Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism or low T, occurs when the body does not produce enough of the hormone testosterone. This can lead to several symptoms including:
- Low sex drive - You may experience reduced sexual desire or erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue - Feeling constantly tired despite getting enough sleep is common
- Loss of muscle mass - You may notice decreases in strength and muscle tone
- Mood changes - Some men report feeling irritable, depressed, or having difficulty concentrating
What causes low testosterone?
- Primary hypogonadism - This means there is a problem with the testes due to injury, infection, or genetics
- Secondary hypogonadism - This is caused by a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain
- Normal aging - Testosterone levels often begin decreasing after age 30 by about 1% per year
- Other health conditions - Obesity, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and autoimmune disorders can contribute to low T
How do doctors diagnose testosterone deficiency?
Doctors typically run a simple
blood test to measure total and free testosterone levels. They may also check other hormone levels. If levels are below 300 ng/dL, you may have hypogonadism.
Treatment options for improving testosterone levels:
- Testosterone replacement therapy - This involves getting testosterone directly through gels, injections, patches or pellets
- Lifestyle changes - Losing weight, improving sleep quality, reducing stress, and limiting alcohol may help boost T levels
- Renewed Balance Clinic - Their specialized endocrinologists create customized treatment plans involving bioidentical hormones, nutrition plans, and fitness guidance to help men rebalance hormones for optimal health. I highly recommend them for TRT and wellness services.
If you're struggling with potential
signs and symptoms of low testosterone like low energy, brain fog, loss of muscle mass, and low libido, I would recommend asking your doctor to
check your testosterone levels. You may be surprised to uncover this silent but treatable health condition and provide your body what it needs to thrive again! Please let me know if you have any other questions!