Low Testosterone Specialist
Have you been dealing with weight gain, sluggish libido, or fatigue? If so, this may be an indication that your level of testosterone is declining.
Our expert multidisciplinary team at Maiden Lane Medical in Manhattan, NY offers solutions to help men improve their health and bodies, including testosterone therapy. Schedule an appointment with us today!
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What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is primarily produced in the testicles. Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland work together to control the production of testosterone in your body. Testosterone is vital to your overall well-being, stimulates the development of male characteristics, and is responsible for:
- Male sex organ development
- Sperm production
- Sex drive (Libido)
- Facial/body hair growth
- Deepening of the voice
- Muscle mass
- Bone density
- Maintaining adequate red blood cell levels
- Mood regulation and more
Testosterone
What Is Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone (also known as testosterone deficiency syndrome or hypogonadism) is a common medical condition that occurs when your body does not naturally make enough testosterone. It can affect men of all ages. However, around 40% of men over 45 have low testosterone.
Primary hypogonadism is caused by issues with the testicles, whereas secondary hypogonadism arises from a malfunctioning pituitary gland (low levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone) that impairs testosterone production.
The healthy range for testosterone is between 300-1000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for adults. According to the American Urology Association, you are considered to have hypogonadism when your blood testosterone levels are less than 300 (ng/dL).
What Causes Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone can be caused by the following:
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, metabolic syndrome, pituitary gland disorders, etc
- Injury/surgery to your testicles
- Certain medications
- Genetics
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Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone Levels
Testosterone plays a vital role in many body functions, and a low testosterone level can cause a wide range of symptoms that impact your overall sense of well-being. Many people assume that fatigue and weight gain are a result of aging, stress, or inadequate nutrition. In actuality, how you feel can be connected to having low testosterone.
Some of the more specific signs and symptoms of having low testosterone include the following:
- Fatigue
- Reduced libido
- Reduced muscle mass
- Weight gain/increased body fat
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sleep disruptions
- Sleep apnea
- Loss of body hair
- Low bone mass and osteoporosis
Some of the non-specific signs and effects to look out for as testosterone levels fall may include:
- Irritability/mood swings
- Poor memory
- Poor concentration and focus
- Difficulty finding the right words to say
- Poor work performance
Low Testosterone
When Should I See a Doctor?
If you notice changes in your well-being or other indications of potential low testosterone, you should talk to your doctor. Additionally, having your annual physical allows your doctor to keep detailed records about your health, vital signs, and blood test results. These records can be used to identify any changes that could be due to hypogonadism.
Diagnosing Low Testosterone
To diagnose low testosterone, our highly trained physicians provide thorough physical exams and lab tests and review your medical history. Since your testosterone level can fluctuate throughout the day and from day to day due to your lifestyle, your doctor may need to draw blood several times to accurately analyze your testosterone and other key hormone levels.
Sometimes these lab tests indicate a testosterone deficiency. If this is true in your case, your physician may order additional tests to identify the root cause of your hormone imbalance which may be uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid problems.
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Treatment for Hypogonadism
Maiden Lane Medical offers a variety of treatment options to address low blood testosterone levels. Sometimes lifestyle modifications such as quitting unhealthy habits like smoking, improving your diet and exercise habits, and losing weight may be recommended to increase testosterone naturally. In other cases, your physician may recommend Testosterone Replacement Therapy or other alternatives such as Clomid or HCG to stimulate T production.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy is a form of therapy that replaces the hormones that your body doesn’t produce. Testosterone replacement therapy is a highly personalized treatment that can be administered in many ways, including by means of pellets, patches, intramuscular injections, and topical testosterone gel.
Once this testosterone supplementation begins, you can expect frequent blood tests and appointments. With time, as your hormonal balance and health are restored, you can expect to have less frequent check-ups. If needed, your doctor may adjust your prescription to help you achieve optimal results from your testosterone treatment.
You may not be an eligible candidate for testosterone replacement therapy if you have:
- Prostate cancer
- Uncontrolled heart failure
- Untreated obstructive sleep apnea
Results and Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy
Achieving the desired effects of testosterone therapy can take some time. However, as your hormone levels become stabilized and your testosterone increases, you should gradually start to feel better. The results of testosterone replacement therapy include:
- Increased energy
- A better mood
- A higher sex drive
- An overall sense of well-being
- A renewed passion for life
Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone therapy side effects are rare, and most men find that the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Your doctor will carefully monitor your health, as well as your red blood cell count (by means of a blood test), throughout your treatment to ensure that everything is ok.
The side effects of testosterone therapy that some patients have noticed include:
- Increased oil production and acne
- Breast swelling/tenderness
- Swelling in the ankles
- Shrinking testicles
- Increased red blood cell count
- Decrease in sperm production
If you have concerns and would like to reverse your low testosterone levels, contact us at Maiden Lane Medical. Our specialists in Manhattan, NY look forward to helping you gain peace of mind by answering any questions you may have. Call us today!
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