Decreased Testosterone in the Aging Male

Treating low testosterone levels

It’s possible that as with males, female testosterone levels naturally decline with age, and may lead to symptoms, such as low energy and impaired muscle growth. But at this time, research into the effect of low testosterone in females is limited and there are no conclusive guidelines for what should be considered « low » testosterone levels in females. Testosterone replacement may not only increase testosterone levels but also improve bone health, muscle development, and anemia (low red cells in the blood).

This may happen due to a congenital condition (something a man is born with), an injury, cancer treatment, or other reasons. In addition, men’s testosterone levels decline as they get older. Although low testosterone can affect anyone with testicles at any age, low testosterone is more common as people age. It’s important to know that it is natural for testosterone production typically to decrease with age. The Endocrine Society considers low blood testosterone enanthate 250mg dosage to be a morning level of less than 300 nanograms per deciliter in adults.

A doctor will typically only prescribe TRT if the person has several symptoms of low testosterone and blood test results that indicate a deficiency. Low testosterone can lead to reduced levels of energy and fatigue. A diminishing sex drive occurs naturally with age, but when the cause is low testosterone, a male will notice a significant decrease in the desire for sex. Testosterone levels tend to decrease in men as they age, so low testosterone is a fairly common condition. When testosterone levels are back to normal, men often say they feel like themselves again. A doctor can check your testosterone level with a simple blood test. Healthy male testosterone levels range between 450 and 600 ng/dL.

There’s often no way to help men with primary hypogonadism make sperm. But there are ways to help couples who haven’t been able to have children. Often, we find that anxiety or depression – not hormonal imbalances – are the root cause of low-T-like symptoms.

Deficiency means that the body does not have enough of a needed substance. Syndrome is a group of symptoms that, together, suggest a disease or health condition. If the initial test shows low testosterone levels, UK regulations require a follow-up venous blood test performed by a nurse or phlebotomist. This more detailed test measures 43 biomarkers, confirms the initial results, and provides deeper insights into your overall health and any underlying conditions.

Correcting testosterone levels alone will not fix erectile dysfunction that is caused by blood flow issues. Harvard Medical School points out that testosterone therapy has risks. A relatively small number of men experience immediate side effects such as acne, disturbed breathing while sleeping, breast swelling or tenderness, or ankle swelling. Red blood cell counts can also increase to abnormally high levels, which could increase the risk of clotting. Although many symptoms may be tied to Low Testosterone (Low-T), total blood testosterone level is the most important measure of testosterone deficiency. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will use other specific signs and symptoms in addition to your testosterone blood level.

While it’s natural for testosterone levels to gradually decline through adulthood, men with testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL may have a disease known as low testosterone (also called hypogonadism or low-T). It occurs when the body is unable to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or the pituitary gland that controls the testicles. That’s because testosterone plays a starring role in the influence of fat distribution, bone density, and red blood cell production. It’s also a critical factor in building muscle and bone mass, producing sperm, and driving sexual desire and function. Low-T clinics typically don’t screen for serious health conditions that can affect testosterone production. For example, patients may need bloodwork to measure prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland that, in high levels, can be a sign of a pituitary tumor.

A slow drop in testosterone is a normal part of aging, sometimes called « andropause » or « male menopause. » For many men, this doesn’t cause any significant problems or symptoms. Others may notice a decline in muscle mass, depression, or less interest in sex. A healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition, exercise, weight management, and that avoids excessive use of alcohol and drugs can help keep testosterone levels normal. Testosterone levels gradually begin to decrease as you enter your 30s. But you can experience low testosterone levels at any time in your life.