The Dangers of Low Testosterone

Much of what you associate with men, in terms of general appearance, is because of testosterone. During puberty, this hormone helps build muscle, deepens a man’s voice, and boosts the size of his sex organs. Throughout life, testosterone is the hormone that drives libido and keeps muscles and bones healthy. Testosterone levels are highest at the tail end of puberty (around 17), but typically remain at high levels until around age 30.

After 30, most men experience a gradual decline in testosterone. Many men notice that this correlates with a loss of sexual desire, which is totally normal. Sometimes, however, testosterone levels drop too low. This can reduce your bones’ strength and muscle mass, exacerbate sexual issues, and lead to a host of health issues. Low testosterone can be dangerous if not treated.

Do you think you have low testosterone? Put your health first with Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care and James Y. Lee, DO. Dr. Lee is a men’s health expert; he’ll work with the rest of our team to make sure you get the care you deserve to be the best man you can be.

Low testosterone basics

As stated above, the vast majority of men experience a slow decline in testosterone somewhere around 30. This is totally normal and is just a part of getting older. According to the Urology Care Foundation, about 2.1% of all men suffer from low testosterone levels. Though only 1% of men below 30 suffer from the condition, over 50% of men over 80 experience symptoms. With the Baby Boomer generation inching further into old age, odds are that more men than ever are dealing with low testosterone.

Low testosterone symptoms

Low testosterone can present with a variety of symptoms. Since testosterone is a key part of sex drive and energy, most men will experience sexual difficulty and fatigue. Overall symptoms include:

• Reduced sex drive
• Reduced erectile function
• Loss of body hair
• Less beard growth
• Loss of lean muscle mass
• Feeling extremely tired all the time (fatigue)
• Obesity (being overweight)
• Affected memory
• Symptoms of depression
• Fractures caused by decreased bone mass

If you’re experiencing any of the above, come see Dr. Lee. Even if you don’t have low testosterone, these symptoms could be caused by a different medical issue that needs attention.  

Low testosterone treatment

The most common treatment for low testosterone is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT is typically only prescribed if you present with two or more symptoms of low testosterone or have blood test results that indicate low levels. TRT therapy looks to replace the testosterone your body isn’t producing. There are multiple delivery options, including:

• Skin patches
• Gels
• Tablets that dissolve in the mouth
• Injections
• Surgically implanted pellets that release the hormone

 Most patients report positive results within four to six weeks. TRT is the most effective treatment method for low testosterone. However, you can help the medication by making lifestyle changes that can potentially increase testosterone levels. Diet and exercise have both been shown to boost testosterone levels, especially in younger men suffering from the condition. The impact made by diet and exercise becomes smaller as you age. Elderly patients typically see little to no improvement from lifestyle changes.

If you think you’re suffering from low testosterone, come see Dr. Lee and the rest of our team at Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care. We’ll make sure you get back to feeling your best. Call or book an appointment at our Woodstock office.