Low Testosterone

The signs of low testosterone develop gradually, but they’re usually easy to identify because you lose interest in sex, feel devoid of energy, and your performance falters, whether in sports or on the job. At Urology Consultants of Maryland, Cynthia Moorman, MD, and the skilled team have helped many men regain vitality and improve their health with treatments that restore the balance of testosterone. Call the office in Frederick, Maryland, or book an appointment online to learn if your symptoms are caused by low testosterone.

What is the role of testosterone?

Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, regulates the development of male sexual characteristics and reproductive organs and triggers physical changes at puberty.

Men need a certain level of testosterone throughout their lifetime because the hormone is essential for:

• Producing sperm
• Supporting their sex drive
• Maintaining strong bones
• Building muscle mass and strength
• Producing red blood cells
• Growing facial and body hair
• Metabolizing fat

Women also produce a very small amount of testosterone, where the hormone fills vital roles, such as supporting their sex drive and maintaining strong bones. However, women seldom struggle with low testosterone, while it’s a common problem for men.

What signs occur if I have low testosterone?

If your blood levels fall below the normal, healthy range, you may experience a wide range of possible symptoms, including:

• Low sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue and low energy
• Weak, brittle bones
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Decrease in beard and body hair
• Difficulty concentrating
• Problems sleeping
• Memory problems
• Weight gain
• Depression

Without treatment, low testosterone also increases your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Why do I have low testosterone?

You could be born with a genetic disorder that causes low testosterone. But in most cases, testosterone levels drop because of an underlying medical condition, such as:

• Pituitary disorders
• Testicle injury
• Cancer treatments
• Autoimmune diseases
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Obesity

Men’s testosterone production slowly but continuously declines after age 30, eventually leading to low testosterone.

How is low testosterone treated?

Your Urology Consultants of Maryland provider runs a blood test to determine your testosterone levels. If they determine you have low testosterone, they recommend hormone replacement therapy using bioidentical hormones or testosterone injections.

Bioidentical hormones refer to testosterone that’s made from natural substances and is chemically identical to your body’s natural testosterone. Testosterone injections contain hormones that are synthetically produced in the lab.

Testosterone injections are given every week or two, while bioidentical hormones come in various forms, including topical creams and pellets. Your provider implants the pellet under your skin, where it lasts several months, steadily releasing testosterone into your bloodstream.

Getting your testosterone back to normal levels eliminates all the symptoms you may experience. Call Urology Consultants of Maryland or request an appointment online today to learn more about treatment for low testosterone.