Low T, or low testosterone, is a common condition as men age.
Low T is the popular name for low testosterone. It’s proper medical name is hypogonadism, and is also referred to as andropause or male menopause. Physicians at Urology Austin continue to diagnose and treat large numbers of male patients who are experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone. While not life threatening in itself, it can greatly impact a mans quality of life, sex drive, and contribute to other health issues. Our urologists have expertise with Low T, which is a common and treatable urologic condition.
What is Low T?
Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for producing sperm cells in men–the force behind their libido–and the hormone that keeps men’s muscles and bones strong. Testosterone naturally decreases as men age. In fact, men’s testosterone levels begin to decrease around age 30.
Simply having low levels of testosterone, which is generally defined as less than 300 nanograms per deciliter, does not mean that a man has Low T. Some men have low levels of the hormone, and they feel fine and are symptom-free, while other men with the same levels have symptoms that affect the quality of their daily life.
Urology Austin physicians take more than just a patient’s testosterone levels into account when diagnosing Low T. They also conduct a thorough medical history and examination. Laboratory tests can help to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. With additional testing, Urology Austin doctors may find that the patient has a low blood count (anemia), or a reduction in bone density. When low testosterone is diagnosed, our urologists have many options for treatment.
How does Low T affect men?
Men experiencing Low T may exhibit several symptoms, both sexual and non-sexual, including:
- Low or reduced sex drive or interest in sex
- Weaker or fewer erections
- Lack of energy or fatigue
- Feeling depressed or negative
- Problems with concentration and focus
- Increased body fat; weight gain
- Loss of muscle mass
- Irritability
- Changes in metabolism
- More muscle soreness; longer recovery time after exercise
What causes low testosterone?
Aging is the universal contributor for developing Low T. However, there are many other factors that can cause low levels of this hormone including:
- Obesity
- Medications / Drugs (anabolic steroids, morphine, opioids)
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- AIDS/HIV
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia (associated with high cholesterol and triglycerides)
- Autoimmune diseases that affect the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands
When should I see a doctor about low testosterone?
In the past, men often assumed that symptoms like losing interest in sex, being tired, or loss of muscle mass were just a natural part of aging. Today, modern medicine confirms that Low T could be the source of these symptoms. Fortunately, low testosterone is a treatable condition so men do not need to accept bothersome symptoms or how they impact their well-being.
No matter your age, if you have symptoms that may be associated with Low T, schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated and knowledgeable urologists. At Urology Austin our physicians are experts at both diagnosing and treating Low T.
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