The amount of testosterone in a man’s body usually begins to decrease around the time he turns 30 years old. This natural decline continues throughout the rest of his life. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should panic as you age. If you suffer from low testosterone, treatment options are available that can help return your testosterone levels to normal. To put it simply, low testosterone isn’t something that has to be permanent. With proper treatment and some lifestyle changes, you can overcome the troubling symptoms associated with low T.
Some common symptoms of testosterone deficiency include:
- Hair loss
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Loss of lean muscle mass
If you have low T, there could be an underlying cause that isn’t directly linked to aging. For example, sleep apnea, obesity, diabetes, certain medications, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, injuries and excessive alcohol use can cause low testosterone. In many cases, identifying and treating your underlying cause or condition may result in improvements in your testosterone levels. Also, lifestyle changes such as abstaining from drinking alcohol, exercising regularly or changing certain medications may further improve your testosterone levels.
Testosterone replacement therapy is sometimes needed to treat low T, especially if symptoms are severe and interfere with your quality of life. Your doctor may recommend injections, skin patches, topical gels, capsules or implantable pellets. Treatment will depend on your unique situation and individual needs. If you think you may have low T, let your doctor know so you can get tested as soon as possible. Remember, while low testosterone can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, you don’t have to suffer from it forever. Help is available and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. Our patients’ health has been and will always be our top priority! Do you need to schedule an appointment? Contact us today or book your appointment online. We look forward to seeing you soon.
