Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. As men age, their testosterone levels naturally start to decline after age 30. This condition is known as testosterone deficiency or low T.
Some key signs and symptoms of low testosterone include:
If you experience multiple symptoms for an extended time, you may have clinically low testosterone levels that require treatment. Getting tested is important, as many symptoms overlap with other medical conditions.
Diagnosing Testosterone Deficiency
A simple blood test can determine if you have low T. Your doctor will check your total testosterone, free testosterone, and other hormone levels and compare to normal range for your age group.
If your testosterone is below 300 ng/dL, you are considered clinically deficient. Ideal healthy range is 500-800 ng/dL for most men.
Treating Low Testosterone
If diagnosed with low T, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help restore optimal levels. TRT is available in different forms:
TRT aims to return testosterone to normal healthy ranges, which can help resolve symptoms and improve quality of life.
With an individualized regimen, most men see improved energy, sex drive, body composition, and mood within 1-2 months. TRT also provides protective benefits for heart, brain, and bone health when properly managed under a doctor's care.
If you think hormones may be impacting your health, don't hesitate to get tested. Identifying and addressing deficiencies earlier leads to better outcomes. Contact a knowledgeable hormone specialist to explore your treatment options.