Low Testosterone Information & Treatment

Low Testosterone Information & Treatment

For patients on daily medication, the Panel recommends that patients use medication the day of follow-up blood work. Patients on topical gels, patches, and intranasal formulations should have their testosterone checked between two to four weeks after commencement of therapy. Although steady-state levels are generally reached within days following commencement, a longer interval takes into account the potential decreases in endogenous testosterone production when on exogenous testosterone.

No RCTs have compared the current formulation of IM testosterone undecanoate available in the United States to other therapies. Given the mechanisms of action of anastrozole, clomiphene citrate, and hCG, patients using these medications should wait a longer period before follow-up blood work is performed. The Panel recommends testing no sooner than four weeks after commencement. Clinicians should understand that of these agents, only hCG has been approved by the FDA for use in males, specifically to treat males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The overall quantity and quality of studies investigating the use of these alternative agents in males are limited. However, despite these limitations, several studies provide important insights into the impact of SERMs, AIs, and hCG on spermatogenesis. Other population-based studies have attempted to measure prevalence, but have not used standard methodology, which makes arriving at a definitive number of testosterone deficiency difficult.

Estimates show about 2.1% of men, or about two men in every 100, have low testosterone levels. Older men are most likely to have reduced testosterone levels with nearly 39% of men ages 45 years and older having the condition. The percentage increases with age as 50% of men over 80 years old have below-normal testosterone levels.

This condition, also known as low-T and testosterone deficiency syndrome (TD), can have several different causes. Here, the urology department at Richmond University Medical Center discusses what causes low testosterone and the signs to be aware of. Testosterone deficiency is more common in men who are overweight or obese. That’s because fat cells convert testosterone to estrogen, another type of hormone. In addition, obese men may have lower levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a substance that carries testosterone through the bloodstream.

Some men are born with conditions that cause low testosterone. Many testosterone formulations are available (Table 459,60 ), and no formulation has superior clinical effects. The selection of formulation requires discussion about administration route, adverse effects, and cost. Testosterone preparations are FDA Schedule III controlled substances that are subject to diversion and misuse. Completion of a controlled substance contract should be considered before prescribing.

If this situation is not treated, it will mean that a man with low testosterone will end up living fewer years compared to a man with normal levels, for which timely diagnosis and treatment will have a very positive impact on daily life. Individuals with secondary hypogonadism have healthy testicles that do not function properly due to a problem in the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland (parts of the brain signaling the testicles to produce testosterone). Men who wish to father children may wish to consult a reproductive health specialist before starting testosterone replacement therapy. If TRT raises testosterone levels but does not improve symptoms, providers may recommend that men stop TRT. It’s possible that the symptoms are not related to TD, and further evaluation could be necessary. If there is a problem with the pituitary gland, the testicles might not get the “message” to produce. “However, most of these explanations for testosterone deficiency may be attributed to age.

The doctor may suggest lifestyle changes as a first step toward increasing hormone production. For example, increasing exercise while consuming a nutrient-dense diet can boost the body’s natural systems and overall health. Eating foods rich in vitamin D and zinc may help the body produce more male hormones. This could include beans, egg yolks, low-fat milk, oysters, shellfish, and tuna. The pharmacokinetics of short-acting testosterone therapy depends on the dose, interval, and method of delivery (SQ versus IM). The half-life for IM testosterone was also shorter at 173 hours versus 240 hours for SQ testosterone. Mean testosterone values over a 7-day time period were 1,659, 896, and 422 ng/dL best syringes for testosterone IM testosterone SQ 100, and SQ 50, respectively.

In recent years, the idea of naturally boosting testosterone that’s lost due to aging, obesity, or lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol has gained attention. The deadline to have twice the impact to advance healthcare research is May 15. The complications of untreated hypogonadism differ depending on when it develops — during fetal development, puberty or adulthood.

This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues at a rate of about 1% per year throughout his life. Often, we find that anxiety or depression – not hormonal imbalances – are the root cause of low-T-like symptoms. Suppressing your emotions can interfere with normal functions, such as focusing at work or maintaining an erection. If you truly have low-T, underlying stressors can make symptoms worse.

Normal testosterone levels are necessary to provide an optimal environment within the testicles for normal sperm production. Testosterone levels also play a role in libido, erectile function, and ejaculatory function. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms and think they could be due to low testosterone levels, it’s time to talk with a doctor. An experienced urologist can help identify if Low T is the cause of your symptoms and provide effective treatment options, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).