What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone made by your body and is responsible for the normal growth and development of the male sex organs and for maintenance of other sexual characteristics. In men, testosterone is produced in the testes, the reproductive glands that also produce sperm. The amount of testosterone produced by the testes is regulated by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. Some effects of testosterone may include:
- Growth and maturation of prostate, and other male sex organs
- Development of male hair distribution such as facial hair
- Changes in body muscle mass and strength and fat distribution
- Sex drive and sexual function, libido
- Mood and energy level, even depression can occur with low testosterone
- Bone strength
- Normal Levels of Testosterone
In healthy men, testosterone levels (also known as T levels) between 300 ng/dL and 1000 ng/dL are considered normal. The brain and the testes work together to keep testosterone in this range. When levels of testosterone are below normal, the brain signals the testes to make more. When there is enough testosterone, the brain signals the testes to make less. In some men with levels below 500ng/ml symptoms can occur even though levels are within the normal range.
What is Low Testosterone?
Typically, a man’s testosterone level is considered low if it’s below a level of around 300 ng/dL. Low Testosterone can be caused by a signaling problem that occurs between the brain and the testes that causes the production of testosterone to drop below normal. Low Testosterone can also occur when your body can’t make normal levels of testosterone. Low Testosterone can lead to a medical condition known as hypogonadism, which has many symptoms including fatigue, decreased energy, reduced sexual desire, and depressed mood.
Symptoms of low Testosterone
Take a look at the symptoms of Low Testosterone below to see if any apply to you.
Signs and symptoms of Low Testosterone may include:
- Fatigue or decreased energy, poor sleeping patterns
- Reduced sex drive (libido)
- Sexual dysfunction (weak erections, fewer erections)
- Depressed mood
- Increased body fat
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Decreased bone strength
- Loss of body hair (less frequent shaving)
- Hot flashes, sweats
These symptoms may be a sign of Low Testosterone or other health conditions and should not be ignored.
How is Low Testosterone treated?
Dr. Matthew Lief and his team are experts in the treatment of male hypogonadism also know also low T. He is familiar with all forms of replacement. That includes injections, all the currently available topical gels and pellets. When necessary or requested HCG injections can be added to your therapy to keep the body lean and help prevent shrinkage of the testes. Clomid is an oral option that may work for some men. Many times estrogen levels can become elevated and when this occurs medication will be prescribed to prevent it. Dr. Lief and his staff can give you your injections in the office or in many cases teach you how to self inject. We will make sure there are no ill effects on your prostate by periodic examinations and blood work. Most times insurance will cover the cost of treatments.