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LOW TESTOSTERONE (Low-T)

Men's Health, Sexual Health / By

LOW TESTOSTERONE (Low-T) 

Low testosterone is a condition characterized by an underproduction of the male hormone testosterone.

  • Testosterone is a sex hormone made in the testicles. It is often associated with males, although females can have small amounts
  • In men, this hormone helps maintain and develop sexual features, bone density, adequate levels of red blood cells, muscle mass, sexual and reproductive function, and a sense of well being
  • Testosterone level generally decreases with age, so older men tend to have more low testosterone levels – once a male reaches 30, testosterone levels slowly decrease by approximately 1% a year
  • About 2 out of 10 men older than 60 years have low testosterone. This increases to 3 out of 10 men in their 70s to 80s
  • The American Urology Association define low testosterone as less than 300nanograms(ng) of the hormone per deciliter (dl) of blood. 

Causes

  • Normal aging process

Some of the conditions that can lead to a low level of testosterone include:

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Hormonal disorder
  • Chronic medical conditions, especially liver or kidney disease
  • Infections
  • Medication, such as narcotics
  • Chemotherapy or Radiation therapy for cancer
  • Tumours
  • Testicle injuries

Symptoms

Men can experience a range of symptoms if testosterone drastically drops below normal, this includes:

  • Changes in sleep patterns- insomnia or sleep disturbances
  • Sexual changes- reduced sexual desires, infertility, or difficulty with erection
  • Physical changes- reduced muscle mass and increased body fat
  • Changes in mood – lack of focus, irritability, and depression
  • Fatigue
  • Smaller, softer testicles
  • Loss of body hair
  • Low blood count
  • Low semen volume

Diagnosis and treatment

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will measure the amount of testosterone in the blood with a blood test. This test is usually done in the morning. Several measurements may be taken before it is determined if you have a low testosterone level. This is because testosterone levels tend to change throughout the day, with the highest levels in the morning around 8 am.

The doctor may also carry out a physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor will check for hair pattern and location, presence of testicles and their size, prostate size, and other abnormalities.

Bone density tests

An hba1c blood test may be done for diabetes

Treatment

Treatment may not be required in certain cases.

If treatment is required, testosterone therapy may be recommended. Testosterone therapy may be taken through the skin (transdermal), via injection, through the nose (intranasal), mouth(oral), or by pellets under the skin.

This treatment option can help improve symptoms.

Lifestyle changes that may help with symptoms may include:

  • Sleeping well
  • Weight loss
  • Staying active