Low Testosterone

About 39% of men ages 30 and older have low T or low testosterone. A decline is a natural part of the aging process, but without treatment, it can affect your quality of life and energy levels. At Whole Men’s Health in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, the highly skilled and knowledgeable team regularly diagnoses and treats low testosterone, primarily in men. The practice also treats the residents of Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Watersound Beach. If you suspect low T or need treatment for an imbalance, call the office to schedule an in-person or telehealth visit or book online today.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Low testosterone symptoms can include any combination of the following:

• Hot flashes
• Loss of underarm and pubic hair
• Decreased strength and endurance
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Reduced sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Some men with low testosterone may develop gynecomastia (breast tissue).

Why causes low testosterone?

For many people, low testosterone is a part of getting older. After 30, a man’s testosterone production declines by about 1% each year. Low testosterone also affects women, though it’s not as expected.

In addition to aging, low T can occur due to underlying health problems, including low thyroid function, cancer, and issues with the hypothalamus or pituitary glands.

Is it necessary to see a doctor about low testosterone?

If you have symptoms like hot flashes or ED and they continue for more than a week, identifying the cause is essential. 

The team at Whole Men’s Health can assess your risk of low testosterone and work with you to find what may be causing the imbalance.

How is low testosterone diagnosed?

At Whole Men’s Health, your provider begins by reviewing your medical records and asks about symptoms, including when they started and if they’re more noticeable during certain activities, like exercise or sex. 

Next, your provider completes a physical exam and orders several lab tests, including a testosterone level blood test, a luteinizing hormone (LH) blood test, and a prolactin blood test. These tests provide insights into hormone levels and the function of certain glands, like the thyroid gland and the pituitary gland. 

What are some treatments for low T?

The Whole Men’s Health team treats low testosterone using a conservative and individualized approach. They may recommend any combination of the following treatments:

• Topical testosterone treatments, like patches, pellets, or gels
• Testosterone injections
• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Medical weight loss

It may take a few types of treatment to achieve desired results. Be sure to attend each checkup and follow your provider’s instructions. It’s also important to pay attention to any symptoms.

Can you prevent low testosterone?

There isn’t a known way to prevent low testosterone entirely, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk.

At Whole Men’s Health, the team recommends exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you use tobacco, try quitting, and if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Often, these measures are enough to keep your testosterone levels within the normal range.

Call Whole Men’s Health to learn more and to make an appointment. Or book a visit online at your convenience.