LOW TESTOSTERONE

Testosterone is often called the male hormone even though it is present in both men and women, because men have a much higher percentage than women. Testosterone levels climb during puberty, and it is critical in the development of distinctly male features — a deeper voice, facial and body hair, muscle strength, and sperm.

As men age, testosterone production naturally slows down. About 40% of men over age 45 have lower levels of testosterone. Medically, this is called hypogonadism. If yours is significantly low, your body starts showing signs. Our team at Palmetto Endocrinology observes the effects of low testosterone or low T, in men of all ages, and we offer several quick and painless treatments that rebalance their hormones. Here are some of the signs that your testosterone level may have dipped below normal.

Sexual signs

Produced in the testicles in men, testosterone is responsible for the development of your male sex organs, so an imbalance of this vital hormone causes changes in sexual function.

Low libido

Testosterone fuels the male sex drive, so when you’re running low, you may lose interest in sex.

Erectile dysfunction

When your testosterone level is low, you may not be able to get or keep an erection.

Reduced semen output

Low testosterone often results in low semen volume, which may affect fertility because your sperm rely on this milky substance for maximum motility.

Physical signs

Testosterone is an important player in the development of men’s physical characteristics, so a lack of testosterone would have the opposite effect. Here are a few physical signs that point to low T:

• Loss of body hair
• Waning muscle mass · Chronic fatigue
• Swollen, tender, or growing breasts
• Weight gain
• Hot flashes

These are textbook consequences of decreasing testosterone levels, but they may also indicate other conditions. The only way to know for sure is to visit Palmetto Endocrinology for a simple test.

Emotional signs

In addition to physical and sexual changes, low T may affect your moods and mental wellness. Many men with low T experience mild to moderate depression, feelings of apathy, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Low T may also cause you to become less focused at work or school. It could become more difficult for you to concentrate on a task or conversation. You may even notice some trouble with your memory.

Understandably, a dip in your testosterone level can damage your quality of life. Fortunately, treatment is simple and effective.

Restoring your testosterone

A blood test and a physical examination can confirm your low T. But it’s important to get to the bottom of the problem so we can treat it properly.

Several conditions can lead to a drop in testosterone, including infections, testicle injuries, viruses, certain medications, obesity, alcohol abuse, HIV or AIDS, Type 2 diabetes, pituitary disorders, and thyroid problems. Based on what we find, you may need to undergo a few more tests to determine the cause of your decreased testosterone.

Getting your low T back into balance isn’t complicated. In fact, sometimes all that’s needed is a change in diet, exercise, and sleep habits. But we also offer some fast-acting treatments to restore a healthy testosterone level through:

• Injections
• Patches
• Gels
• Nasal sprays
• Tablets

Whichever delivery method you choose, these treatments can stop the symptoms of low T and help you get your life back.

If you suspect a dip in your testosterone, contact Palmetto Endocrinology for an appointment today.

Author

Joseph Mathews, MD, FACP, FACE, ECNU, CCD Joseph W. Mathews M.D., a board certified Endocrinologist and Medical Director of Palmetto Endocrinology, was born and raised in South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston, Cum Laude. He then achieved his M.D. at the Medical University of South Carolina where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. Dr. Mathews is also a Fellow of both the American College of Endocrinology and the American College of Physicians, holds an Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU) and is a Certified Clinical Densitometrist (CCD). He has extensive experience performing ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsies. His practice includes a range of specializations including prescribing and fitting patients with insulin pumps. Dr. Mathews' practice has drawn patients from out of state to benefit from his expertise in thyroid disorders, diabetes, cortisol problems and their Endocrine disorders.