Testosterone is a vital hormone primarily produced by the human body. It’s mainly produced in men by the testicles. Testosterone affects a man’s appearance and sexual development, and overall health. This hormone stimulates sperm production as well as a man’s sex drive, and helps build muscle and bone mass. Maintaining healthy testosterone levels is essential for optimal men's health, but what happens when levels begin to decline?
As men age, testosterone production naturally decreases. According to the American Urological Association, about 2 out of 10 men older than 60 years have low testosterone. That increases slightly to 3 out of 10 men once they are in their 70s and 80s. For men, this condition, often referred to as low T, is increasingly being addressed with TRT Omaha services.
Low Testosterone
Low testosterone commonly referred to as "low T," is diagnosed when levels fall below 300 ng/dL.
A normal range is typically 300 to 1,000 ng/dL, though there is no universal laboratory definition. A blood test called a serum testosterone test is used to determine your level of circulating testosterone.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as fatigue, low sex drive, or mood changes, early diagnosis and treatment through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help restore your vitality and well-being, and help you feel like yourself again.
When to See a Urologist for Low Testosterone
It’s not uncommon to brush off symptoms like fatigue or low sex drive as part of aging, but these could be signs of a hormonal imbalance. If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms of low testosterone, such as mood swings, weight gain, or difficulty maintaining an erection, it’s time to consult a urologist.
A urologist can evaluate your hormone levels, rule out other causes, and guide you toward treatment options like testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Early diagnosis helps prevent further complications and gets you on the path to feeling like yourself again.
Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone (low T) can manifest in a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. Here are the 12 most common signs that may indicate a testosterone deficiency.
Low sex drive
Testosterone plays a key role in libido (sex drive) in men. Some men may experience a decline in sex drive as they age. However, someone with low T will likely experience a more drastic drop in their desire to have sex.
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
While testosterone stimulates a man’s sex drive, it also aids in achieving and maintaining an erection. While testosterone alone doesn’t cause an erection, it stimulates receptors in the brain to produce nitric oxide which does.
Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps trigger a series of chemical reactions necessary for an erection to occur. When levels of testosterone are too low, a man may have difficulty achieving an erection prior to sex or having spontaneous erections (for example, during sleep).
However, testosterone is only one of many factors that aid in adequate erections. Many times, other health problems play a role in erectile dysfunction. These can include:
- diabetes
- thyroid problems
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- smoking
- alcohol use
- depression
- stress
- anxiety
Low semen volume
Testosterone plays a role in the production of semen, which is the greyish white bodily fluid that aids in the motility of spermatozoa. Men with low T will often notice a decrease in the volume of their semen during ejaculation.
Hair loss
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is made from testosterone. When men experience low testosterone it also lowers the DHT that is produced. DHT binds to certain proteins in the body that in turn reduce the size of hair follicles. This may result in thinning of the hair and may also delay the growth of new hair strands.
Fatigue
Low testosterone can lead to reduced energy levels and fatigue. A man may feel tired, even after an adequate amount of rest or they may develop a diminished interest in exercise or movement.
Loss of muscle mass
Testosterone plays a role in the development of muscle mass, and reduced levels of this hormone can result in a significant loss of muscle mass. However, as low testosterone causes a decrease in bone and muscle mass, the function and strength of the muscles do not diminish, according to research.
Increased body fat
Men with low T may also experience increases in body fat. In particular, they sometimes develop gynecomastia or enlarged breast tissue. This effect is believed to occur due to an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen within men.
Decreased bone mass
Osteoporosis, or the thinning of bone mass, is a condition often associated with women. However, men with low T can also experience bone loss. Testosterone helps produce and strengthen the bone. So men with low T, especially older men, have lower bone volume and are more susceptible to bone fractures.
Mood changes
When testosterone levels are low and cortisol levels are comparably high, men can experience anger, hostility, anxiety, and overall irritability. These mood swings and irritability can be a result of the hormonal imbalance.
Affected memory
In addition to the physical changes caused by having low testosterone, this can also lead to trouble with men’s memory and cognitive functioning.
Smaller testicle size
Low testosterone levels in the body can contribute to smaller-than-average sized testicles. Because the body requires testosterone to develop the penis and testicles, low levels could contribute to a disproportionately smaller penis or testicles compared to a man with normal testosterone levels.
However, there are other causes of smaller-than-normal testicles in addition to low testosterone levels, so this isn’t always just a low testosterone symptom.
Low blood counts
Some research shows men with low testosterone can be at an increased risk for anemia. Symptoms of anemia include problems concentrating, lightheadedness, charley horse, difficulty sleeping, and an irregular or abnormal heart rate.
If these symptoms resonate with you, consulting a urologist in Omaha can help diagnose and treat low testosterone effectively.
Testosterone Therapies: Understanding Treatment Options, Benefits, and Risks
Testosterone is a hormone that plays a vital role in the development of male characteristics, such as muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive. However, as men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline, which can lead to a range of health issues. To address these concerns, testosterone therapies, also known as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), are designed to increase testosterone levels and alleviate the symptoms associated with low testosterone.
Benefits of Testosterone Therapies
- Increased muscle mass and bone density
- Improved sex drive and sexual function
- Increased energy levels
- Improved mood and cognitive function
- Decreased body fat
Treatment Options
There are several ways to administer testosterone therapies, including:
- Injections: Applied directly to the skin for steady absorption.
- Patches: Convenient and easy to use.
- Gels: Applied directly to the skin for steady absorption.
- Pellets: Implanted under the skin for long-term treatment.
Side Effects and Risks
While testosterone therapies can be effective, they also come with potential risks and side effects, including:
- Increased red blood cell count
- Acne and oily skin
- Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
- Prostate cancer (controversial, research shows mixed results)
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes (controversial, research shows mixed results)
Long-Term Use of Testosterone Therapies
Long-term use of testosterone therapies can also come with potential risks and side effects, including:
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of stroke
- Increased risk of blood clots
- Liver toxicity
If you are considering testosterone therapies, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your urologist. TRT may be an effective treatment option for men with low testosterone levels, but it is not without risks. By understanding the benefits and potential risks of TRT, you can make an informed decision about your health and well-being.
The Role of Urologists in Diagnosing and Managing Low Testosterone
Urologists play a critical role in diagnosing and treating low testosterone (low T). These specialists:
- Conduct Comprehensive Tests: Urologists can perform blood tests to measure testosterone levels and other related hormones. They may also evaluate underlying conditions that could contribute to low T.
- Personalize Treatment Plans: Based on the patient’s symptoms and test results, urologists develop personalized treatment strategies, which may include lifestyle changes or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
- Provide Ongoing Monitoring: Men undergoing TRT require regular follow-up visits to monitor testosterone levels and assess the effectiveness of treatment. Urologists ensure that TRT is safe and that any side effects are promptly addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Testosterone
What causes low testosterone besides aging?
While aging is the most common factor, other causes include injury to the testicles, chronic illnesses like diabetes or kidney disease, obesity, certain medications, and genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome.
Can lifestyle changes raise testosterone levels?
Yes, in some cases. Improving sleep, managing stress, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can all support natural testosterone production. However, medical intervention may still be needed.
Is testosterone therapy safe for long-term use?
TRT can be safe and effective when monitored by a urologist. Long-term use may carry some risks, so regular blood work and follow-up appointments are important to ensure balanced hormone levels and detect any side effects early.
UroHealth Partners - Schedule a Consultation with a Urologist in Omaha, NE Today
The attentive, compassionate physicians, providers, and staff at UroHealth Partners are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility. Our team of experienced urologists and healthcare providers in Omaha, NE, specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including low testosterone (low T).
From screening and prevention to testosterone treatment and recovery, our low-T Omaha & Council Bluffs urology specialists will be there for you. Our team of dedicated physicians has been serving residents of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota for more than 25 years.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, it’s time to take action. Schedule a consultation with our expert urologists to explore your options for TRT in Omaha. Together, we can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and health goals, to help you feel like yourself again.