As men live longer, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle becomes more challenging. One such challenge is the decline of testosterone levels as they age. A vital hormone for men, testosterone plays a role in several important bodily functions. This post explores low testosterone and how to treat it.
What is Low Testosterone, and Why Do My Levels Matter?
Testosterone is the hormone responsible for developing sexual characteristics in adult males. Thus, it regulates everything from facial and testicular hair to bone density and muscle mass. This hormone is produced by the testicles and regulated by the brain and pituitary gland. For adults, a healthy testosterone level should be between 300-1000 ng/dL. Unfortunately, low testosterone levels can affect men’s health in significant ways with:
- Decreased bone density
- Reduced muscle mass
- Low red blood cell production
- Reproductive problems
These are all consequences of inadequate testosterone levels. Age plays a role here – studies show an average drop of 1% in testosterone levels each year after age 30.
What are the Signs of Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone can have several symptoms, including decreased muscle mass, enlarged breasts, decreased focus and memory recall, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and Type 2 diabetes. However, many people associate low testosterone with sexual symptoms such as erectile dysfunction or decreased libido.
How is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?
Diagnosing low testosterone requires specialized testing and a thorough medical history review by an endocrinologist. The highest testosterone levels usually occur in the morning, fluctuating throughout the day. As a result, it is necessary to test more than once and during a specific time window to accurately measure testosterone levels.
Are There Alternative Treatments for Low Testosterone Besides Testosterone Therapy?
Yes. Testosterone replacement therapy is not always the first course of action for low testosterone treatment. Dr. Philip Rabito, a Mount Sinai-trained endocrinologist, takes a comprehensive approach to diagnose the underlying causes of low testosterone. Addressing contributing factors such as sleep apnea, thyroid disease, obesity, eating disorders, and using testosterone-lowering medications can improve natural testosterone production.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Low testosterone is a common problem that deserves proper diagnosis and treatment. To learn more about Dr. Rabito’s approach to treating low testosterone and optimizing aging, contact his office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 646-835-0402.
