Male Hypogonadism StatPearls NCBI Bookshelf

Low Testosterone Male Hypogonadism UNC Mens Health Program

Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland normally control the amount of testosterone your testicles produce and release. Your body usually tightly controls the levels of testosterone in your blood. Levels are typically highest in the morning and decline through the day. The most commonly used approach in treating hypogonadism is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). In the UK, the most common types of TRT used are transdermal gels, which are absorbed through the skin, and intramuscular injections. Gels are applied daily, whereas injections are used every 2–14 weeks, depending on the clinical need. Women produce a much smaller amount than men, of course, because they don’t want all those male characteristics, yet testosterone fills important roles in their overall health.

Inadequate serum levels of testosterone also interfere with the normal quality of sleep. For example, sleep apnea is a common disorder that is not directly related to hypogonadism but has been reported more frequently in obese or overweight individuals (2, 3). Various clinical studies also indicate that patients with sleep apnea also have concomitant low testosterone levels (and therefore has a dual relationship). Therefore, if you are experiencing sleep disordered breathing, excessive weariness and you snore too much, then you should consult your doctor for possible hypogonadism.

Testosterone preparations can reduce a man’s levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which triggers sperm production. Men who are hoping to become a father need to carefully consider the risks testosterone replacement therapy may present to fertility. Testosterone deficiency is more common in men who are overweight or obese. That’s because fat cells convert testosterone to estrogen, another type of hormone. In addition, obese men may have lower levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a substance that carries testosterone through the bloodstream. Generally, clomifene does not have adverse effects at the doses used for this purpose.

Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, low testosterone can still contribute to a decrease in the hours of sleep. Because testosterone affects so many functions, its decrease can bring about significant physical and emotional changes. Besides sexual functions, testosterone is also responsible for regulating higher mental functions such as concentration and focus. Therefore, hypogonadal men often report difficulty in concentrating while taking care of important tasks or work, problem-solving, multi-tasking and memory related issues (4). The hormone seeps through the skin, and is slowly released into the blood. Because gels and patches are applied every day, they keep a steady level of testosterone. However, they can cause itching, irritation, and blisters at the spot where they’re applied.

There are safer, more cost-effective options to restore youthful energy – and potentially reverse fertility loss from previous testosterone products. To keep your bones healthy, don’t smoke, and cut back on alcohol. But many other things can sap your energy, too, including normal aging and depression. A small number of pellets, about the size of Tic Tacs, are inserted into the fat of the buttocks. The five-minute procedure is preferred by many patients because of the low side effects and strong outcomes. You may be wondering, “Are there low testosterone doctors near me? According to a study published in Clinical Endocrinology, the testosterone-level goal for men over 65 is approximately 350–450 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter).

Primary hypogonadism (testicular failure) is diagnosed by persistently low testosterone measurements with above-normal LH levels. Some causes of primary hypogonadism include Klinefelter syndrome, undescended testicles, mumps orchitis, hemochromatosis, cancer treatment, and normal aging. Testosterone is marked in nanograms per deciliter of blood or ng/dL. A score below 300 is considered low testosterone or male hypogonadism. Doctors expect a slow, gradual decline in the hormone with age. Men over 50, in particular, can expect to lose 0.4% of testosterone production yearly.

You may also be able to get the medicine without injections by using a nasal pump. Your  testosterone levels can swing up and down between doses. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and steroid medicines can also affect testosterone levels. Males with low testosterone may experience extreme fatigue and decreased energy.

Having low T can significantly impact your life, not only physically but also your moods, well-being, relationships, mastrubation and testosterone quality of life. Male hypogonadism affects people born with testes and a penis who are typically assigned male at birth. In 2014, the FDA approved an extra-long-acting intramuscular injectable form of testosterone called testosterone undecanoate. It is administered at an initial dose of 750 mg, followed by a second dose 4 weeks later.

Many of the effects of low testosterone — focus problems, mood issues, and low energy — can make it hard to stay on top of your game at work. Low testosterone can get you down — a little or to the point sadness or depression. You might feel like you just don’t have the energy that you’re used to. Exercising more and losing weight can help slow the decrease of testosterone your body is experiencing. Tablets are placed on the gums above your incisors every 12 hours.