Testosterone is an important hormone that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions in men. When levels of testosterone start to decline, it can lead to concerning signs and symptoms. Being aware of the signs of low testosterone can help men identify if they may need treatment.
Some common signs and symptoms of low testosterone include:
One of the most well-known signs of dropping testosterone levels is a decrease in libido or sex drive. Many men notice they do not get aroused or interested in sexual activity as often when their testosterone dips. This can be associated with difficulty getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) as well.
Excessive tiredness, lack of energy and increased need for sleep could indicate reducing testosterone. When testosterone drops, men may feel drained even after a full night's rest. Fatigue can greatly impact quality of life.
Testosterone plays an important role in building and preserving lean muscle mass. As it declines, many men lose muscle tone and strength despite continuing their usual workout routines. A noticeable loss of muscle mass could point to dropping testosterone.
In tandem with loss of muscle mass, men with declining testosterone often notice an increase in body fat, especially around the abdominals and mid-section. This redistribution of weight can cause the waistline to thicken.
While losing hair on the scalp and body happens naturally with age, this process may accelerate with dropping testosterone levels. Hair on top of the head often becomes thinner, recedes further back above the temples or disappears from the scalp altogether.
There tends to be an increase in risk for osteoporosis in men diagnosed with low testosterone. Declining levels is associated with a depletion of bone tissue leading to weaker bones that fracture easier.
In addition to physical symptoms, plunging testosterone can disrupt emotional well-being. Men may feel increased irritability, impaired concentration, lack of motivation, feelings of sadness or depression when their levels take a nosedive.
Being attuned to potential signs and symptoms is an important first step toward identifying and properly treating low testosterone levels. Ignoring symptoms can allow this issue to negatively impact multiple aspects of men's vitality, health and wellness.
Once diagnosed with low testosterone, many men consider starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Like any medical treatment, there are key basics to understand about this option.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is primarily used to help men with clinically low testosterone levels. This treatment aims to restore healthy testosterone function by introducing amounts equivalent to what the body should be producing naturally.
It is prescribed when a man's body is not generating enough testosterone on its own. The goal of TRT is to bring levels back up and alleviate unpleasant symptoms.
If signs and symptoms lead a physician to suspect low T, a lab work blood test is ordered to measure current levels.
A definitive testosterone deficiency diagnosis is made when multiple early morning blood tests consistently show abnormally low results below: - 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)
Slightly grey area between the results 300 - 350 ng/dL may indicate borderline low testosterone. Even levels falling in this range when paired with significant symptoms may warrant treatment.
The best candidates for testosterone replacement are men that have repeatedly tested low and are experiencing multiple bothersome symptoms negatively impacting their daily life. Those seeking to restore lagging energy, sex drive, strength and overall vitality may benefit.
It is crucial low testosterone blood testing and attempts to identify any underlying cause are done before starting therapy.
If hormone blood tests establish testosterone deficiency and a trial demonstrates treatment could provide benefits for the man's symptoms, there are a few standard testosterone replacement delivery methods available:
Topical gels are commonly the first mode of treatment tried. When applied to the upper arms, shoulders or abdomen, the medication is absorbed through the skin into the body.
Testosterone injections taken weekly or bi-weekly are another very effective administration route. Many men transition to shots if gels fail to provide sufficient symptom relief.
Less common delivery formulations include underarm deodorant-like sticks, oral capsules, testosterone pellets surgically implanted under the skin lasting several months per dose and adhesive patches.
Finding the optimal form of testosterone that successfully elevates levels and resolves nuisance symptoms is key. This often takes working closely with an experienced men's health treatment provider through necessary testing and dosage adjustments.
Optimal Hormone Health Center in Eureka is a specialized men’s health and wellness medical practice focused on effectively diagnosing and treating testosterone deficiency to help men regain strength, vitality and thriving well-being.
Allowing ongoing low testosterone and bothersome associated symptoms to linger untreated over time can lead to increased severity of issues and additional emerging medical complications down the road.
The wide array of crucial daily functions influenced by healthy testosterone signifies this hormone is not optional for men's bodies. Restoring levels promptly can help avoid heightened risks associated with deficiency such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, infertility and possibly depression.
Making men's sexual health, vitality and vigor a priority again sooner through properly administered testosterone therapy facilitates getting back on track to fully be oneself.
Optimal Hormone Health Center was founded by a Board Certified urologist combining extensive training and two decades specializing in properly diagnosing common causes leading to declining testosterone and skillfully tailoring treatment plans for optimal restoration outcomes through testosterone replacement.
We respect each patient we serve by thoughtfully listening to their unique needs and crafting customized care through open communication and collaborative decision making. Testosterone therapy plans implemented embrace regular testing, vigilant monitoring and dosage adjustments as necessary.
Our exceptional TRT services include:
We welcome the opportunity to help any man struggling with bothersome symptoms regain energy, sex drive and quality of life. Please reach out to schedule a consultation about whether our testosterone replacement therapy could be right for improving health and happiness.
There is an array of possible reasons testosterone production might slow and lead to declining levels in aging men. Being aware of why this occurs is beneficial when considering treatment options.
Trauma or damage to the testes themselves sometimes decreases testosterone output. Necessary testicle removal due to cancer or undescended testes causes major deficiency requiring hormone treatment.
Since these two glands stimulate testosterone production, tumors or other dysfunction involving them interferes with adequate hormone release. Evaluating these causes guides suitable treatment.
Various prescription drugs like opioids, steroids, SSRIs, antifungals and more influence biochemical pathways that hamper healthy testosterone generation over time. Addressing medications may aid restoration.
Several illnesses including diabetes, end-stage kidney disease, HIV/AIDs, cancers, liver and autoimmune disease disrupt intricate hormonal pathways lowering testosterone. Treating underlying conditions assists.
Poor diet, excess body fat, smoking, heavy alcohol use, chronic stress and inadequate fitness habits contribute to falling testosterone. Optimizing nutrition, activity, sleep and vices significantly helps.
With expanded patient education efforts and greater awareness of common reasons behind declining testosterone in today's world, more men hopefully will pursue proper testing and treatment early when indicated to regain vigor.
A little-known benefit of testosterone therapy is that it has been shown to improve verbal learning and memory in postmenopausal women. A study found that women who used testosterone patches for 12 weeks performed better on tests of verbal learning compared to women who used placebo patches.
Because so many overlapping symptoms and illnesses mimic low testosterone, confirmation through lab work is imperative before diagnosing true deficiency or initiating testosterone replacement therapy.
Important pre-treatment blood testing evaluates:
Obviously a patient’s total circulating testosterone level must be checked via blood sample to definitively diagnose low T instead of merely guessing based on symptoms. Multiple early morning tests give the most accurate idea of typical hormone status. Results below 300 ng/dL usually signify true testosterone deficiency in need of correction by treatment.
Other integral sex hormones intimately related to healthy testosterone status should also be tested. These include LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) made by the pituitary as well as estradiol, the main estrogen hormone originating mostly from fat cells in men.
Abnormal results help identify the root cause and guide appropriate therapy.
This checks kidney and liver function plus electrolytes, blood sugar, proteins and fluid balance. Since illnesses involving these organs disrupt hormone pathways, it determines if other medical issues underlie testosterone deficiency.
The CBC determines red and white blood cell status, hemoglobin and platelet levels ensuring no concurrent blood disorders or diseases exist hampering hormonal balance.
Depending on a patient’s unique medical history and risk factors, checking levels of prolactin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, vitamin D, and conducting genetic or imaging tests provides greater insight directing suitable treatment options.
Confirming low testosterone with certainty via blood analysis before starting therapy avoids incorrect diagnoses and unsafe, poor treatment outcomes.
If symptoms and blood tests confirm need, testosterone therapy aims to safely elevate total testosterone back to more youthful levels between 500-1200 ng/dL when men tend to feel their best. This gives the many cells in bones, muscles, fat and organs enough hormone to function properly.
The standard testosterone replacement process unfolds through following key general steps:
Working closely under an experienced testosterone therapy provider ensures treatment progresses safely, effectively and tailored specially to restore one’s vitality.
Beyond properly diagnosing and effectively treating low testosterone through testosterone replacement therapy, the compassionate providers at Optimal Hormone Health Center also emphasize guidance to help men maximize all aspects of health.
We understand optimizing wellness bolsters treatment effectiveness and quality of life. We encourage patients to incorporate positive lifestyle changes alongside therapy.
Nutrition - Shifting toward a balanced whole food, anti-inflammatory diet high in produce, lean proteins and fiber provides the raw materials to powerfully support muscle growth, weight loss and testosterone production.
Fitness – Ideally men should participate in anaerobic and aerobic exercise most days of the week. Weight and resistance training builds muscle mass aided by adequate testosterone while cardio activity keeps the heart strong and body composition lean.
Sleep – Sticking to consistent bedtimes supporting 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly enables the body to fully produce key hormones like testosterone while tissue healing and muscle building accelerates.
Stress Reduction – Effectively coping with stress through sufficient relaxation, mindfulness practices, social connection, time in nature and/or counseling assists the body to not overproduce inflammation and cortisol which inhibit testosterone.
Social Ties – Surrounding oneself with supportive friends and family while engaging in enriching community provides a sense of meaning, emotional comfort and accountability that contributes to sustained motivation for healthy habits.
While we specialize in delivering exceptional testosterone replacement therapies, our providers advocate for men prioritizing comprehensive lifestyle factors for amplifying treatment success in all facets of well-being.
Please reach out with any questions on optimizing health and do not hesitate to schedule a consultation!
For those visiting our clinic in Eureka for testosterone deficiency testing and treatment, we aim for patients to make the most of their time during their stay by providing great local recommendations.
Here are our top picks for places to eat, be active, relax and enjoy natural beauty nearby:
General LabTest Eureka Trinity Lab Services SEQUOIA Laboratory Services
The Gym Eureka FitSpace Infinity Athletics
Garden Day Spa Hand & Stone Massage Spa Massage Works Eureka
Seafood - Catch of the Day, Shark’s Seafood Bar & Steamer
Italian - Mamma Mia’s, Bel Fiore, Dal Porto's
Mexican - Plaza Grill, Aji Japanese Cuisine, Amigas Grill & Cantina
Sequoia Park & Zoo Humboldt Botanical Gardens Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary College Cove Beach Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
We hope these trusted recommendations for high quality fitness centers, eateries and relaxation spots help patients feel at home and ease stress during their stay. Please share any gems we missed!