Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone Q&A

Low testosterone can manifest as a wide range of physical symptoms, each of which can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life. Each person will experience symptoms differently, and Low T affects everyone disparately. However, there are symptoms that are commonly reported from Low T, which include:

• Low sex drive/reduced libido
• Difficulty with attaining or maintaining an erection, which may also be related to:
– Diabetes
– Thyroid problems
– High blood pressure
– High cholesterol
– Smoking
– Alcohol use
– Depression
– Stress
– Anxiety
• Low semen volume
• Hair loss, or alopecia
• Fatigue (reduced energy levels)
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Decreased bone mass
• Mood changes, irritability, depression
• Affected memory, impaired cognition
• Smaller testicle size
• Low blood counts

When a man is experiencing low levels of testosterone, he may experience many unpleasant symptoms that affect his mood, strength, stamina, appearance, and overall quality of life. These symptoms come in a wide array and vary in duration, intensity and frequency. It is important to remember that these symptoms do not have to be accepted as the “new normal.” Testosterone therapy can help men hold on to their strength, vitality and masculinity.

Men experience a gradual decrease of testosterone levels over time, unlike what women experience through menopause. The older a man is, the more likely he is to experience below-normal levels of testosterone. Men may experience some degree of low T symptoms if they have testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL.

Low testosterone can be improved in a number of ways, some of which include dietary changes, increasing the amount of daily physical exercise, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In many cases, HRT is prescribed in addition to lifestyle modifications like proper diet and regular exercise. HRT is one of the most reputable treatments for regulating hormonal imbalances in the body, and is particularly effective in the treatment for low testosterone.

Low testosterone levels, or “low T,” is a condition known as male hypogonadism and can be caused by a wide range of medical conditions, as well as by the use of some medications or drugs. Medical conditions that cause low T include:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Chronic liver or kidney disease
• Chronic obstructive lung disease
• Genetic causes
• Heart failure
• HIV/AIDS
• Infections (such as mumps)
• Injury to the testicles
• Metabolic disorders
• Obesity
• Prolactinoma in pituitary gland (prolactin-secreting tumor)
• Testicular cancer or treatment for testicular cancer
• Type 2 diabetes

Medications or drugs associated with low testosterone levels include:

• Alcohol
• Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer
• Corticosteroids (sometimes called glucocorticoids)
• Opioids

Sometimes the cause of low testosterone in a man is unknown, and many men have several different causes at the same time that each contribute to the hormonal imbalance.

At American Male Medical, we care about your sexual health. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating low testosterone and can help you reclaim your vitality through proven and effective treatments. We have four locations to better serve you: in Lewisville-Dallas, TX, Irvine, CA, Nashville, TN and Sherman Oaks, CA. We serve patients from Lewisville TX, Carrollton TX, Flower Mound TX, Sherman Oaks CA, Los Angeles CA, Irvine CA, Tustin CA, Nashville TN, and Oak Hill TN.

We look forward to serving you!