low t what can i expective with treatment

Morgentaler

also says that treating low T can strengthen a man's bones and help prevent osteoporosis. Some evidence also suggests that treatment can also aid blood sugar control, which is important for the prevention and control of diabetes.

Full Answer

Do I need testosterone therapy for low T?

You may need testosterone therapy (TT) if you have Low-T. Both the FDA and the AUA suggest that TT be used to treat conditions you are born with, such as Klinefelter syndrome. You also may need TT if you harm or lose your testicles.

Is low-T therapy the first course of action?

Even if your levels are low and you have symptoms, low-t therapy is not always the first course of action. If your doctor can identify the source for declining levels—for instance, weight gain or a particular medication—he or she may first address that problem.

What are the side effects of low testosterone therapy?

Low Testosterone Therapy: Risks and Benefits. Low testosterone can dim a man's sex drive, performance in bed, energy, and motivation. It can also have some harmful effects. When needed, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can boost T levels back to normal and return him to the man he used to be.

How long does it take for low-T to go up?

Your doctor will treat your Low-T level to raise it above 300ng/dl but the exact level may vary. Your doctor will watch you for signs and symptoms of improvement. Any changes will likely appear within three to six months of treatment.

What is the most effective treatment for low testosterone?

Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men.

What will a doctor prescribe for low T?

Healthcare providers typically prescribe clomiphene citrate off-label to younger men with low testosterone. These medications are also used in older men who are not candidates for testosterone therapy. This medication is also used for treating infertility.

What medication increases testosterone?

Boosters (Testofen) Manufacturers of testosterone boosters like Testofen have touted their products as means to increase muscle mass, strength and sex drive in men. Among the most popular testosterone boosters are products that contain some combination of tribulus terrestris, DHEA, zinc and d-aspartic acid.

Is there a pill for testosterone?

FDA approves new oral testosterone capsule for treatment of men with certain forms of hypogonadism. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Jatenzo (testosterone undecanoate), an oral testosterone capsule to treat men with certain forms of hypogonadism.

What is low testosterone?

Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) is a condition in which the testes (testicles, the male reproductive glands) do not produce enough testosterone (a male sex hormone). In men, testosterone helps maintain and develop: Sexual features. Muscle mass. Adequate levels of red blood cells.

Why is testosterone low?

There are many other potential causes of low testosterone, including the following: Injury (trauma, interrupted blood supply to the testes) or infection of the testes (orchitis) Chemotherapy for cancer.

What are the side effects of testosterone replacement?

Breast enlargement or tenderness. Worsening of sleep apnea (a sleep disorder that results in frequent nighttime awakenings and daytime sleepiness) Smaller testicles. Skin irritation (in patients receiving topical testosterone replacement) Laboratory abnormalities that can occur with testosterone replacement include:

How to keep testosterone levels normal?

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.

How often do you get testosterone injections?

Intramuscular injections (into a muscle), usually every 10 to 14 days; Testosterone patches, which are used every day and are applied to different parts of the body, including the buttocks, arms, back, and abdomen.

How many men have low testosterone?

Low testosterone affects almost 40% of men aged 45 and older. It is difficult to define normal testosterone levels, because levels vary throughout the day and are affected by body mass index (BMI), nutrition, alcohol consumption, certain medications, age and illness.

When should hematocrit be checked?

Hematocrit levels will be checked before testosterone therapy starts, and then on a regular basis to make sure red blood cell levels remain normal.

Why is it important to follow your doctor on TT?

It also is important to make health changes to decrease the chances for heart and blood vessel disease.

What is low testosterone?

This is called Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD) or Low Testosterone (Low-T). 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. The American Urology Association (AUA) identifies low blood testosterone ...

How to take testosterone?

They are: transdermal (through the skin), injection, oral/buccal (by mouth), intranasal (through the nose), and by pellets under the skin. No method is better than another. While you are taking TT, your doctor will test your blood to determine testosterone levels.

Why is my HGB low?

Blood hemoglobin or Hgb. Before doing this test, your doctor will look for other reasons for low Hgb such as climate level (like climate altitude), sleep apnea, or tobacco smoking.

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Is low testosterone linked to low T?

Some are more closely related to Low-T levels (specific signs and symptoms). Others may not necessarily be linked ( non-specific sign s and symptoms). Your doctor will help you make sense of your own situation.

Is testosterone safe for heart disease?

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has said that testosterone drug labels should state that there is a risk for heart disease and stroke for some men using testosterone products. All men should be checked for heart disease and stroke before, and periodically while on, TT.

Is it good to bring your body back to normal?

Bringing it back up to normal can have a positive impact on a variety of crucial health markers. "Today, we recognize, based on dozens of studies, its importance relative to health issues such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis," Morgentaler says.

Does low T help with osteoporosis?

Morgentaler also says that treating low T can strengthen a man's bones and help prevent osteoporosis. Some evidence also suggests that treatment can also aid blood sugar control, which is important for the prevention and control of diabetes.

Does testosterone affect heart health?

Testosterone is also tied to heart health, says Eisenberg, who discloses that he has received a grant from Endo Pharmaceuticals to study the association between testosterone and health. "Lower testosterone levels have been linked to higher risk of cardiovascular problems," Eisenberg says.

Does testosterone affect life expectancy?

Testosterone may also play a role in how long men live. Recent studies, Morgentaler says, show a link between low testosterone and shorter life expectancy. "Men with low T die sooner than men with normal levels of testosterone," he says. It's not clear if low testosterone, by itself, makes earlier death more likely.

Can a man with low testosterone stay on it?

To continue to benefit, a man with low testosterone must remain on it. However, says Eisenberg, we don’t know a lot about its long-term safety.

Does low testosterone cause longevity?

It's not clear if low testosterone, by itself, makes earlier death more likely. Many other factors could also be involved. It's also not clear if boosting testosterone to normal levels will impact longevity. The link, though, makes sense to Morgentaler.

Can low testosterone cause sex drive?

Low testosterone can dim a man's sex drive, performance in bed, energy, and motivation. It can also have some harmful effects. When needed, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can boost T levels back to normal and return them to the men they used to be.

What to Expect with Treatment?

Now that you have a better idea of the important information related to low testosterone treatment, you likely want to know what to expect, including how long it takes to work. Keep reading to find out.

How is Low Testosterone Treatment Taken?

There are several different forms of TRT, each one having both pros and cons.

What does low testosterone mean?

Low testosterone is defined as being 300nb/dL of total testosterone, as well as under five ng/dL of free testosterone. Free testosterone is the total amount of the hormone that isn’t bound to any other portions. If low testosterone is present, it may also indicate androgen deficiency if you suffer from certain issues, such as:

Why are my testicles smaller?

The size of your testicles is based on the production of sperm. So, when you are making fewer sperm, your testicles become smaller. It also means that fertility may be hampered – serving as a type of birth control. If you want to have kids, testosterone replacement treatment isn’t a good idea.

What are the side effects of TRT?

Your doctor may also tell you to avoid TRT if you have any of the following conditions: 1 Higher than normal red blood cell counts 2 Severe congestive heart failure 3 Serious lower urinary tract symptoms 4 Obstructive sleep apnea

How many men have low testosterone?

One out of every four men over the age of 30 suffers from low testosterone. As you age, the likelihood of suffering this condition increases.

Can you get TRT if you have certain conditions?

The Effect of TRT on Certain Conditions. If you have certain conditions, then it is not recommended to pursue TRT. However, there have been some studies that have shown men who have been treated for some of these conditions may be a candidate for TRT.

What does low testosterone do to a man?

Low testosterone, also called hypogonadism, can cause a man to lose his fertility, body mass, self-confidence, and energy. A urologist can help diagnose the condition, and explain the treatment options for low testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily by the testes and its levels are controlled by a feedback loop between ...

How to restore fertility after low testosterone?

If the cause of low testosterone stems from issues with the pituitary gland, it may be possible to restore fertility through the use of pituitary hormones. If the pituitary gland is simply underactive, the hormones would reinstate the pituitary-hypothalamus-testes feedback loop and revive sperm production.

Why is testosterone low?

Low testosterone can be caused by a problem with the testicles themselves, or it can be caused by a problem with the pituitary or the hypothalamus. Pinpointing the cause will determine how the condition is treated. The condition can occur in babies (due to undescended testes) and boys ...

What is the best treatment for a sex problem?

Beta blockers, which decrease testosterone and impede arousal by interfering with nerve impulses. Alternative treatments include antihypertensives, such as calcium-channel blockers, that don't interfere with sexual function.

Is testosterone good for long term use?

Oral: In this approach, the testosterone is applied where the upper lip and gum line connect. But this method is not good for long-term use because it could increase the risk of a heart attack, cause liver damage, and raise cholesterol levels.

Is TRT safe for men with breast cancer?

Men with breast or prostate cancer are advised against TRT.

Can a heart attack cause testosterone to drop?

An acute illness, such as heart attack or sepsis, can decrease testosterone levels, but the effects typically only last a short while and no treatment is necessary. A chronic illness, such as diabetes and hypertension, or medications that affect testosterone levels, should be assessed in order to address the decreased testosterone ...

What are the signs of low testosterone?

Low T affects your whole body. Memory changes, dry skin, and heart attack could all be signs of low testosterone levels.

How to keep low testosterone levels at bay?

But even if you’re prescribed testosterone treatment, diet, exercise, stress management, and other healthy habits are important to keep symptoms of low testosterone at bay as well.

What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

While some men may benefit from taking testosterone, the benefits for those with normal levels are unclear.

How long does it take for testosterone replacement therapy to work?

For men who are prescribed testosterone replacement therapy, it usually takes three to six months to work, Farooq says. "Some men may see improvement sooner, but for most men it's a gradual process,” Farooq says. “Don’t expect a miracle overnight.".

Why is my testosterone low?

If your low testosterone is caused by an underlying health condition, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea, treating that condition may help improve low testosterone, says Ahmer Farooq, DO, assistant professor of urology at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill.

How often do you get testosterone injections?

About 17 percent of men treated for low T receive testosterone injections every 7 to 22 days. Testosterone levels peak two to three days after the injection and then slowly drop until the next dose of the hormone is given.

What percentage of men with low testosterone use patches?

About 10 percent of men with low testosterone use the patches. The skin absorbs the testosterone, which is slowly released into the bloodstream. An uncommon option, used by no more than 3 percent of those men being treated for low T, is implanted testosterone pellets.

What kind of results can I expect?

Testosterone has a widespread effect on almost every organ system in the body. Men report better sexual function, heightened libido, higher energy levels, enhanced mood, better concentration, and increased muscle mass just to name a few.

What is testosterone treatment?

Testosterone treatment, also known as testosterone replacement therapy, is a catch-all term for hormone therapy that consists of injections or other forms of supplemental testosterone. TRT is a medical treatment used to help eliminate symptoms in males (and some females) who have lower than average T-serum levels.

Does testosterone help with low T?

By Daniel Pendick , Former Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch. An ongoing pharmaceutical marketing blitz promises that treating “low T” with a daily prescription testosterone boost will make men with age-related decline in this hormone feel more alert, energetic, mentally sharp, and fully functional in the bedroom.

Is testosterone still booming?

As the debate over safety and effectiveness smolders, the testosterone business is still booming. In 2013, 2.2 million American men were on prescription testosterone, and 80% of them were ages 40 to 74. Some suffer from verifiable medical problems that cause testosterone levels to plummet, like malfunctioning testes or pituitary gland tumors. No one disputes that these cases of “classical hypogonadism” warrant testosterone therapy (especially if the man starts to lose his hair and have hot flashes).

Is it important to get a thorough evaluation of testosterone?

It’s especially important for men experiencing possible signs of testosterone deficiency to get a thorough evaluation before opting for a supplement. The American Endocrine Society guidelines for testosterone use, which Dr. Bhasin helped to create, lay out the basics of good practice.

What test is used to diagnose low testosterone?

A blood test is used to diagnose a low testosterone level.

Why is testosterone low in older men?

For older men, it's important to determine if a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or if it is due to a disease (hypogonadism). Hypogonadism hampers the ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles. Testosterone replacement therapy, in the ...

What happens to testosterone levels with age?

Testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood. As you age, your testosterone level gradually declines — typically about 1% a year after age 30 or 40. For older men, it's important to determine if a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or if it is due to a disease (hypogonadism).

Should you talk to your doctor about testosterone therapy?

If you wonder whether testosterone therapy might be right for you, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Your doctor will likely measure your testosterone levels at least twice before recommending testosterone therapy.

What happens if you have too much red blood cell production?

Stimulating too much red blood cell production, which contributes to the increased risk of forming a blood clot. A clot could break loose, travel through your bloodstream and lodge in your lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism).

Is testosterone therapy good for age?

By Mayo Clinic Staff. As you age, testosterone therapy might sound promising. But there are a lot of misconceptions about what the treatment can and can't do for you. Testosterone therapy might seem like the ultimate anti-aging formula. Yet the health benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone aren' t clear.

Can hypogonadism cause low testosterone?

Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men.