Low testosterone affects millions of men, leading to concerning common symptoms like lack of energy, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, memory loss, and loss of muscle mass. If low testosterone goes untreated, it can significantly impair a man's bone strength, stamina, sexual function, and overall well-being.
Fortunately, there are safe and effective testosterone replacement therapy options available to help men suffering from low T. Let's discuss the causes of low testosterone, treatment methods, and how to schedule an appointment for testosterone therapy in Louisiana.
What is Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism or Low T, is a condition in which the body does not produce enough of the hormone testosterone. Testosterone is an essential sexual health hormone key to men's health and vitality. After age 30, men's testosterone levels naturally decline, dropping about 1-2% per year on average. Low testosterone levels can lead to symptoms such as low energy, decreased muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
While low testosterone is more common in older men, young men can also experience the condition. Low T affects an estimated 2-4 million men in the United States. Identifying and treating testosterone deficiency is critical for men to maintain strength, stamina, sex drive, and overall quality of life. Diagnosing low testosterone involves a simple blood test to check total testosterone, free testosterone, and other hormone levels. If levels are below 300 ng/dL, a doctor may diagnose the patient with hypogonadism and recommend treatment.
The Cause of Low Testosterone
There are several potential causes of low testosterone hormone imbalances in men:
Aging - Testosterone levels peak in early adulthood and gradually decline with age. This natural decrease in testosterone as men get older is called primary hypogonadism.
Medical conditions - Certain medical problems like type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, pituitary disorders, cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, and chronic illnesses can lower testosterone production. This is known as secondary hypogonadism.
Injury/infection - Testicular trauma or infection can impair testosterone production.
Medications - The use of glucocorticoids, opioids, and other drugs may inadvertently reduce testosterone levels.
Unhealthy lifestyle - Factors like excessive alcohol use, drug abuse, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and sleep deprivation can all negatively impact testosterone levels.
Genetics - In some cases, primary hypogonadism can be caused by inherited conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, hemochromatosis, and Kallmann syndrome. Consulting a doctor can determine the root cause by going over your family history.
The Link Between Low Testosterone and Weight Gain
There is a complex relationship between low testosterone and weight gain in men. Excess body fat can contribute to lower testosterone levels. However, low testosterone can also lead to increased body fat and difficulty losing weight. The testosterone hormone imbalances play an integral role in regulating metabolism and muscle mass. When testosterone is deficient, men may lose muscle tissue and bone mass, and gain more fat, especially belly fat. This makes weight loss more challenging despite diet and exercise. Low testosterone means the body struggles to burn calories efficiently.
The loss of muscle mass lowers the resting metabolic rate. That’s why men with hypogonadism often notice it’s easier to put on extra pounds and harder to take them off. They feel tired, weak, and slow. Thankfully, testosterone replacement therapy can help reverse this cycle for many men. Returning testosterone to normal levels and building muscle mass makes weight loss more achievable. A customized nutrition and fitness plan can aid healthy weight loss when combined with hormone therapy. For men in Louisiana struggling with weight gain along with low testosterone symptoms, consulting a doctor may provide solutions.
Types of Low Testosterone Therapy in Louisiana
If a testosterone hormone deficiency is detected, there are several treatment options available to help restore normal levels. This makes it ideal to provide personalized treatment based on your specific hormone imbalances and health issues.
Testosterone injections - Also known as testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate, injections delivering testosterone directly into the body are one of the most effective treatments. Injections are given every 7-14 days.
Testosterone gels - Topical gels containing testosterone (Androgel, Testim) are applied daily to the arms or shoulders. Testosterone is absorbed directly through the skin into the bloodstream.
Testosterone patches - Skin patches (Androderm) can be worn on the arm or back. Patches are changed daily and release testosterone through the skin over 24 hours.
Oral testosterone pills - Tablets or capsules can be taken daily. However, oral testosterone is associated with side effects on the liver. Other methods are preferable.
Testosterone pellets - Small testosterone pellets are implanted under the skin every 3-6 months via a quick in-office procedure. Pellets release testosterone slowly into the bloodstream to help achieve hormonal health balance.
With treatment, most men with low testosterone experience an increased sex drive, improved energy and mood, increased strength and endurance, and better erections. Careful monitoring by a doctor is essential to keep levels in a normal healthy range.
Is There a “Best Age” to Start Hormone Replacement Therapy?
There is no universal "best age" to begin testosterone replacement therapy. The ideal time to start depends on the patient's health history and symptoms. Once testosterone levels decline to an abnormally low level, replacement therapy can begin at any age under a doctor's supervision. Symptoms of low testosterone, like low energy, reduced muscle mass, and diminished sex drive, are critical indicators that hormone therapy may be appropriate regardless of age. Starting treatment when symptoms first appear can help restore vitality, health, and quality of life.
That said, starting testosterone therapy around age 30-40 as levels begin to decrease naturally may help maintain optimal testosterone before deficiencies worsen with age. Monitoring testosterone levels annually and being aware of symptoms allows patients to work with their doctor in Louisiana to determine if hormone therapy could alleviate issues and improve energy levels before significant problems develop. While there is no definitive “best age,” being attuned to one's health and hormone levels empowers patients to seek treatment when it can make the most significant difference in their well-being.
Schedule an Appointment for Testosterone Therapy in Mandeville, LA
If you suspect you may have low testosterone, make an appointment to get your hormone levels tested. Our caring team specializes in testosterone replacement therapy and restoring vitality in men with low testosterone. We develop customized treatment plans involving injections, gels, patches, or pellets to get your testosterone back to optimal levels.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and lab testing. We are dedicated to improving your health, energy, and quality of life through comprehensive treatments for testosterone therapy.
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