Treating low testosterone levels

Decreased Testosterone in the Aging Male

About 15% of men with fertility problems have low testosterone levels. The most common treatment is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). For example, a bone density test can show diminished bone mass, one result of low testosterone. To diagnose low testosterone, a doctor will often perform a physical evaluation and review the person’s symptoms. The doctor may also request testing to look for additional signs.

Men who are found to have prostate real testicular cancer pictures should not undergo testosterone replacement therapy. Genetic variants that affect the Y chromosome and the sex hormone-binding globulin may result in a higher risk for low testosterone. SHBG is a protein that helps deliver testosterone to the body’s tissues. Diets high in trans-fats can negatively impact a person’s testosterone levels, while zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant vitamins can support testosterone production. One 2017 review found that testosterone replacement therapy significantly improved depression symptoms and overall quality of life in those with low testosterone. Low testosterone levels are common in men who have sleep apnea.

If you have low T, healthy lifestyle changes are important, along with any testosterone therapy your doctor might suggest. Be sure to work large groups of muscles when you exercise and do some weight lifting, too. Because testosterone helps build muscle, when it gets low, so does your muscle mass and strength.

Other causes of primary hypogonadism include complications from the mumps and physical injury to the testicles or ovaries. In adolescents, hypogonadism can delay or prevent puberty and the sexual development that typically occurs during that stage of life. Some are more closely related to Low-T levels (specific signs and symptoms).

People who’ve had their ovaries removed (oophorectomy) will also have low testosterone levels because their ovaries are responsible for about half of all testosterone production. Testosterone is a type of androgen hormone (or sex hormone) in your body. Hormones are chemical messengers that tell your body how to work and what to do. Everyone makes testosterone, but males make the most testosterone.

While each of the symptoms above may result from lowered testosterone levels, they may also be normal side effects of aging. Low testosterone is diagnosed through testing of the patient’s history of symptoms and by a physical examination performed by your doctor. The physical exam is usually in the form of a blood test that can detect testosterone levels. Having male hypogonadism can affect your self-image and, possibly, your relationships. Talk with your health care provider about how you can reduce the anxiety and stress that often accompany these conditions. But we’re beginning to see more men in their 20s with low-T at the UT Southwestern male urology clinic.

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. Low sex drive, also known as low libido, is common in men with low T. While a reduced sex drive may also be due to age, low testosterone is known to cause a significant decrease in a man’s desire to have sex. Some medications and certain genetic conditions can also lower a man’s testosterone reading.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. For older adults who have low testosterone and symptoms of hypogonadism due to aging, it’s less clear how well testosterone replacement works. 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. If you are 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.

Certain health conditions, medicines, or injury can lead to low testosterone (low-T). Low testosterone can affect sex drive, mood, and changes in muscle and fat. A review published in 2019 found that onions may help male testosterone levels. The study authors found that onions increase the production of luteinizing hormone, enhance the antioxidant defense mechanism in the testes, and defend against inflammation and insulin resistance. More clinical trials are needed to determine how onion can increase testosterone levels in humans. Testosterone is the hormone most responsible for sex drives and high libidos in men. One of the biggest worries faced by men with declining testosterone levels is the chance that their sexual desire and performance will be affected.