Low-T, or low-testosterone, is either a lack of production or underproduction of the testosterone hormone in men and women. In males, testosterone is produced primarily in the testicles and is responsible for sexual function and male development. Testosterone is also responsible for the building of bone mass and muscles, as well as sperm production and sex drive, or libido, in men. Testosterone can influence other body processes such as red blood cell production, bone density, and male pattern fat distribution. As men over 30 start to age, their testosterone levels naturally decline. Testosterone levels peak in early adulthood for normally developing males, with the decline after that being part of the normal aging process. However, in cases of low T, testosterone production is unnaturally low. This can be the result of a chronic medical condition such as medications, obesity, diabetes, infections, liver or kidney disease, or other conditions related to the body’s hormones. Low-T can cause low libido, infertility, sexual dysfunction, change in sleep patterns, weight gain, decreased strength, and emotional changes.

The diagnosis for low-T is done through a blood test and by describing your symptoms to your doctor. Most of the symptoms associated with low-T are very noticeable and can include decreased sex drive, infertility, change in sleep patterns such as insomnia, weight gain and increased body fat, sexual dysfunction, reduced muscle bulk and strength, worsening of congestive heart failure, worsening of sleep apnea and emotional changes such as depression and decreased motivation. When these symptoms are present, a doctor can confirm if the cause is low-T based on a simple blood test to measure the levels of testosterone found in the blood. Treatment options are available for low-T, including different types of testosterone replacement therapy. These options include direct injection, pellets implanted just under the skin’s surface, gels applied directly onto the skin that are absorbed into the body, and skin patches applied daily. Once your doctor has confirmed that your testosterone levels are low, you can discuss treatment options and determine the best course of action for your unique case and what will be the right option for you. Testosterone therapy has not been conclusively shown to reverse the natural signs of aging and is only to be used as directed by a doctor after a discussion on the risks and benefits of treatment.

It’s important for men to understand that testosterone naturally starts to decrease after the age of 30, so they will experience changes in their bodies as a result. But testosterone levels can drop to an unhealthy level and need to be investigated and treated with the help of a doctor. Low testosterone levels can be the result of a number of medical conditions such as an infection, injury to the testicles, hormonal disorders, obesity, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and other medical conditions. Low testosterone can cause the sufferer to feel tired, gain weight, lose strength, lose interest in sex, lose motivation, and other symptoms that patients often chalk up to getting older. While lowered testosterone production is part of getting older, there is a point where testosterone can drop too low and can have negative effects on bone density, make the bones more fragile and prone to breaking. Low testosterone is treatable though and your doctor can help you understand what your options are for treatment based on your testosterone level.

Mohamed & Associates Urology Center in Smithfield, NC has knowledgeable and experienced doctors and specialists who are trained in recognizing, diagnosing, and treating patients suffering from low testosterone. If you are concerned and feeling like you might be suffering from low testosterone levels, give our office a call or book an appointment online to see how our team can help you. We serve patients from Smithfield NC, Selma NC, Clayton NC, Princeton NC, Whitley Heights NC, Four Oaks NC, Pine Level NC and Kenly NC.