The male body produces less testosterone as we age, a condition known as andropause. While this has always been a problem, there is less of a stigma attached to men speaking about this issue. One of the most common reasons why this condition is discovered is that a patient comes into the doctor’s office concerned about erectile dysfunction. The good news is that low testosterone can be treated, but it is important to first understand what it is.
Why Testosterone Is Important
Testosterone plays several important functions in the male body. It plays an important role in the growth of muscles, affects sexual performance and desire, helps maintain bone strength and density, and affects sperm count. The drop in testosterone is often associated with aging, but it can be caused by many other factors.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
The Effects Of Low Testosterone
Men who have 300 nanograms per deciliter of blood or less are considered to have low testosterone. While andropause is similar to menopause in women, it begins much earlier in a man’s life than menopause. Men experience many side effects that are often associated with aging:
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Low energy
- Decreased bone density
- Less muscle mass
Each of these is the result of lower levels of testosterone in the body. Low testosterone may cause you to simply not feel like yourself. You may feel more irritable and may have a difficult time focusing.
Knowing If You Have Low Testosterone
To verify that your symptoms are the result of low testosterone, Dr. Stratt of LifeBoost will perform an examination and blood test. Based on the examination, we will determine whether your condition is best treated with hormone replacement therapy.
How Hormone Treatments Work
Hormone replacement therapy can be carried out either through pellet insertion under the skin or through injections. Regardless of the option you choose, there is no reason why you should be forced to live with these symptoms. Treatments are available and you deserve to live a full life.