Testosterone is a sex hormone that regulates numerous bodily functions and processes. Produced by the Leydig cells in the testes, testosterone regulates such things as bone density, fat distribution and metabolism, libido, mood, muscle mass and strength, red blood cell production, and sperm cell generation. With so many bodily functions to regulate, numerous things can occur when a male does not produce enough testosterone, a condition known as hypogonadism. Our bodies also naturally produce less testosterone as we age. Some symptoms and examples of what can occur with hypogonadism or low testosterone levels include the following:

– Depression
– Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
– Fatigue or low energy levels (one of the most prominent symptoms of hypogonadism)
– Hair loss
– Hot flashes
– Inability to concentrate
– Increased body fat
– Insomnia or trouble sleeping
– Irritability
– Little to no sex drive (libido)
– Low sperm count
– Mood swings
– Reduced bone density, putting one at higher risk of fractures
– Reduction in testicle size
– Significant loss of muscle mass

While many things can occur with low testosterone levels, it can also happen with no apparent symptoms. In such cases, hypogonadism is often revealed and diagnosed through routine blood work, but treatment is not always necessary.

If you are dealing with low testosterone levels, there are several ways to increase testosterone production, ranging from natural options and lifestyle changes to medical treatments and therapies. For individuals with low testosterone levels who are not experiencing any adverse symptoms, your doctor may not recommend any treatment. That said, it is still a good idea to monitor your condition should any adverse symptoms develop, necessitating treatment in the future. At American Male Medical, we recommend a combination of medical treatments and healthy lifestyle choices to boost testosterone levels if hypogonadism is negatively impacting your life.

As far as medical treatments go, we are happy to provide hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at American Male Medical, also known as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), to patients who are dealing with the difficulties of low testosterone levels. HRT can be administered in several different ways, such as injections or topical creams, depending on the condition severity. Hormone replacement therapy helps with managing and increasing testosterone production for patients with low testosterone levels. Our doctors determine the precise amount of testosterone to be administered for each patient by considering your individual needs and adhering to the Endocrine Society’s HRT guidelines.

Testosterone loss is a natural product of aging, as most men will gradually experience decreased testosterone levels once they are in their 30s on an average of one percent per year. However, low testosterone levels or hypogonadism can also be caused by several other factors, including the following:

– Alcohol or drug abuse
– Certain medications
– Chemotherapy
– Cirrhosis
– Excess estrogen
– High prolactin levels
– Human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV)
– Hypothyroidism
– Injury or infection to the testicles
– Kallman syndrome (abnormal development of the hypothalamus gland)
– Klinefelter syndrome, also known as XXY syndrome (a genetic condition where one is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome)
– Metabolic disorders
– Obesity
– Obstructive sleep apnea
– Pituitary gland disorders
– Pubertal delay
– Radiation exposure
– Sarcoidosis
– Type 2 diabetes mellitus