Male Hormone Optimization

Men with a low sex drive, fading energy, mood changes and erectile dysfunction may have low testosterone levels, also known as low-T. However, these symptoms can be caused by other reasons (multi-factorial). Ongoing research is trying to determine what symptoms go with low-T. So while there are a variety of medications to treat low-T, not everyone is a candidate.

During puberty, the male sex hormone, testosterone helps boys develop male physical features like body and facial hair, deeper voices and muscle strength. Testosterone is also needed for men to make sperm.

When a man does not have enough testosterone in his body it is called hypogonadism, or low-T. Levels of the hormone normally decrease with age. About 4 out of 10 men over the age of 45 have low testosterone. It is seen in about 2 out of 10 men over 60, 3 out of 10 men over 70, and 3 out of 10 men over 80 years old. Men with certain health problems, including diabetes and obesity, also tend to also have low testosterone.

You may have low-T if you have the following:

• anemia (low iron)
• depressed mood or irritability 
• fewer and weaker erections
• less energy
• less muscle mass and strength
• loss of calcium from bones
• low sex drive
• more body fat

If you think you may have low-T, it is important to see a doctor to make sure you have low-T and not another condition. Many of the symptoms for low-T can be the result of other health problems. For example, decreased energy and depressed mood may be caused by a variety of different health conditions and not of low-T. Diagnosis of low-T begins with a review of your medical history, a physical exam and blood work to measure your testosterone levels.

Side effects of TRT can include:

• acne 
• breast swelling or soreness
• high red blood cell count
• swelling of the feet or ankles
• smaller testicles
• infertility
• enlarged prostate

If you take TRT, your doctor will monitor you regularly with blood tests for testosterone levels, prostate issues and red blood cell count.