You might think, if you pay attention to the hype that testosterone increases are like the fountains of youth. Better sex. Bigger muscles! Massive energy! Some fancy sports cars!
The message about low T or “low T” is gaining traction. A study that was published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that prescriptions for testosterone therapy for men aged over 40 tripled from 2001 to 2011. The demand for testosterone therapy continues to grow. estimates that by 2027, the market for testosterone-replacement therapy will reach more than $2.2 Billion.
Treatment for hypogonadism, or low testosterone, is more than just a miracle cure. It’s about improving your overall health.
It’s not only about treating low testosterone. Endocrinologist Kevin Pantalone says that it’s important to understand the cause of low testosterone and address any underlying medical conditions.
We spoke with Dr. Pantalone to learn about the different treatment options available for those with low testosterone. He also explained why it is important to discuss low T with your doctor.
How does my doctor treat low levels of testosterone?
Your healthcare provider will perform a testosterone test if you are experiencing low testosterone symptoms.
Low T symptoms can include:
- Reduced muscle mass.
- Depression.
- Erectile Dysfunction.
- Fatigue.
- Mental fogginess.
- Poor libido.
It is not necessary to treat low testosterone if the number is less than 250 nanograms/deciliter (ng/dL). It’s not recommended to treat low testosterone unless there are symptoms and low numbers.
“People shouldn’t be treated for low numbers with no symptoms, or symptoms without low numbers.” Dr. Pantalone emphasizes that the two must go together.
Your healthcare provider may recommend testosterone therapy, lifestyle changes and other testing if you exhibit symptoms or.
Treatment of underlying conditions
People with chronic diseases are more likely to have low testosterone levels.
Dr. Pantalone says that chronic illnesses can prevent your brain from sending the correct signals to your testicles telling them to produce more testosterone. Controlling their underlying condition is enough to boost testosterone levels in many people without any additional treatment.
Low testosterone is associated with a number of conditions, including:
- Alcohol Use Disorder.
- Anemia.
- Diabetes.
- HIV.
- Obesity a BMI greater than 30.
- Sleep Apnea .
In some cases, managing these conditions properly can raise your testosterone and reduce symptoms. If you have sleep apnea it means that you must adhere to your CPAP treatment. If your BMI is higher than 30, you may need to lose weight through diet, exercise, or bariatric surgical.
Testosterone Therapy
The testosterone therapy raises your testosterone by directly delivering it to your bloodstream. It can be administered in several different ways.
- Pills.
- Injections.
- Subcutaneous pellets (placed underneath your skin).
- Topical gels.
- Topical Patches
You can ask your doctor which method is best for you, based on other health conditions and lifestyle.
Dr. Pantalone warns that testosterone therapy is not for everyone, and should not be taken lightly. If you want to have children, it’s best to avoid testosterone therapy, since it can reduce fertility. Also, it is not recommended for those with cancer of the prostate.
Research has shown that testosterone-replacement therapy comes with some rewards and some risks.
Pros
- Sexual function and libido are improved.
- Increased muscle mass and bone density.
- Feel better.
- An increase in the red blood cell count.
- Improvement in cognition and overall quality of life.
Cons
- People with an enlarged prostate may experience worsening symptoms.
- The risk of liver damage.
- Hyperviscosity can increase stroke risk (or thickening blood).
- Sleep apnea that is not treated or worsening.
- Heart failure is a risk.
- Blood clots are a risk.
Your healthcare provider can advise you about the best option for you, based on your current condition.
What are the over-the-counter remedies?
What about all the media hype? Dr. Pantalone warns consumers against “natural” testosterone boosts.
Low testosterone may be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you try to treat low levels of testosterone on your own, it’s possible that the cause is not being addressed. This can be dangerous.
Talk to your doctor
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing low testosterone symptoms. You’ll be scheduled for a blood test, most likely between 8 and 10 am. This is because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day.
Dr. Pantalone explains that hormone production follows a rhythm called the diurnal cycle, in which levels are at their lowest around midnight and peak early in the morning. You want to test for deficiencies in the morning, when the levels should be highest.
You doctor may also suggest some additional imaging studies. Your doctor will want you to rule out this possibility.
Dr. Pantalone explains that the first thing he does when he sees patients who have symptoms and low testosterone levels is to find out why. For some, this is a normal effect of ageing or can be attributed to chronic diseases. This can be due to previous radiation or chemotherapy in the pelvic region. Your doctor will only be able treat you properly once they understand the cause of your low testosterone.
