5 Warning Signs of Low Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that affects appearance, physical development, and sex drive. It is produced by the testicles in people assigned male at birth. People assigned female at birth also produce it in smaller amounts.

Testosterone levels can decrease for several reasons; it’s common for this to occur as people age, but certain medical conditions can also cause levels to drop. This decrease can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Sexual problems: Lower levels of testosterone decrease sex drive in both men and women and can lead to other issues, such as erectile dysfunction (ED).  Testosterone signals the brain to produce nitric oxide, which leads to chemical reactions that allow the body to achieve and maintain an erection.

Fatigue: Testosterone contributes significantly to energy levels in both men and women; when testosterone production drops, many people experience consistent tiredness, even if they’re getting plenty of sleep.

Mental health problems: People experiencing decreased testosterone production may find that their mood changes rapidly. Additionally, low testosterone can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Decreased bone and muscle mass: When levels of testosterone decrease, your body’s bone and muscle mass development is also affected. This may not necessarily affect your physical strength, but it does lead to decreased bone density, making you more susceptible to fractures.

Hair loss: Testosterone plays a role in the growth of hair in both men and women. When testosterone levels are decreased, this growth is impacted and no longer occurs at a normal rate, leading to thinning or patchy spots of hair at your hairline, temples, or other parts of your head. This occurs due to lower levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT); when levels of DHT are too low or too high, hair growth is affected.

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What Does a Low Level of Testosterone Signify ?

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by the testicles. It affects sexual development, appearance, muscle strength, and sperm production. As men age, the level of testosterone circulating in the blood tends to decrease. The decrease is usually gradual after the age of 30.

Besides age, there are also medical conditions that can lead to low testosterone levels. Examples of these conditions are Klinefelter syndrome, Noonan syndrome, damage to the testicles, Infection, or obesity. Cancer treatments including radiation or chemotherapy can also cause this effect. Some medications such as antidepressants and narcotics can also lower testosterone levels.

A low level of testosterone can cause:
• Diminished sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low semen count
• Hair loss • Fatigue
• Decrease in muscle mass
• Changes in memory
• Depression

A diagnosis for low testosterone can be made after evaluating the results of a blood test.

Treatment for low testosterone can be accomplished with Testosterone Therapy which can be administered in various ways:
• Transdermal
• Injection
• Oral
• Intranasal
• Pellets under the skin

There can be side effects of testosterone therapy such as redness at site of injection or where the patch is located, abnormal raising of blood hemoglobin levels, enlarged breasts, an enlarged prostate, or an altered sperm count.

Speak to your physician if you think you might be experiencing decreased testosterone levels. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.