Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times

Low Testosterone vs Depression: Symptom Guide

“On a societal scale, this could exacerbate population challenges, particularly in countries already experiencing aging populations and workforce shortages,” he says. Even though testosterone is incredibly important for sperm production, moderately low levels do not cause low sperm counts. Testosterone drug treatment, however, will shut down sperm production; it is never used when fertility is being considered.

To start, “factors such as increasing rates of obesity, poor sleep patterns, and chronic stress are thought to contribute significantly to reduced testosterone levels,” he says. (According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US prevalence of obesity was 23.9% in 1990 and currently sits at 41.3%). Studies to answer these questions are under way, but it will be years before we know the results.

In the meantime, remember that testosterone replacement hasn’t been conclusively shown to improve any health condition other than testosterone deficiency and its symptoms. For men with low testosterone levels as measured by a blood test who also have symptoms of low testosterone, the decision to take testosterone replacement is one to make with your doctor. Studies show that men with low testosterone are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. In short-term studies, testosterone replacement improved blood sugar levels and obesity in men with low testosterone. However, testosterone therapy increases the risk of heart disease, so it is not used to treat metabolic syndrome. Testosterone is essential for developing and maintaining male characteristics.

One 2017 review found that testosterone replacement therapy significantly improved depression symptoms and overall quality of life in those with low testosterone. Studies show that testosterone replacement therapy can improve erectile function in people with mild erectile dysfunction. Low testosterone can make it difficult to achieve or maintain erections. However, low testosterone itself is not always a direct cause of erectile dysfunction. People with high testosterone levels can find it difficult to achieve erections, and people with low levels the opposite. Testosterone plays a role in the development of muscle mass, and reduced levels of the hormone can result in a significant loss of muscle mass.

Learn who’s most at risk, how long the condition may last, and the possible side effects of hormone therapy. The signs and symptoms of low testosterone can be broad and overlap with many other medical conditions. Once dismissed as a rare condition affecting older men, low T (testosterone deficiency) is now understood as a far more widespread issue. Thanks to a mix of modern stress, environmental exposures, and plain old aging, more men are hitting their 40s and 50s feeling like shadows of themselves — and many don’t even know why. Secondary hypogonadism is caused by damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. These parts of the brain control hormone production by the testes. Dr Anawalt also said he usually doesn’t start patients on the lowest dose when initiating testosterone therapy.

The prevalence of nephrolithiasis is increasing worldwide [1, 2], and the recurrence rate is close to 50% [3]. Additionally, urinary stones have a negative impact on quality of life and impose a significant economic burden on patients and health care systems. In addition to conventional TRT, explains Dr Foster, there are also other medications in use that are not strictly external testosterone, “but that can be used to increased to testosterone levels”. These include clomiphene tablets, taken daily, or HCG (human chorionic gonaotropin) injections, given 2-4 times per week. It will likely stop sperm production and therefore is not administered to men trying to start a family. Some patients can also experience acne or oily skin, or male pattern hair loss. However, it’s important to note that TRT should not be used for teenage males with typical testosterone levels to enhance puberty or athletic performance.

However, these results are limited because the data are derived from military service members and individuals with pathological conditions such as prostate cancer. Therefore, these retrospective results might lack some degree of generalizability beyond former service members and patients with prostate cancer. Testosterone is a hormone that can affect appearance and sexual development, stimulate sperm production and sex drive, and help build muscle and bone mass. It’s typically produced by the testicles in people assigned male at birth. Some of the most apparent symptoms of low testosterone could include ED, lowered sex drive, depression, difficulties focusing on tasks, and an increase in body weight.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause testosterone deficiency. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common treatment for low testosterone. People with low testosterone, especially older males, may have lower bone volume and be more susceptible to bone fractures. In people with fertility problems, low testosterone may be a symptom of a testicular function issue causing infertility rather than a cause of infertility itself. However, anyone who experiences one or more of the above symptoms should seek medical attention. A male with low testosterone may notice a reduction in the size of their testicles that is not related to cold temperatures.

This confirmed earlier studies revealing a significant decrease in total testosterone levels among people who smoke compared to people who don’t. However, those assigned female at birth also have testosterone in their bodies. Research shows that normal testosterone levels in females are vital to maintaining libido, cognitive function, lean muscle repair and growth, and bone strength. It may also play a role in reducing the risk of certain endocrine cancers. However, consistent hormone replacement therapy helps improve sex drive, ease symptoms of depression and increase energy levels for those experiencing low testosterone. Physically, individuals may experience reduced muscle mass, decreased bone density, and a drop in energy levels, which make everyday tasks more challenging and increase the risk of injury, says Bailey. Plus, across the lifetime, it can result in increased risk for things like insulin fasting blood test resistance, osteoporosis (low bone density), and cardiovascular disease, says Houman.

Either way you look at it, there is no proven, scientific evidence of long-term negative effects on testosterone levels from masturbation or sexual activity. So rest easy knowing it won’t harm your testosterone levels in any way. Losing weight through exercise can increase testosterone levels. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity have all been linked to testosterone deficiency. Low testosterone isn’t known to cause these health problems, and replacing testosterone isn’t the cure.