Testosterone. It is the quintessential male hormone, even though every man also has estrogen and other hormones coursing through his blood. Testosterone, though; it’s powerful. It is capable of facilitating muscle growth more easily and is a vital aspect of sexual wellness. Men who have an abundance of energy to complete daily tasks and still do normal “guy” things, including relatively frequent sexual intercourse, have testosterone to thank for their virility and vibrancy. At some point, many men encounter issues in these areas. They encounter the dreaded low T, or low testosterone levels. Here, we discuss some of the frequently asked questions about low testosterone.

An Intro to Low T

It is understood in the medical community that most men will experience a gradual decline in testosterone as they age. During the teen years, testosterone production is robust. By mid-adulthood, levels have regulated to a degree at which a man is more capable of managing his aggression and sexuality. By middle age, levels may begin to decline at a relatively rapid pace and to such a degree that symptoms begin to develop.

What constitutes low testosterone?

Low testosterone is generally defined as a significant or sudden drop in this hormone. But what does that look like? Clinically speaking, testosterone levels may vary from 300 to 1000 ng/dL. Laboratory results from bloodwork that measure less than 300 ng/dL usually indicate low testosterone. Well before lab work confirms this, patients typically have some idea that their energy and vitality are not what they’d like. Men may experience a variety of symptoms as a result of lower testosterone levels. Erectile dysfunction may be the most well-known. In fact, some men may use that as the one and only marker. But there are others.

Symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Decreased sex drive
• Low semen volume
• Decreased testicle size
• Hair loss
• Increased body fat
• Loss of muscle mass
• Decreased bone mass
• Mood changes
• Memory problems such as difficulty recalling events
• Fatigue

Why Do Men Develop Low T?

Age is by far the most significant factor in low testosterone levels. Additional factors that can contribute to this condition include the use of opioids or certain antidepressants, obesity, and metabolic conditions like high blood pressure.

Low testosterone may be a condition that affects men of a certain age, but that doesn’t make it normal. Your Chattanooga urologist can perform testing to measure your testosterone levels and, if needed, address this condition with optimization treatment designed around your physical needs. To schedule a consultation at UT Urology, contact us at (423) 778-5910.

The value of optimal testosterone levels is an aspect of men’s health with which we have become more familiar over time. It has been known for some time that testosterone is what makes a man “manly.” Testosterone promotes the muscle and hair growth that characterizes masculinity. This androgen is also relevant to erectile function and other important facets of a man’s health. As more has been learned about testosterone, and about the issue of low-testosterone, more than a few remedies have been devised. Not all of them are good.

We can understand the mindset that it takes testosterone to replace testosterone. From this perspective, many men seek some type of straight testosterone replacement as a way to regain physical and psychological wellness. Doing so may ultimately take a man farther from his objectives, especially when they include having children in the near future. Testosterone replacement is not something any man should do on his own. At UT Urology, men can explore treatments options that fit their unique situation. One that may sound surprising is hCG.

hCG: What is it and How can it Help You?

Generally, hCG is recognized as a female hormone because this is the hormone that confirms pregnancy. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body immediately begins to ramp up its production of hCG to support the early stage of pregnancy. Men do have low levels of this hormone but tend not to need much. That is unless they are struggling with low testosterone.

Studies have confirmed something interesting about hCG: that this hormone imitates luteinizing hormone (LH). This is significant because it is LH, a hormone that is produced when we sleep, that directs the testes to make testosterone. Do you see the connection? When the testes are not providing sufficient testosterone to support well-being, the introduction of hCG via injections or other prescribed use can prompt necessary action.

It is not as easy to treat low testosterone as it may seem. Proper care can be obtained from a physician with experience treating hormone imbalance and concerns related to male reproductive endocrinology. That care is available at UT Urology in Chattanooga. For more information, call (423) 778-8765.