6 Risk Factors for Low Testosterone

Low testosterone, also known as low-T and hypogonadism, is a condition that affects men, especially as they get older. Testosterone plays an important role in men’s health and their reproductive function. When your body slows down its production of testosterone hormones, the side effects can wreak havoc on your life.

At the Urology Specialist Group, our skilled urologists understand how low testosterone levels can impact your health and wellness. We offer compassionate care to address underlying hormone imbalances and restore your testosterone to healthy levels.

What to know about low testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone your body produces naturally to control several functions of your body. While a predominantly male hormone, women also have small amounts of testosterone.

In both sexes, testosterone plays a role in your:

• Sex drive
• Bone density
• Muscle mass
• Muscle strength

Testosterone also contributes to fertility, red blood cell production, and fat distribution in men.

Common causes of low testosterone

The male testes produce testosterone and damage to these organs can cause testosterone levels to drop. Your body also stops producing as much testosterone as it did when you were younger, so aging can increase your risk for low-T.

There are six other risk factors that can lead to low testosterone levels. These factors can include:

1. Obesity
2. Type 2 diabetes
3. Liver disease
4. Kidney disease
5. Hormone disorders
6. Use of certain medications

While having lower testosterone levels is a common expectation for men over 50, the reduction in these hormones can still cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.

Our team at Urology Specialist Group offers on-site diagnostic testing and customized treatment solutions that focus on restoring balance in your body and your hormone levels.

Recognizing the signs of low testosterone

When any of your hormone levels aren’t properly balanced, you may notice changes in your physical body and health. You shouldn’t ignore these changes and can request diagnostic bloodwork, so our team can assess your hormone levels.

Common signs of low testosterone in men include:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased muscle mass
• Development of breast tissue
• Loss of body and facial hair

You can also begin losing bone density but may not know it until you develop fractures, spinal damage, or other problems that relate to bone loss.

Our urology team specializes in creating custom treatment plans to ease your symptoms and to protect you from further complications. We provide hormone replacement therapy to supplement your natural testosterone levels and improve the quality of your life.

What to expect from hormone replacement therapy for low-T

Hormone therapy involves taking synthetic hormones that are similar to the hormones your body makes naturally.

Our team offers several delivery methods to supply your body with a steady stream of testosterone, so your natural levels can come into balance. These methods include:

• Topical gels
• Patches
• Injections
• Pellets

We work closely with you to determine which delivery method is the best fit for you and what dosage is optimal for relieving your symptoms. You can also have regular blood testing done in-office to evaluate how well hormone replacement therapy is working.

Our team also provides additional treatment options for erectile dysfunction, infertility, and other side effects of low testosterone.

To schedule a consultation for low testosterone testing, call the Urology Specialist Group office nearest to you today or book an appointment online.