Testosterone is the male hormone produced in the testicles, responsible for sperm production and the development of masculine characteristics. Some men experience low testosterone levels or testosterone deficiency.

Low testosterone can lead to symptoms such as reduced sex drive, fatigue, irritability, erectile dysfunction, depression, and decreased muscle mass. Your doctor can diagnose low testosterone by measuring its levels in your blood.

The primary treatment for low testosterone is testosterone therapy. This can be administered topically, via injections, or through pellets inserted under the skin. The choice of therapy will depend on what is most effective and convenient for you.

At Golden Gate Urology, we strive to ensure your comfort during your visit. Although discussing low testosterone can be sensitive, our urologists will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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Causes

Identifying the cause of low testosterone can be challenging. Some men may experience low testosterone due to:

  • Chemotherapy or radiation
  • Testicular damage
  • Pituitary gland disorders
  • Infections
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Age-related decline in testosterone

Diagnosis

Your urologist will assess your medical history, symptoms, and conduct a physical exam. To confirm testosterone deficiency, a total blood testosterone test will be performed. Normal testosterone levels range from 270 to 1080 ng/dL.

Symptoms of low testosterone may include:

  • Reduced sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Loss of body hair
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Fatigue
  • Obesity
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Infertility

Treatment

If diagnosed with low testosterone, your urologist will recommend testosterone replacement therapy. This can be administered through topical patches and gels, injections, or pellets implanted under the skin.

Benefits of testosterone therapy may include:

  • Enhanced sexual function
  • Improved mental clarity
  • Reduced body fat
  • Increased bone density
  • Greater muscle strength
  • Better mood

However, testosterone therapy may increase the risk of prostate cancer, and if cancer is present, it may accelerate growth. Regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests will be required to monitor for any potential issues while undergoing testosterone replacement therapy.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Symptoms of low testosterone include depression, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, fatigue, obesity, and increased irritability.

How do you treat low testosterone?

Low testosterone is treated by hormone replacement therapy, which is administered topically or with pellets under the skin.

Will testosterone therapy help with fertility?

If sperm counts are low, gonadotropin injections can be administered. This type of testosterone therapy tells the body to produce more testosterone, therefore increasing sperm count.

How is low testosterone diagnosed?

Your urologist will get a medical history, conduct a physical exam, and a blood test to measure testosterone levels.