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Low testosterone affects about 40% of men over 45. It can cause sexual dysfunction, muscle loss, and other unwelcome side effects when left untreated. At Mission City Urology in San Antonio, Texas, board-certified urologist Arpan Satsangi, MD, PhD, and the rest of the medical staff diagnose and treat low testosterone to ease symptoms and help you look and feel younger. Schedule an evaluation today at Mission City Urology by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.
Low Testosterone Q & A
What is low testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone (often referred to as the male sex hormone) that plays a leading role in muscle strength and development, sex drive, facial hair, a deep voice, and other male characteristics. Testosterone naturally declines with age, but if it gets too low, you could experience bothersome side effects. Fortunately, simple treatments are within reach.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
The symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Fatigue
- Increased body fat
- Decreased muscle mass, endurance, and strength
- Weight gain
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Low energy
- Hot flashes
- Reduced pubic and armpit hair
- Low sperm count
- Shrinking testicles
- Depression
- Gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue)
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Bone loss
- Difficulty sleeping
Your symptoms can be mild or severe. They can interfere with your mood, intimate relationships, self-confidence, and quality of life.
What are the risk factors for low testosterone?
The following factors increase the risk of low testosterone:
- Being over 40
- Obesity
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Kidney dysfunction
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Type 2 diabetes
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Congenital conditions affecting the testicles
- Testicular injuries
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy of the testicles
- Steroid use
- Tumors
- Testicular inflammation
- Stress
- Brain injury
- Iron overload
- Alcohol use disorder
- Some medications
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to help keep your hormone levels balanced.
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
Dr. Satsangi diagnoses low testosterone by discussing your symptoms and medical history, completing a physical exam, and ordering blood tests to evaluate your hormone levels. He personalizes a plan that supports optimal balance.
However, you might not be a candidate for hormone therapy if you have cancer, uncontrolled heart failure, or other serious medical problems.
How is low testosterone treated?
Treating low testosterone typically involves making healthy lifestyle changes and trying testosterone therapy available as gels, patches, oral inserts, pills, injections, nasal gels, or long-acting subdermal pellets.
Exercise regularly, minimize stress, get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and maintain an ideal weight. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol use, and drug use.
If you suspect you have low testosterone, see Dr. Satsangi at Mission City Urology today by calling the office or requesting a visit online.