Millions of men live with a testosterone deficiency. If left unchecked, this treatable condition may contribute to serious health problems like osteoporosis and lowered red blood cell production.
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Dr. Gregory Broderick, a Mayo Clinic urologist, encourages men with symptoms of low testosterone to speak with their health care team.
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Testosterone is a key male hormone that is responsible for characteristics like hair growth, muscle mass and deepening of the voice. As men age, testosterone levels gradually decline, particularly over 40.
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“The main complaint I see as a urologist is a lack of interest in sexual functioning,” says Dr. Broderick. “But fatigue, changes in mental acuity, less stamina and very often mild degrees of depression are associated with falling testosterone.”
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In some cases, infertility can be tied to low testosterone. But presenting these symptoms or traits is not an automatic diagnosis.
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“Not all men need testosterone,” says Dr. Broderick. “It’s very important that this diagnosis is properly made based on symptoms but also the serum level of testosterone in the blood.”
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When it comes to treating low testosterone, the most common way is a cream applied to the upper arm, but injectable or pill forms of testosterone are also available.
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“Each of those avenues is designed to get you back to a normal level of testosterone,” says Dr. Broderick. “What you should notice is that within 48 to 72 hours of your dosage that your desire has improved.”
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this story was originally published June 16, 2023, 4:00 AM.