Some men suffer from low testosterone levels. This condition is called a Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD) or Low Testosterone (Low-T). It is a problem that occurs mostly in men in their 30s to 40s. A testosterone deficiency means the body is unable to produce a sufficient amount of it. There could be many underlying factors that contribute to this problem. Together with the experts at La Jolla Testosterone Replacement Therapy Clinic, let us look into Testosterone Deficiency, Testosterone Replacement Therapy and the risks and advantages that go along with it.
La Jolla Testosterone Replacement Therapy: What is Low Testosterone?
Low blood testosterone (or Low-T) is identified by the American Urology Association as having less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). The symptoms or conditions that accompany Low-T include:
- Fatigue
- Low sex drive
- Irritability
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
- Reduced lean muscle mass
There are plenty of other reasons that could cause these symptoms. Some of them could be:
- Opioid use
- Congenital conditions
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- And loss of or harm to the testicles
If you observe these symptoms, go see your doctor right away.
How Common is Low Testosterone Syndrome In Men?
It is hard to pinpoint exactly how many men suffer from Low Testosterone, although there are studies that suggest that around 2.1% of men (2 in every 100) possibly have it. Another research suggests that as low as 1% of younger men have testosterone deficiency syndrome (TD), while 50% of men over 80 years of age may have TD.
According to the experts at La Jolla Testosterone Replacement clinic, TD is a lot more common in men who are overweight or have diabetes. One study revealed that 30% of overweight men had low testosterone levels compared to 6.4% of men with normal weight. The same study points at diabetes as a risk factor for TD. Another study, however, states that 24.5% of men with diabetes had low testosterone compared to 12.6% of men without diabetes.
What Are The Symptoms of Low Testosterone?
There are many signs and symptoms associated with low testosterone syndrome and some of these are more closely related to Low-T levels. If you’re still unsure, you can always ask your doctor to assess and make sense of your situation.
Specific Signs/Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency can include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced sex drive
- Body hair loss
- Less beard growth
- Loss of lean muscle mass
- Obesity
- Feeling tired all the time
- Depression or exhibiting signs of it
Besides specific signs, there are non-specific signs and symptoms as well. They are:
- Poor memory
- Poor focus
- Low energy
- Low endurance and strength
- Difficulty finding words to say
- Not doing well with work
Exhibiting any one of the specific or non-specific symptoms won’t necessarily mean that you have TD. However, if you exhibit mixed symptoms, for example, if you start feeling fatigued and depressed over a period of time and this feels surprisingly new to you, you may want to get yourself checked for TD.
Having low sexual desire or libido alone is not a sign that you have TD. But, if you are experiencing a combination of reduced erectile function, low sexual libido, and feelings of fatigue and depression, get in touch with your doctor right away.
What is La Jolla Testosterone Replacement Therapy and What are The Risks Involved?
Testosterone therapy is a treatment administered to men who have hypogonadism or extremely low testosterone levels. However older men with normal testosterone levels also avail of this treatment in hopes that it will give them strength and make them feel younger. This is completely unnecessary and can expose healthy men to some risks.
According to La Jolla testosterone replacement therapy clinic, a surprisingly small number of men experience side effects from this treatment. Among the common side effects include acne, breast swelling, swelling in the ankles, and sleep apnea. Doctors also observe an increase in red blood cell counts, which increases the risk of clotting.
Men who’ve been on long-term testosterone therapy are observed to have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks, strokes and heart disease. In fact, experts discovered that older men on testosterone therapy noticeably had more heart problems. Theoretical cardiac side effects are more apparent in older men compared to those who are in their 30s-40s.
Some doctors have also raised concern on the possibility of testosterone therapy stimulating the growth of prostate cancer cells. Just like the theoretical cardiac risks, the evidence for this is unclear. But since prostate cancer is common nowadays, doctors are often cautious when it comes to prescribing testosterone therapy to men who are at risk.
For patients with low-T levels, there are more benefits rather than potential risks with hormone replacement therapy. However, for most men, it is important to consult your doctor first. Testosterone therapy offers men who feel poorly about themselves a chance to feel better. But this is just a band-aid fix, and could even result to unknown long-term hazards.
Those considering testosterone therapy should keep the risks in mind. Most doctors would discourage it, especially if you’re only using it in hopes to feel young or feel stronger.
Before You Get Testosterone Therapy…
Experts at La Jolla Testosterone Replacement Therapy clinic provides us with a few tips on how to approach testosterone therapy.
- Consider What Symptoms You Have and Why You’re Experiencing them
If you’re experiencing low sex drive/libido, fatigue and other symptoms related to low testosterone, consider why you might be having them. Consider your diet, your sleep patterns and whether you exercise regularly or not.
- Get Assessed Accurately
It’s important to get proper assessment for your condition as inaccurate or misinterpreted test results can wrongly diagnose or overlook a case of testosterone deficiency. After therapy, remember to regularly follow up with your physician to make sure the testosterone therapy is not causing problems in your prostate or blood chemistry.
- Know The Risks
Tell your doctor to explain the different side effects for different testosterone formulations. Testosterone treatments can range from gels, patches, and testosterone injections. Know what to look for in case something goes wrong.
To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.
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