Low Testosterone
What Is Testosterone Deficiency?
Testosterone deficiency, or hypogonadism, is a constellation of symptoms resulting from a progressive decline in blood testosterone levels to an abnormally low level for the age in question.
Testosterone is the essential hormone in men for sexual desire and sexual function, and it also has important quality of life effects on energy, muscle, bone, cardiovascular health, and brain function.
It has been researched that 20% of men over 60 and up to 50% of men over the age of 80 suffer from the clinical diagnosis of testosterone deficiency.
Testosterone levels decline with some medical conditions (like diabetes and obesity), and/or the use of medications (like opioid pain medication). Since testosterone levels can also decline after age 30 or 40 at a rate of approximately 1- 2 % per year, some men may notice symptoms of low testosterone as early as their 40’s or 50’s
Symptoms Of Testosterone Deficiency
Signs and symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency include
Sexual Signs And Symptoms
Reduced sex drive Reduced erectile function
Physical Signs And Symptoms
Reduced energy and endurance Diminished physical performance Loss of body hair Reduced beard growth Unprompted fatigue Loss of lean muscle mass Obesity/Unprompted weight gain Change in sleep pattern
Cognitive Signs And Symptoms
Depressive symptoms Cognitive dysfunction Reduced motivation Poor concentration Poor memory Irritability
Causes Of Testosterone Deficiency In Men
There are many causes of testosterone deficiency and are traditionally divided into two main categories: Primary causes and Secondary causes.
In primary hypogonadism, either a congenital (born with it) or acquired (mumps, trauma, radiation) testicular problem exists such that the testes cannot produce enough testosterone.
Secondary hypogonadism accounts for the majority of low testosterone cases. In this type, testosterone level is low as a result of complex physiological and behavioural factors that interfere with the testosterone production in the otherwise normally formed testicles. Common examples of these conditions are obesity, diabetes, head trauma, etc.
There are multiple screening tools employed to screen for testosterone deficiency. ADAM Screening is one of the most widely used questionnaires for this purpose, and VirtusMD has developed an online version of the ADAM test that you can take now for instant feedback.
VirtusMD Low Testosterone Assessment
Our doctor will evaluate your situation and offer a thorough assessment.
The VirtusMD clinic offers a testosterone assessment but does not directly offer testosterone replacement therapy. If our doctor determines that you may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy, you will be referred for that treatment.
Related treatments we offer include:
Lifestyle Recommendations
ED is a treatable condition, and most men can return to healthy sexual function which starts with a consultation at VirtusMD. Our doctor will evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action.
Tips and Recommendations for ED
Patients should do everything they can to improve their vascular and aerobic health. Exercise is very important as is a good diet. Some of the potential lifestyle changes a man can try include:
- Quitting smoking.
- Exercising regularly.
- Reducing the consumption of alcohol.
- Eliminating the use of recreational drugs.
Counseling is another good alternative to help with stress, anxiety, or depression. Changes of this kind are intended to improve testosterone levels by removing the aforementioned.
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