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How to manage low testosterone level in men: a guide for primary care

Visual Guide to Low Testosterone

Doctors can also administer injections of testosterone and medical researchers are currently studying the effects of testosterone patches and pellets implanted in the skin. Some women may also obtain testosterone gel formulations from compounding pharmacies. However, these gels are traditionally used for men that have much higher average testosterone levels than when compared with women.

While hair loss can be due to aging, low levels of testosterone can also play a part. You might notice bald spots you hadn’t had before or an increase in thinning hair in multiple areas or your body. Low testosterone is something that 19 to 39 percent of older men deal with. And while low testosterone can lead to several health issues, the opposite can also be true in that certain conditions can lead to low levels of testosterone.

People with low testosterone may notice a decrease in the volume of their semen during ejaculation. There’s a powerful story behind every headline at Ohio State Health & Discovery. You can support more innovations fueling advances across medicine, science, health and wellness by giving today. Carrot is filling in gaps in access to high-quality care and support for low testosterone by building community, providing clinical education, and improving access to care. Treatment may relieve symptoms and help keep bones and muscles strong, however, there is no cure for low T. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

The age-related decrease in T reflects general age-related cellular degeneration, reduced number of functional Leydig cells and atherosclerosis of testicular arterioles (18). For the vast majority of men, T levels within the normal young adult reference ranges in the absence of hypogonadal symptoms is clinically irrelevant. However, in the developing world a number of increasing conditions may be shifting the prevalence of hypogonadism to a younger age including diabetes, obesity, and rising rates of opioid use (19). When designing a treatment plan for TRT in young adults, clinicians must understand that most exogenous T therapy will suppress spermatogenesis and decrease fertility potential (36, 37).

Healthy male testosterone levels range between 450 and 600 ng/dL. Low testosterone is when testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL. For example, testicular atrophy can cause infertility and also reduce a person’s testosterone levels. In this instance, the low testosterone levels are a symptom of an underlying condition, not a cause of infertility. Diets high in trans-fats can negatively impact a person’s testosterone levels, while zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant vitamins can support testosterone production. One 2017 review found that testosterone replacement therapy significantly improved depression symptoms and overall quality of life in those with low testosterone.

Treating low testosterone has both potential benefits and risks and can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments. A provider may recommend maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and avoiding heavy alcohol consumption. A provider will discuss signs and symptoms as well as ask questions related to the use of medications and supplements, injury or infection to the testes, history of chemotherapy, and more.

Many low T patients are prescribed testosterone therapy, or medications designed to elevate hormone levels. It can take two to three months for the benefits of these medications to take full effect. Hypogonadism, commonly referred to by the symptom “low testosterone” or “low T”, can also decrease other hormones secreted by the gonads including progesterone, DHEA, anti-Müllerian hormone, activin, and inhibin.

Fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland combine with sperm to make semen. A better combination in terms of T production is combining anastrazole with either SERMs or HCG. Since anastrazole works in a completely different manner than SERMs or HCG, it can complement their effect on testosterone production while also keeping estradiol levels from getting too high.

Additionally, testosterone levels are naturally higher in the morning and lower in the afternoon. So if you work out in the morning and do specific workouts that heighten your testosterone levels, you will get a short-term boost. However, only regular exercise over time will raise testosterone levels in the long term.

Furthermore, the increases in blood testosterone levels are minimal and would not be expected to have any significant clinical impact on fertility. An exception to this may be men with significant obesity which is a risk factor for low T. If exercise is part of a weight loss program, then this can increase T levels substantially over time. Around 25 percent of men with fertility issues are found to have low testosterone (also called hypogonadism or “low T”) on hormone testing. Normal testosterone levels are necessary to provide an optimal environment within the testicles for normal sperm production.