Low Testosterone Information & Treatment

Hypogonadism Wikipedia

The American Urology Association identifies low testosterone as less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). While men may have feelings of embarrassment, they are not alone. It should also be noted that low testosterone itself can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. If a man has shown some breast development, doctors may check his levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen. For 100 years, the Endocrine Society has been at the forefront of hormone science and public health. Read about our history and how we continue to serve the endocrine community. Our physician referral directory is comprised of over 6,500 members of the Society.

On a repeat test, his lab values are now normalized, showing a total testosterone of 614 ng/dL with a normal free testosterone and estradiol of 48 pg/mL. Low testosterone occurs in men when the testicles don’t produce the levels of the male sex hormone that they’re designed to produce. This can cause many problems for men because testosterone plays an important role in the male body.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not commonly caused by low testosterone production. In cases where ED accompanies lower testosterone production, hormone replacement therapy may help your ED. As men age, they can experience a number of symptoms related to sexual function that may be a result of lowered levels of this hormone.

Sometimes low-T is caused by medical conditions, such as genetic diseases or past chemotherapy or radiation therapy. More often, symptoms can be linked to sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, anxiety, or depression. Testosterone is usually measured with a blood test done early in the morning, when levels are highest.

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a substance that brings oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Hemocrit refers to the percentage of red blood cells found in the blood. High levels of hemocrit could signal polycythemia – an increase in red blood cells that can lead to blood clots. Polycythemia can be a side effect of TD treatment, so it is helpful to get baseline values during diagnosis. Both tests are done in the early morning because a man’s testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day. The protocol of testing in the morning keeps measurements consistent.

Some men are born with conditions that cause low testosterone. Many testosterone formulations are available (Table 459,60 ), and no formulation has superior clinical effects. The selection of formulation requires discussion about administration route, adverse effects, and cost. Testosterone preparations are FDA Schedule III controlled substances that are subject to diversion and misuse. Completion of a controlled substance contract should be considered before prescribing.

It may take several measurements to determine if a patient has low testosterone as levels normally fluctuate throughout the day. The highest levels of testosterone are generally in the morning, near 8 a.m. In most cases, men need to have both low levels of testosterone in their blood and several symptoms of low testosterone to go on therapy. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means you can’t verify what they’re made with or whether they’re safe, even if they come with a celebrity endorsement. Some testosterone supplements have been shown to does pcos cause testosterone health conditions such as erectile dysfunction and kidney failure. But we’re beginning to see more men in their 20s with low-T at the UT Southwestern male urology clinic.

There have been concerns about testosterone therapy and cardiovascular events, like strokes, blood clots, and heart disease. However, it is not definitely known whether TRT raises or lowers risk of cardiovascular problems. Men are encouraged to discuss any heart concerns with their doctor. No, there is no evidence that connects testosterone therapy to prostate cancer. However, a man’s PSA levels might increase during testosterone therapy, so it is important to monitor them.

In general, a diagnosis of low testosterone is made if the hormone’s level is below 300 ng/dL. A testosterone replacement treatment, although it may have some contraindications, should not cause health problems as long as the doctor and the patient follow the treatment properly. If, on the other hand, it is due to the aging process, a testosterone replacement treatment can be prescribed, which could be every 6, 12, or 14 weeks, varying from patient to patient and seeking to cover their unique needs.