Testosterone is a hormone made in the testicles of males, and the levels are essential to normal male sexual functions and development. Testosterone starts to help boys develop male features during the teen years, and it’s responsible for aiding in muscle strength, body and facial hair development, and a deepening of the voice.
As men age, testosterone levels decrease naturally, so older men often have lower blood testosterone levels than younger men. Women do have testosterone in their bodies, but it’s at a much lower level than men, and having low testosterone generally isn’t a concern for women.
Low Testosterone Levels
Men can have low testosterone levels, often called low testosterone (Low-T) or Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD). The deficiency refers to the fact that the body doesn’t have enough testosterone, and the syndrome refers to a group of symptoms that make up a health condition.
Low testosterone levels in the blood are generally around less than 300 nanograms per deciliter. Low testosterone is not necessarily immediately dangerous to your health, but if left untreated, it can impact your overall health and happiness.
Low Testosterone Symptoms
Some signs and symptoms are common with low testosterone, so if you have any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to work with your doctor to have your testosterone levels checked. A hormonal imbalance can make you feel off and affect other body systems.
What are some of the most common symptoms of low testosterone?
- Irritability
- Reduced lean muscle mass
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
- Low sex drive
Other possible reasons can show these symptoms, that’s why it is essential to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms to pinpoint exactly what is causing them. Fortunately, if you do have low testosterone levels, there are steps you can take to help improve them.
How Common Is Low Testosterone?
It’s hard to know how many men have low testosterone, but some data suggests that about 2 in 100 men may have lower testosterone levels. That percentage increases to as much as 50% of men over 80 years old who have low testosterone levels.
Men who are overweight or have diabetes are more likely to have low testosterone, so losing weight and managing proper blood sugar control may help prevent low testosterone.
Checking your testosterone levels as you age is important since they naturally lower over time.
Diagnosing Low Testosterone
Even though many symptoms may be linked to low testosterone, proper diagnostic testing is the only way to ensure you discover the appropriate root cause. Total blood testosterone level is the most accurate measurement of testosterone levels in your body.
To properly diagnose a patient, the doctor will use laboratory testing in addition to symptoms and signs in the body. The doctor will take a thorough health history at your appointment and perform a physical exam to assess your health properly.
After the doctor receives the blood testosterone levels, they can make a proper diagnosis and develop an appropriate plan of treatment to help balance out your testosterone levels.
Know Your Testosterone Levels
Suppose you have any of the above mentioned symptoms and suspect you may be dealing with low testosterone. In that case, it’s a good idea to work with a medical professional that will take your health concerns seriously and develop a treatment plan.
Dr. Leo has been working with patients for many years to discover the root cause of their health issues. If you’ve been dealing with symptoms as you age, call our office today to schedule an appointment to get you on the road to better health.
We are located at 6321 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852, in the Executive office park.
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