Are problems like a lack of energy, muscle mass loss, and reduced libido normal parts of aging — or are they signs of low testosterone (low-T)?
In our June blog, the team at Family Urology Associates discusses what you need to know about these issues in honor of Men’s Health Month. Our board-certified urologist, Mohammed Haseebuddin, MD, (Dr. Haseeb) explains that it’s often a bit of both — age and hormone changes.
Hormone management is an integral part of the comprehensive men’s wellness care we provide for men in all stages of life. Consider low-T as the likely culprit if you’re struggling with:
Are you dragging in the morning, even after a good night’s sleep? Low testosterone can lead to constant fatigue or a lack of “get up and go.” Many men often describe it as feeling sluggish or drained. The exhaustion can be so overwhelming that it keeps you from work, exercise, or enjoying life.
Obesity and low-T are interconnected, each contributing to the other. As testosterone levels decline, extra fat can creep onto your body, particularly around the belly. This happens because testosterone plays a significant part in your metabolism. Another factor is the low energy mentioned above, as inactivity can quickly lead to weight gain.
If you used to have a healthy interest in sex but suddenly don’t, it might not just be stress or age; it could be hormonal. Testosterone controls male sex arousal and response, giving you both the interest in sex and the ability to perform. Alongside the lackluster libido, many men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) with low-T.
When levels decline, you might notice that muscles in your arms, legs, chest, and other areas lose definition. Or, during your routine workouts, you find that you can't make any progress anymore. Studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels experience improved muscle mass.
Testosterone helps maintain neurotransmitter (brain chemical) balance, particularly serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters help regulate mood, so it’s common to experience mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety if you’re suffering from low-T.
A systematic review of 27 clinical trials showed that testosterone supplementation offers dramatic relief of depression. Many other studies suggest general mood improvements thanks to testosterone replacement.
Men can experience low testosterone at any age; however, levels decline naturally over time. It’s normal to lose up to 2% of total testosterone every year after age 30.
However, testosterone levels vary widely from one man to the next. What’s normal for you may be low for someone else, and vice-versa. Some men may experience frustrating symptoms from testosterone loss while others don’t.
If you think you might have low-T, what better time than Men’s Health Month to schedule a visit with Dr. Haseeb and get relief for those intrusive symptoms? A simple test can determine if your testosterone levels are low. We offer testosterone injections and pellets to stabilize your levels and get your life back.
Call the Family Urology Associates office in Frederick, Maryland, to book an appointment.
