Effective treatment for low testosterone

Low testosterone, also known as testosterone deficiency or low T, affects males at every age. Levels of the male sex hormone start to decline when men are in their 40s, at the rate of about 1 percent to 2 percent a year. Most men don’t experience symptoms of low T until they are in their 50s or later.  

In the past, men have assumed that they must live with the symptoms caused by the decline in testosterone, but that’s a myth. Our Houston urologists can diagnose and treat men with declining hormone levels. 

 What are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency?

 Testosterone is the male sex hormone. Healthy levels are vital for men’s well-being. The hormone helps muscles and bones stay strong, and makes sperm and red blood cells. It also helps men maintain and get erections, as well as keep their sex drive. In addition, testosterone helps with men’s moods and energy levels. 

 Low T can cause several symptoms, including many that can negatively affect men’s quality of life. 

• Lower sex drive or no interest in sex 
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Lower sperm count
• Losing muscle mass and/or strength 
• Bone loss 
• Losing pubic and armpit hair 
• Depression 
• Fatigue 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Sleep issues 
• Congenital conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome 

Other issues can cause these symptoms, making it vital for patients to see our Houston urologists for a thorough examination. 

What causes low T? 

One of the most common causes of testosterone deficiency is aging, but there are several other causes. 

• Injury to the testicles 
• Low thyroid function 
• Obesity 
• Glandular problems 
• Side effects from medication or chemotherapy 
• Chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure or diabetes 
• Infection 

If men or parents of boys notice any symptoms that may be related to low testosterone, they should see our physicians to determine the cause of the problem. 

How do our Houston urologists diagnose and treat low T?

Our team takes a thorough medical history and performs a medical examination. Blood tests determine patients’ testosterone levels, and our physicians order other tests as needed. Our experienced physicians combine their findings from the physical examination with test results and make a diagnosis. 

 The media and many makers of over-the-counter supplements make it seem like men can treat themselves. This is not a good idea because testosterone deficiency may not even be causing the symptoms.  

 Once patients have had a thorough examination and the appropriate tests, our urologists will recommend testosterone therapy, if it is appropriate. It is available in different forms. 

• Transdermal testosterone in topical patches, creams, gels or liquids 
• Injections of short or long-acting hormone 
• Oral testosterone 
• Buccal testosterone, a hormone patch that patients place above their canine or eyeteeth, which releases medication over a period of 12 hours 
• Intranasal hormone gel pumped into the nostrils 
• Pellets that our physicians place under the skin of the buttocks or upper hips 

Men don’t have to suffer from the symptoms of low testosterone. Diagnosis and treatment are available. Contact us for an appointment with our Houston urologists.