Treating low testosterone levels

Low Testosterone Male Hypogonadism UNC Mens Health Program

For example, it is normal to feel less interested in sex as you get older. For couples who would like to keep their fertility options open, I do not recommend switching to exogenous androgen replacement. There is evidence that sperm quality does not always rebound completely when men are on alternating cycles of exogenous and endogenous androgen replacement. Taking hormonal medication for just one or two months is not going to have a significant long-term impact on sperm quality.

It can also be helpful to avoid glucocorticoid medications such as prednisone as well as opioid pain medications. Many experts believe testosterone contributes to the higher rates of heart disease and high blood pressure that tend to affect men at younger ages. By this reasoning, high testosterone might be bad for the heart. Research into the relationship between low testosterone and several other health conditions is ongoing.

I also look for improvement in the symptoms of low testosterone (which include decreased energy, reduced libido, decreased sexual function, etc.). Some men see improvements in just a few days, while in others it may be three to twelve months before they see maximal improvement. Of course it must be kept in mind that symptoms of low T can also be the result of other issues, such as stress, not sleeping well, and thyroid issues.

Testosterone replacement therapy may contribute to or cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly while you sleep. It can disrupt your sleep pattern in the process night sweats and testosterone raise your risk for other complications, like having a stroke.

If you are experiencing diminished interest in sex, ED or multiple symptoms together such as lack of desire to have sex and lack of energy, you should talk to your doctor. 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). There’s often no way to help men with primary hypogonadism make sperm. But there are ways to help couples who haven’t been able to have children.

These symptoms can easily be caused by other health problems though, like anemia, depression, sleep troubles, or a chronic illness. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common treatment for low testosterone. People with low testosterone, especially older males, may have lower bone volume and be more susceptible to bone fractures.

Around age 12 or 13, the pituitary gland signals the testicles to start producing testosterone. Testosterone production may start to ebb around age 50, but the clinical data is inconclusive, says Dr. Rogers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration clarified in 2015 that prescribing testosterone for low testosterone levels due to aging constitutes off-label use. Another way to raise your testosterone is through pills that you swallow. Instead they are other kinds of medicine that work well to raise testosterone levels. Experiencing decreased libido, fatigue, or increased body fat?

This can be problematic because females require significantly less testosterone (a much lower dose of medication) than males. Everyone is different, so some people will see improvement in symptoms within a few weeks, while others will need more time to notice any changes. This is mostly dependent on factors such as age and underlying medical conditions. That’s because they don’t manufacture sufficient levels of testosterone for optimal growth and health. Between 19 and 39 percent of older men may have low levels of testosterone. Low testosterone (low T), also called male hypogonadism, may be caused by many things, such as aging, hormone changes, chemotherapy, and others. Losing weight through exercise can increase testosterone levels.