About Low Testosterone

Low testosterone (also known as low T, testosterone deficiency, and hypogonadism) affects millions of men in the United States. It is estimated that up to 38% of the male population may have testosterone deficiency. Despite these staggering numbers, only 5% of affected men actually receive treatment. The symptoms of low testosterone may include decreased energy, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, decreased exercise stamina, loss of muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, and decrease sex drive. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with us today.

• Is low testosterone common?

  Yes, low testosterone is very common. Millions of men worldwide are afflicted with low testosterone.

• What causes low testosterone?

  For men, the majority of testosterone produced in the body comes from the testicles. The production of testosterone by the body is regulated by a complex network of hormones. While testosterone production decreases with age, some men experience a profound decrease in their testosterone levels. This may be from direct decreased production of testosterone by the testicles or a hormonal imbalance that is leading to their low T.

• Can low testosterone be successfully treated safely?

  Yes. Fortunately, with the increased awareness of the effects of low testosterone on men’s health, much attention has gone into developing safe protocols for testosterone therapy. Research has shown that men with both low testosterone and abnormally high testosterone are at risk for significant health concerns. We will work closely with you to design a treatment plan that fits your personal needs, while maintaining your safety.

  It is important to remember that treatment with testosterone will decrease the natural production of sperm, so it is important to discuss with your expert at Minnesota Urology any desire you may have to father children. Thankfully, even for men who wish to maintain their fertility, treatment options are available.

• What treatment options are available for low testosterone?

  Treatment options for testosterone replacement come in many different forms. These include gels or patches that you apply to your skin, injection therapy to provide testosterone replacement directly to your system (given anywhere from once per week to once every three months, depending on your unique needs), and implantable testosterone releasing pellets. The best option for you is unique. See the experts at Minnesota Urology for a thorough discussion regarding what will work best for you.

• What happens when I make an appointment for my low testosterone?

  At Minnesota Urology, we take men’s health and vitality seriously. If you think that you may be suffering from low testosterone, make an appointment today. At your appointment, your urologic expert will gather a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam. One of the foundations of evaluation for low testosterone is performing a simple blood test to measure your circulating testosterone level. To measure this level accurately, the blood test will take place in the early morning. Additional blood tests will evaluate the hormonal balance leading to the production of testosterone so that the optimal treatment plan can be crafted for you.