Low Testosterone

Testosterone is essential to the functioning of the male body. When your body doesn’t produce enough, it can cause many different symptoms. Fortunately, a board-certified urologist can help.

What is Low Testosterone?

Also called male hypogonadism, low testosterone is a state in which your body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles and is responsible for growth, development, and functioning of the male body. There are many different causes of low testosterone – it can be genetic, meaning you were born with it, or it can develop at any time in your life.

There are two different types of low testosterone, and they’re classified by their causes. Primary hypogonadism, or primary testicular failure, is caused by problems with the testicles. Secondary hypogonadism is caused by problems in the brain in the areas that normally signal the testicles to produce testosterone. There are many different causes and related medical conditions that can cause either type, so your testosterone doctor can take a look at your medical history and help you determine the causes.

What Causes Low Testosterone?

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to low testosterone levels. These include age, injuries or infections that damage the testicles, cancer treatment, and certain medications. In some cases, the cause of low T is unknown.

How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?

A simple blood test can be used to diagnose low testosterone. Your doctor will likely order additional tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms before starting treatment. Normal testosterone levels range from 300-1000.

What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Many adult men experience low testosterone with the following symptoms:

• Decreased libido
• Depression
• Low energy
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased muscle mass and hair growth
• Gynecomastia
• Bone loss
• Decreased fertility

In more severe cases, low testosterone can cause symptoms similar to menopause in women, including hot flashes and difficulty concentrating.

What Are Low Testosterone Treatment Options?

Nasal Gels – Natesto

Best for: Those extremely concerned about your ability to make babies. Nasal testosterone can improve your testosterone levels while preserving your fertility! (Unlike other TRT treatment options)

How often do you take it: 3 times per day.

Jatenzo/Kyzatrex

Best for: Those not too crazy about needles and have good insurance coverage

How often do you take it: 2 times per day.

Topical Gels

Best for: Those who want a low maintenance option, with typically moderate symptoms, and probably a bachelor.

What is it: Easy gel to rub on. AVOID direct skin-to-skin contact with women and children at the application site for 2 hours after applying it due to risk of transference.

How often do you take it: Once per day.

Standard Injections (Testosterone Cypionate/Testosterone Enanthate)

Best for: Someone who has no problems with injecting themselves

What is it: Regular intramuscular testosterone injections that you can do at home. Important to check in with your urologist or endocrinologist every few months to monitor testosterone levels, PSA, and red blood cell counts.

How often do you take it: Every 1 to 2 weeks.

Microdosing

Best for: Younger men, highly active

What is it: Smaller doses maintain steadier testosterone levels rather than weekly larger doses.

How often do you take it: 3 to 5 times per week.

Subcutaneous Pellets

Best for: Logistics of other options too cumbersome, seeking convenience since this is every 3-4 months, transitioning gender.

What is it: Pellet are inserted under the skin in a minor in-office procedure, these pellets dissolves very slowly, keeping your T level high over a long period of time.

How often do you take it: Every 3-4 months.

What are the Risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

1. Infertility

Within a few months, testosterone administration suppresses sperm production, causing infertility. In most men, it falls very low. In about half of men, it goes to zero. Most men’s fertility returns to their pre-T baseline when they stop taking it.

2. Irreversibility

Coming off T can be rough or impossible for some men. Men feel terrible when transitioning off testosterone administration and waiting for their body to naturally produce testosterone again.

3. Gynecomastia

Also known as man boobs. As testosterone levels rise, it can be converted to estrogen, which can trigger growth of man boobs. This can even happen in thin men.

4. Polycythemia

This is the opposite of anemia — too many red blood cells, making the blood thicker and more prone to clot. This can increase your risk heart attack or a stroke. It’s important to regularly check your blood work while on TRT to ensure the red blood cell count remains in a normal range.

Low Testosterone Outlook

Low Testosterone is easily treatable with hormone replacement therapy. It may take time for your body to adjust, but many men find life-changing results after testosterone therapy, with higher levels of energy, higher libido, and higher enjoyment of life. It’s important to also treat the underlying cause of low testosterone so you get long-term results, and your urologist can help you explore your options.

Schedule an Appointment

Many men experience symptoms of low testosterone without knowing that anything is wrong. If you’re interested in meeting with a board-certified urologist and learning more, we invite you to contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Houman by calling (310) 854-9898 or filling out our online form.

An expert in his field

Meet Dr. Houman

Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Urologist and Men’s Health specialist whose mission is to enhance men’s quality of life by improving their sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Houman’s focus is on making a difference in people’s lives through state-of-the-art, compassionate, and personally tailored care.

       

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