What causes low testosterone?
Beginning around the age of 30, men’s testosterone levels naturally drop by up to 2% every year. Over time, this leads to testosterone levels low enough to cause health problems.
You can also develop low testosterone due to hypogonadism, a condition in which the testicles don’t produce a normal amount of hormone. The following health conditions can cause hypogonadism.
- Mumps
- Obesity
- High levels of iron
- Injury to your testicles
- Pituitary disorders
- Cancer treatment
- Autoimmune disease
- Metabolic syndrome
Men who use certain medications, such as narcotic pain medications and antidepressants, are also more likely to have low testosterone.
What symptoms develop due to low testosterone?
As your testosterone levels decline, you experience symptoms such as:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of body and beard hair
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
Low testosterone also causes cognitive and emotional issues such as poor memory, difficulty concentrating, depression, and anxiety.
How is low testosterone treated?
Dr. McBride performs a thorough physical examination, including blood tests, to determine your hormone levels and identify potential health problems. If Dr. McBride identifies an underlying health condition, your treatment begins by addressing that problem.
As a holistic practitioner who treats all aspects of your health, Dr. McBride recommends lifestyle changes when appropriate. For example, obesity is a major cause of hypogonadism. If you need to lose weight, he helps you develop a diet and exercise plan that works for your lifestyle.
The only way to restore normal testosterone levels is with hormone replacement therapy. Testosterone is available in several forms, including:
- Injections
- Oral tablet
- Intranasal (gel placed in your nose)
- Pellet (implanted under your skin)
- Buccal (patch placed on your gums)
- Transdermal (patches, creams, and gels placed on your skin)
Dr. McBride talks with you about the pros and cons of each form and recommends the one that’s best for you. Your symptoms improve as your testosterone levels return to normal.
Testosterone replacement may interrupt sperm production, however. If you plan on having children soon, Dr. McBride may recommend adding treatment to boost sperm production.
If you have symptoms of low testosterone, call J. Abram McBride, MD, or schedule an appointment online.
