Low Testosterone Treatment FAQ's

Low testosterone is a hormonal issue in which there is not enough testosterone. According to the American Urology Association, 2 out of every 100 men have this problem. Low testosterone is more common in older men than in younger ones. Studies show that 40% of men aged 45 and older have low testosterone or testosterone deficiency. Here are some frequently asked questions about low testosterone treatment to help you understand it better.

What’s The Role Of Testosterone In Our Body?

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, but it's also produced in small amounts in females. In men, the testicles produce testosterone when they get signals from the pituitary gland under the brain.

Testosterone has many important roles in men, including:

• Maturation of the testicles and penis during adolescence
  
  
• Increasing sexual desire (libido)
  
  
• Sperm production
  
  
• Developing body and facial hair
  
  
• Increasing muscle mass and bone density
  
  
• Encouraging red blood cell production
  
  
• Affecting fat metabolism and distribution
  
  
• Influencing mental and heart health

What Is The Normal Level Of Testosterone In The Blood?

Testosterone levels in men change throughout their lives. They peak during adolescence and early adulthood, then gradually decline each year. Testosterone levels also vary during the day, highest in the morning and lowest in the afternoon. Normal levels in healthy adult men range from 300 ng/dL to 1000 ng/dL. If your testosterone level is below 300 ng/dL, you may have low testosterone, also known as low T or testosterone deficiency syndrome (TD).

What Are The Common Low T Symptoms?

Low T symptoms can vary from person to person and are often subtle. Here are some common signs men with low T may experience:

• Low energy and fatigue
  
  
• Reduced sexual desire
  
  
• Difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection
  
  
• Loss of body and facial hair
  
  
• Weight gain and increased body fat
  
  
• Increase in breast tissue
  
  
• Decrease in semen production
  
  
• Loss of muscle mass
  
  
• Low bone density
  
  
• Irritability, depression, and mood swings
  
  
• Fewer red blood cells
  
  
• Smaller testicle size

How Is Low T Diagnosed?

Low T signs are often subtle, so they might not be enough to identify the issue. If you think you have low T, your doctor will check your testosterone levels with a blood test. This test is usually done in the morning when testosterone levels are highest. Your doctor may ask you to retake the test to confirm low T levels. Some medications can temporarily lower your testosterone, so it's important to tell your doctor about any medications you're taking before the test.

Is Low T A Part Of Ageing?

As you age, your body undergoes many changes. One change for men is a decrease in testosterone production. Research shows that testosterone levels drop by about 1% each year after age 30. This decline is not very noticeable for some men, but for others, it is more obvious. Your health and lifestyle can also affect your testosterone levels.

What Else Can Cause Low T?

Not all men experience low testosterone as they get older. Some men can develop this issue even in their 20s. Many factors can cause a decline in testosterone levels, including:

• Testes injury
  
  
• Liver disease or kidney failure
  
  
• Cancer treatments
  
  
• Excessive iron in the body
  
  
• Certain medications like opioids
  
  
• Excessive alcohol consumption
  
  
• Pituitary gland problems
  
  
• Type 2 diabetes
  
  
• Brain surgery
  
  
• Sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea
  
  
• Large changes in weight, either weight loss or gain
  
  
• Excessive estrogen production

Can I Regain My Normal Testosterone Levels?

Yes, you can increase testosterone levels in different ways. If you have low T, your doctor will first suggest making lifestyle changes and trying natural methods. Some of these methods are:

• Eat a balanced diet with carbs, proteins, and fats.
  
  
• Do high-intensity training and weight lifting to boost testosterone.
  
  
• Manage stress because daily stress can lower testosterone production.
  
  
• Increase vitamin D levels with supplements or sunbathing.
  
  
• Take all essential minerals and vitamins in the right amounts.
  
  
• Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night to optimise testosterone.
  
  
• Reduce alcohol intake and avoid estrogen-like compounds.
  
  
• If these natural methods don't work, the next best option is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

TRT is a well-known solution for men with low testosterone. This treatment involves adding testosterone to your body in different ways, like injections, patches, gels, or medications. You can choose one, or your doctor can suggest the best option. TRT can reverse the effects of low T, such as restoring energy, improving libido, regrowing body or facial hair, strengthening muscles and bones, and normalising red blood cell production.

How Effective Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Different men respond differently to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). According to the American College of Physicians (ACP), most men see improvements in sexual functions like sex drive and erections after getting this treatment. However, the effects can vary from person to person. Overall, TRT is considered safe and has a high success rate. You can read more about it in our study here.

How Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Work?

During this treatment, testosterone is added to the body through medications, gels, injections, and other methods. Once in the body, the testosterone acts like natural testosterone. It works on different body cells, recognising it as normal testosterone and carrying out the functions it tells them to do.

Can Anyone With Low T Have This Therapy?

TRT can cause the prostate to grow, which isn't good for men with early-stage prostate cancer. That's why men with prostate cancer shouldn't choose TRT. Doctors usually screen for prostate problems before starting TRT.

Other men who should avoid TRT are those with:

• Breast cancer
  
  
• Obstructive sleep apnea
  
  
• Congestive heart failure
  
  
• An enlarged prostate

What Are The Side Effects Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

TRT is usually safe, but it can have some side effects. These include:

Increased red blood cells, which can cause blood clots and heart attacks if not managed properly

• Oily skin and acne
  
  
• Reduced sperm count
  
  
• Larger breasts
  
  
• Smaller testicles

Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy Help Me Have Children?

TRT is not a good treatment for men who want to improve their fertility and have children. While testosterone can boost sex drive, it doesn't increase sperm count. It lowers sperm count by reducing the production of a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is needed for normal sperm production.

How Often Should Testosterone Levels Be Checked?

Once you start TRT, you'll need to have your testosterone levels checked regularly to make sure they are normal. Doctors usually ask their patients to take a testosterone test 6 to 12 months after starting TRT.

Are Follow-Up Sessions Necessary?

You need regular checkups after your first TRT session to ensure your testosterone levels are normal and the side effects are minimal compared to having low testosterone. Doctors will screen your prostate to see if it is getting bigger and do blood tests to check your red blood cell levels. Your testosterone dose may need to be adjusted based on how your body responds to the first dose.

If you have any other questions or want to know more about testosterone replacement therapy, we can help. Feel free to reach out for more information and support. We're here to assist you with all your concerns.