular size and fertility.
You can be born with male hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life, often from injury or infection. The effects — and what you can do about them — depend on the cause and at what point in your life male hypogonadism occurs. Some types of male hypogonadism can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy.
Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is a type of secondary male hypogonadism that results from normal aging. As males age they have a deterioration of hypothalamic-pituitary function and Leydig cell function that decrease testosterone and/or sperm production. Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) is a condition in which your testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. It has several possible causes, including conditions or injuries affecting your testicles, pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Furthermore, testosterone helps maintain bone density, and its deficiency can result in decreased bone health, potentially raising the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
The symptoms are particularly damaging to your relationships and will have a huge impact on your quality of life. Erectile dysfunction can also be a sign of many chronic conditions, like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Brain areas involved with sexual desire, including the amygdala, are packed with testosterone receptors, says S. Adam Ramin, M.D., urologic surgeon and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles. The hormone fits inside them like a lock inside a key, lighting them up to arouse you. Without it, you’re missing a critical step in the turn-on process.
In fact, you should not take testosterone for non-medical reasons, such as bodybuilding, aging prevention or performance enhancement. If you have normal testosterone levels, TRT will not help your health problems. Also, if you are trying to father a child, you should not be on TRT.
Contact a healthcare provider if you think you have symptoms of low testosterone. While the causes and effects of low testosterone aren’t completely known, your healthcare provider can run tests to help figure out what’s causing your symptoms. Getting older (entering menopause) is one of the largest causes of low testosterone. By the time a person reaches menopause, their testosterone levels may have decreased by half of what they once were. Testosterone is a type of androgen hormone (or does having sex more often increase testosterone (liefdevollegeboorte.nl) hormone) in your body. Hormones are chemical messengers that tell your body how to work and what to do.
Discover more about your well-being by taking our Low-T Quiz, designed to assess potential symptoms of low testosterone. This quick and informative quiz can provide valuable insights into your health and identify treatment options to help you feel like yourself again. You might not feel like doing the things you usually do, or your usual activities tire you out more than usual.
Testosterone production declines naturally as men age, but sometimes levels drop abnormally low. Did you know that 25% of men over age 30 and close to 40% of men over age 45 have testosterone deficiency? “Low testosterone lowers your motivation to go out and do things, which might cause you to put on weight,” Dr. Nall says. Excess body fat can, through a complex interaction of hormones and enzymes lower testosterone levels.
Testosterone is a vital hormone that supports male characteristics and overall health. In addition to low libido, a man may also experience difficulties in achieving and maintaining an erection. While most men understand the importance of testosterone, many fail to recognize the signs of low testosterone as they begin to experience them.
More than 8 percent of men age 50 and older are thought to have Low T. Low T may be more common among men who are overweight or have diabetes. Testosterone replacement may improve your sexual desire, increase your muscle mass, and help prevent bone loss. Many men with low testosterone levels report that they feel better and have more energy while taking testosterone.