Low testosterone (hypogonadism)

Low testosterone (low T) can be hard on men’s physical and mental health. The symptoms can be distressing not just for their own sake but also because they affect a person’s self-image and the way their loved ones perceive them. Our doctors bring discretion and respect to every interaction including when you’re wondering whether you may need a testosterone booster.

Symptoms of low testosterone

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency in adult men include:

• Decreased beard and body hair growth
• Decreased sex drive
• Depression or mood swings
• Development of breast tissue (also known as gynecomastia)
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue and trouble concentrating
• Low sperm count
• Hot flashest

Women can also have low testosterone levels, although it’s not called hypogonadism. Hypogonadism in women involves the ovaries. Women with low testosterone levels experience some of the same symptoms as men including low libido, changes in mood, muscle weakness, fatigue and sleep disturbances.

Causes or risk factors for hypogonadism

Risk factors for low testosterone vary. Some people are born with low testosterone. Injuries, infections, pituitary gland problems and undescended testicles can cause testosterone deficiency, too.

Other things that may have an effect on testosterone levels include genetic conditions, medications like steroids and opioids, cancer treatments, AIDS, alcohol use disorder, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, autoimmune disease, and metabolic syndrome. Treatments for each of those conditions are different from each other. So it’s vital to be screened by a qualified doctor before undergoing treatment to increase testosterone.

Diagnosis

To determine if you have a testosterone deficiency, your doctor will discuss your symptoms. They will also ask about your health history and perform a physical exam. Everyone’s testosterone levels decrease gradually with age, so your doctor will also order tests to make sure your symptoms aren’t because of a normal, age-related decline.

Your doctor will order blood tests to check for levels of testosterone, prolactin and luteinizing hormone. Abnormal levels of prolactin or luteinizing hormone may mean there is a pituitary issue. They’ll also check for diabetes because it’s associated with low testosterone.

It’s important to look at why you may have low testosterone because treatment will be different based on potential causes and other health issues.

Testosterone treatment

After you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor will work with you on a treatment plan tailored to your needs. It might include testosterone replacement therapy or hormone replacement in the form of injections, patches, pellets or gels.

Side effects of testosterone treatment

More research is needed on the side effects of testosterone therapy (TT). The studies that have been done don’t always agree with each other. Some studies indicate that TT is related to sleep apnea, an enlarged prostate, acne, decreased sperm count or too many red blood cells. Your doctor will monitor you for potential effects and tell you about things you should watch out for.

Using topical testosterone can create unwanted side effects in other people who are in close contact with the area where the medication is applied. Be sure to cover the treated area and wash your hands well so others aren’t affected by the medication.

Studies have been done on how common low testosterone is, but they often use different levels of testosterone to look for. More consistent long-term studies are needed to get a clear look at the frequency of low testosterone.