Low Testosterone Diagnosis & Treatment
Low Testosterone Treatment in La Mesa, CA
Personalized evaluation and treatment for symptoms that may be related to low testosterone, including low energy, changes in libido, reduced muscle mass, mood changes, and sexual health concerns.
Low testosterone, a form of hypogonadism, occurs when the body fails to produce an adequate supply of this hormone. This condition is more prevalent as men age, occurring in about 20 percent of men over 60 years of age and increasing to as much as 50 percent in men over 80 years of age. While testosterone is thought of as the male hormone, it is necessary for female functioning as well, and women may also suffer from low testosterone.
Testosterone is a sex hormone naturally produced within the body. In men, this hormone helps to maintain sperm production, control sex drive, and regulate muscle mass and bone health. The pituitary gland and the brain control the production of testosterone which is secreted through the testicles.
Low testosterone evaluation and treatment near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides low testosterone diagnosis and treatment for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities. The office is located at 8881 Fletcher Parkway, Suite 250A, La Mesa, CA 91942.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Symptoms of low testosterone in men may include increased body fat, enlarged breasts, reduced muscle mass, diminished bone density and decreased energy. Sexual symptoms may include:
- Low libido (sex drive)
- Inability to reach orgasm
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sperm count
- Smaller or softer testicles
- Inability to gain or maintain muscle mass
- Mood changes
Men with low testosterone may also experience sadness, irritability, or depression.
Causes of Low Testosterone
The causes of low testosterone in men can vary and may include:
- Injury or infection of the testicles
- Treatment for testicular cancer
- Hormonal disorders
- Infections or chronic diseases
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Andropause (male menopause) due to natural aging
- Cancer treatments
Some medications and certain genetic conditions can also lower testosterone. Men who are hypertensive, obese, or who have elevated cholesterol levels may also suffer from low testosterone levels.
Diagnosis of Low Testosterone
To diagnose low testosterone, the doctor will perform a physical examination and review all of the patient's symptoms. Testosterone levels are measured with a blood test and should be drawn first thing in the morning. Other diagnostic tests may be administered as well, including:
- Sperm count
- PSA test for prostate cancer
- Liver function tests
- Hematocrit
The hematocrit, which measures the red blood cell count, is taken because testosterone treatment can result in an increase of red blood cells.
Clinical guidelines generally recommend confirming testosterone deficiency with symptoms or signs of low testosterone and properly timed laboratory testing, often including repeat early-morning total testosterone measurements before treatment is considered.
Complications of Low Testosterone
In addition to negatively affecting quality of life and intimate relationships, low testosterone can be a factor in several disease conditions. Recent research suggests that men with low testosterone are at increased risk of developing diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Treatment of Low Testosterone
Treatments for low testosterone involve replacing the hormone in the body. Often referred to as testosterone replacement therapy, these methods include administering the hormone through:
- Gel, cream, or patches applied to the skin
- Injections
- Subcutaneous pellets
- Oral inserts (sublingual or buccal)
This treatment is effective in restoring normal testosterone levels in the male body and reducing symptoms. Testosterone replacement therapy is considered a lifelong treatment option. It is important that men taking testosterone be carefully monitored by their doctors.
Treatment should be selected based on symptoms, labs, health history, goals, and risk factors.
Patients on testosterone need follow-up monitoring, including labs and clinical review.
Risks of Testosterone Treatment
Men treated with testosterone have several risks which should be considered prior to initiating therapy.
- Cardiovascular problems: Testosterone can cause an increase in red blood cell production and thicken the blood leading to issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.
- Prostate issues: Testosterone can lead to prostate growth or growth of prostate cancer. Urinary symptoms should be monitored as well as PSA.
- Infertility: Men who may desire to have children in the future should not take testosterone. There are other alternatives which should be considered.
- Hormonal imbalances: Testosterone therapy can disrupt the body's natural hormone balance, leading to side effects such as testicular shrinkage, reduced sperm production, and infertility. It may also cause imbalances in other hormones like estrogen.
- Liver problems: Some studies suggest that long-term use of testosterone therapy may increase the risk of liver damage or liver tumors. Regular monitoring of liver function is typically recommended for individuals undergoing testosterone therapy.
- Skin reactions: Topical testosterone products, such as gels and patches, can sometimes cause skin reactions like itching, redness, and irritation at the application site.
- Psychological effects: Testosterone therapy can influence mood and behavior. Some individuals may experience mood swings, increased aggression, or irritability. It can also exacerbate underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
- Fluid retention: Testosterone therapy can lead to fluid retention, causing swelling in the ankles and feet. It may also increase the risk of developing sleep apnea or worsen existing sleep apnea symptoms.
Many men who have been treated for prostate cancer are still eligible for testosterone therapy. Ultimately, the decision to undergo testosterone therapy after prostate cancer treatment should be made on an individual basis, taking into account the specific circumstances and risks involved.
Testosterone therapy should be started only after individualized medical evaluation. Monitoring may include testosterone levels, hematocrit, prostate-related testing when appropriate, blood pressure, symptoms, and side effects.
Low Testosterone in Women
While testosterone is thought of as the male hormone, it is necessary for female functioning as well. Testosterone can be prescribed for women on an off-label basis as therapy for symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes or decreased libido. Research has shown that women after menopause may also benefit from testosterone therapy which can:
- Increase mental clarity
- Help maintain mood balance
- Relieve fatigue
- Increase bone density
- Decrease body fat
- Restore libido
Testosterone does not increase the risk of cancer in women and has been shown to offer protection against Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Testosterone therapy for women has not yet been approved by the FDA and so is not covered by insurance in the United States.
Because testosterone therapy in women may be considered off-label in the United States, patients should discuss potential benefits, risks, monitoring, and alternatives directly with their physician.
Common questions about low testosterone.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for a medical evaluation. A urologist can help determine whether symptoms are related to testosterone deficiency and whether treatment is appropriate.
What is low testosterone?
Low testosterone, a form of hypogonadism, occurs when the body fails to produce an adequate supply of testosterone. Testosterone helps maintain sperm production, sex drive, muscle mass, and bone health in men.
What are symptoms of low testosterone?
Symptoms may include increased body fat, enlarged breasts, reduced muscle mass, diminished bone density, decreased energy, low libido, erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, smaller or softer testicles, mood changes, sadness, irritability, or depression.
What causes low testosterone?
Causes may include injury or infection of the testicles, treatment for testicular cancer, hormonal disorders, infections or chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, andropause due to aging, cancer treatments, some medications, genetic conditions, obesity, hypertension, or elevated cholesterol levels.
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include a physical exam, review of symptoms, and blood testing. Testosterone levels are measured with a blood test and should be drawn first thing in the morning. Other testing may include sperm count, PSA testing, liver function testing, and hematocrit.
What treatments are available for low testosterone?
Testosterone replacement therapy may involve gel, cream, or patches applied to the skin, injections, subcutaneous pellets, or oral inserts. Treatment should be monitored carefully by a physician.
Can testosterone therapy affect fertility?
Yes. Men who may desire to have children in the future should not take testosterone without discussing fertility-preserving alternatives with their physician, because testosterone therapy can reduce sperm production and contribute to infertility.
Where can I get low testosterone treatment near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides low testosterone evaluation and treatment in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a low testosterone consultation in La Mesa.
If low energy, sexual health changes, reduced muscle mass, mood changes, or fertility concerns are affecting your quality of life, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can help evaluate possible causes and discuss treatment options.