Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times

Low testosterone: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Recognizing the signs early and seeking treatment can help you regain your vitality and improve your quality of life. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Testosterone receptors in the brain are crucial for cognitive functions like memory and focus.

Low testosterone can lead to a reduction in this volume, which can make the bones more susceptible to fractures. Since lower testosterone is a natural part of aging, it is normal to be less interested in sex as you get older. However, a complete lack of interest in sex is not typically considered normal. Which is why concerns about low levels of testosterone may be a source of anxiety for men. Intramuscular testosterone injections are administered around every two weeks, depending on the diagnosis.

The injections send testosterone directly into the bloodstream through the muscle, alleviating the symptoms of low T. With all of the changes happening to his body, a man living with low testosterone may also struggle with restful sleep. A shift in sleep patterns can be frustrating, and amplify the other signs of low testosterone on this list. Sporadic mood changes are one of the more noticeable signs of low testosterone, especially in conjunction with other symptoms.

All this means that your total testosterone level on its own, while important to test and monitor before and during any treatment, can you buy testosterone supplements’t tell you whether you are suffering from low testosterone or not. Your doctor should also take a complete medical history and  undertake a physical examination, in addition to a detailed discussion of your symptoms. This is to exclude the possibility that your symptoms might be related to other health problems. If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as a decrease in sex drive and hot flashes, talk to a healthcare provider. When T levels decrease below 300 ng/dL and start causing symptoms, it’s called hypogonadism. While you can take some steps on your own to boost testosterone naturally, including eating certain foods, medical treatment is usually needed to bring testosterone levels up to a normal range. To start, “factors such as increasing rates of obesity, poor sleep patterns, and chronic stress are thought to contribute significantly to reduced testosterone levels,” he says.

Testosterone and its derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a significant role in hair growth and follicle health. While genetic factors primarily influence male pattern baldness, low testosterone can exacerbate hair loss or trigger it in individuals without a genetic predisposition. This symptom can affect not only the scalp but also facial and body hair, leading to a reduction in hair density and coverage. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, can be a symptom of low testosterone. Testosterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking during sleep. When these levels are imbalanced, it can lead to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in poor sleep quality.

For men struggling with low testosterone who are trying to conceive, a urologist may prescribe this drug to boost testosterone levels. Researchers are only now beginning to explore the many ways that low testosterone can affect your health. If you’re wondering whether there might be a connection between your symptoms and low testosterone, ask for a testosterone blood test. To get a low testosterone diagnosis, you will need a blood test to confirm low levels. Read on to learn about some of the lesser-known warning signs of low testosterone. While these home remedies can improve testosterone naturally, severe cases may require medical intervention. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Sometimes the cause of low testosterone in a man is unknown, and many men have several different causes. A 2020 meta-analysis found that TRT significantly improved depressive symptoms in men with low testosterone. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts but are not the same. To accurately reflect our sources, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them. For more research-backed information and resources, visit our dedicated men’s health hub.

Your doctor will likely test for growth hormone deficiency if you or your child has characteristic signs. You may only develop some of these symptoms if you have growth hormone deficiency. It’s also possible to develop some symptoms that aren’t included in this list.