Low Testosterone vs High Testosterone: Signs, Symptoms & Differences

Could you have low testosterone?: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

When levels of the hormone are low, their sperm “count” can be low, too. A drop in testosterone doesn’t always interfere with sex, but it can make it more difficult for your brain and body to get aroused. Some men may notice a drop in libido, while others may lose interest in sex completely. Low testosterone can also make it tougher to get or keep an erection. If they do, lower testosterone levels may not be the only cause. Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with your testicles that doesn’t allow them to make normal levels of testosterone. Male hypogonadism is a medical condition that can affect people with testicles at any age from birth through adulthood.

But we’re beginning to see more men in their 20s with low-T at the UT Southwestern male urology clinic. Sometimes low-T is caused by medical conditions, such as genetic diseases or past chemotherapy or radiation therapy. More often, symptoms can be linked to sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, anxiety, or depression.

Talk to a healthcare provider if you struggle with any of these symptoms. They can evaluate you and assess if testosterone levels may be responsible. Physicians lead in diagnosis and treatment planning, while nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals contribute to patient education, medication management, and ongoing monitoring. For most patients, this requires 100 mg of testosterone cypionate or enanthate once a week or the equivalent daily testosterone gel.

One of the biggest worries faced by men with declining testosterone levels is the chance that their sexual desire and performance will be affected. Conditions that affect how your hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland cause secondary hypogonadism. This is known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism because there are low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Those low levels cause decreased testosterone and sperm production.

Although you’re likely to start by seeing your family doctor or other care provider, you might be referred to someone who specializes in the hormone-producing glands (endocrinologist). Early detection in boys can help prevent problems from delayed puberty. Early diagnosis and treatment in men offer better protection against osteoporosis and other related conditions. In one study, 30% of men who were overweight had low testosterone, compared to only 6% of those with weight in the normal range. In another study, 25% of men with Type 2 diabetes had low testosterone, compared to 13% of those without diabetes. LOH and low testosterone are more common in men who have Type 2 diabetes, overweight and/or obesity.

Low testosterone can lead to a reduction in this volume, which can make the bones more susceptible to fractures. However, as low testosterone causes a decrease in mass, the function and strength of the muscles do not diminish, according to a 2016 review. Tablets are placed on the gums above your incisors every 12 hours. As the gel-like tablet dissolves it slowly releases testosterone. Gum tablets can cause a bitter taste, irritated mouth, tender gums, or headaches. You can eat, drink, and kiss women and children while using testosterone tablets.

One of the signs of low testosterone is weakened bones that may make men, especially aging men, more susceptible to bone fractures. As men age, it’s not uncommon for them to experience signs of low testosterone. In fact, low testosterone, or low T, affects two out of 10 men over the age of 60. Men who wish to father children may wish to consult a reproductive health specialist before starting testosterone replacement therapy. Urologists tailor treatment to a patient’s personal situation, prescribing formulations that are safe and effective for you. We will also monitor your health after you start testosterone therapy, making any adjustments as needed.

Don’t think it is just being sleepy or being too busy…it could be low testosterone. If you what foods are good for testosterone a male over the age of 24 and have unexplained physical or mental issues like those noted above, you may be suffering from Low Testosterone or hypogonadism. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. Some people may also have something in their genetic makeup (their DNA) that interferes with their body’s ability to produce or process DHEA and DHEA-S. Brown University Health, Rhode Island’s first health system, was founded in 1994 by Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital. If you are trying to have a child, you may want to ask your doctor if you can take a medicine that doesn’t affect fertility.

Men who are hypertensive, obese, or who have elevated cholesterol levels may also suffer from low testosterone levels. However, working to lose this additional weight can help men boost their testosterone levels and reverse its symptoms. Hair loss can be frustrating, especially for men suffering from low T. Low testosterone can not only cause a man to lose hair on his head, but also on his arms, legs and other areas of his body including his facial hair. Depending on the cause of TD, there might be other medications a man can take to raise his testosterone levels. Some examples are aromatase inhibitors (AI), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM). Hematocrit is a measure of the percentage of red blood cells on the blood.

Hypogonadism can be caused by a variety of factors including aging, injury to the testicles, cancer, and genetic disorders. As this hormone imbalance persists, you may observe a decline in your overall fitness level. Workouts that once yielded satisfying results may no longer have the same effectiveness. This decline can be frustrating and demotivating, as you strive to maintain your physical prowess and well-being. “It is generally not necessary for people to worry about their exact testosterone number unless they are experiencing symptoms of concern,” Dr. Black says.