Here at Urology of Greater Atlanta, we specialize in the diagnosing and treatment of low testosterone.
If you are experiencing any of the health conditions we mention below, feel free to book an appointment with our specialists by calling or using our online contact form to gain the peace of mind you deserve.
We have multiple locations throughout Georgia.
Low testosterone can wreak havoc on your body, from muscle mass loss to erectile dysfunction to increases in body fat.
This hormone, produced by the testes in males, can affect your appearance, sexual development, libido, bone mass, and so much more.
But it doesn’t just impact men — women can also suffer from low testosterone levels.
Thankfully, health science advancements have made it simpler for our clinic to diagnose low testosterone and address it with hormone replacement therapy treatment.
But let’s look closer at the most common low testosterone symptoms.
7 Most Common Low Testosterone Symptoms in Males
Testosterone production usually decreases as you age.
Even though your friends might not talk openly about male hypogonadism, roughly 40% of men aged 45 and above suffer from a reduced testosterone level.
Low T in males causes a myriad of symptoms — subtle and severe — including:
Diminished Sex Drive
Testosterone plays a significant role in your sex drive.
While almost everybody experiences some sort of libido decrease as they age, those with lower testosterone levels tend to suffer a more drastic decline.
This goes hand-in-hand with other tell-tale signs of low testosterone — erectile dysfunction and decreased sperm production.
The hormone sends your brain messages requesting it to produce nitric oxide, which helps trigger the chemicals needed to achieve and maintain an erection.
Hair Loss or Slow to No Hair Growth
Hair loss is the bane of existence for many males. Even though it’s a common sign of aging, low testosterone could be the culprit.
Also, diminished testosterone levels have been linked to the inability to grow facial hair.
Fat Gain and Decreased Lean Muscle Mass
Since testosterone contributes to muscle mass, a decrease in the gains you’ve worked so hard to achieve could be a symptom of low testosterone.
But even though your chiseled appearance may change, studies have found that decreased T doesn’t necessarily affect performance or strength.
On top of that, you might find you gain fat more easily than before — and have a harder time shedding it!
Some men develop gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue), which happens when there’s an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone.
Chronic Fatigue
Many of our low testosterone patients report extreme decreases in energy levels.
If you’re constantly tired, it could be a sign you need testosterone replacement therapy.
Sleep Problems
Low testosterone may impact your sleep quality or worsen conditions like sleep apnea.
Frustratingly, sleep disturbances create even more hormone irregularities, thus intensifying other symptoms.
Lower Bone Density
Age-related testosterone deficiencies correlate with decreased bone mass and male osteoporosis.
As a result, you may suffer injuries more frequently, and breaks or fractures could take much longer to heal.
Mood Swings
Hormones are your moods’ best (or worst) friend. Lowered testosterone levels could be the reason behind your struggles to maintain a level, happy demeanor.
Common Low Testosterone Symptoms in Females
Even though many people see testosterone as a male sex hormone, females need a certain amount of it to maintain adequate red blood cells, a healthy sex drive, and fertility.
Low testosterone can cause one or more of the following in females:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue and sluggishness
- Sleep problems
- Muscle weakness
- Irregular menstruation
- Decreased sexual satisfaction and libido
- Bone density loss
- Vaginal dryness
What Causes Low Testosterone Levels?
Despite testosterone naturally decreasing as you age, other health and medical conditions could cause low testosterone.
During your appointment, our specialists will help to further explain the causes of low testosterone.
Other than aging, you may also experience a T hormone decline due to:
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Certain medications
- Kidney disease
- Pituitary gland conditions
- Autoimmune disease
- AIDS
- Chronic stress
- Injuries to testicles
- Infection
- Obesity
- Cancer treatments like radiation or chemotherapy
Our qualified medical professionals will conduct a blood test called a serum testosterone test to determine if you have low hormone levels.
How Is a Testosterone Deficiency Treated?
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, we have many types of testosterone replacement therapy that work wonders to increase testosterone levels, including:
- Topical therapies like gels, creams, or patches
- Oral medication
- Nasal gels
- Injections
- Testosterone pellets placed under the skin
While providing your treatment, we’ll carefully monitor your blood parameters and general health to ensure you’re receiving the optimum level and type of testosterone replacement therapy.
Since our bodies require just the right amount of testosterone, your prescription may need to be altered as treatment progresses.
If you’re struggling with low testosterone levels and want a diagnosis from highly qualified wellness professionals, be sure to give us a call or book your appointment online today.
We offer appointments without excruciating wait times at all our clinics across Georgia.
