- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
- (219) 286-6888
- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
Decreased production of the male sex hormone (testosterone) is often referred to as hypogonadism. Commonly, people refer to this as having low testosterone.
Low testosterone can be caused by many different factors including age, obesity, testicular infection and trauma, undescended testicles, exogenous testosterone use and as a side effect of other medications, chromosomal abnormalities and signaling disruption between different hormone producing glands.
Low testosterone symptoms may be nonspecific and may include:
Low testosterone is typically diagnosed with a morning blood test measuring testosterone level in conjunction with patient history and physical examination. At times, other hormone levels that are involved in testosterone regulation may be obtained as well.
The treatment for hypogonadism is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Every effort should be made to first establish a link between your low testosterone level and the symptoms you may be experiencing before initiating treatment. It is not recommended to treat low testosterone levels without having symptoms of low testosterone. Similarly, it is not advised to treat some of the symptoms you may have that may be attributed to low testosterone when the testosterone levels are actually within the age appropriate levels for you. Please be aware that TRT may also result in infertility. It is not recommended to supplement testosterone if you are planning on having children in the future.
Common forms of TRT include skin application of patches, gels and creams as well as intra-muscular injections.
Some of the symptoms of low testosterone may include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass and low energy.
Low testosterone may also lead to bone weakening, weight gain, increased risk of heart disease and depression.
Although testosterone replacement therapy may still be necessary to treat your low testosterone, there are things you can do to naturally increase your testosterone levels. Some of these include eating healthy, regularly exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
Side effects of testosterone replacement therapy may include mood changes, aggressive behavior, liver injury, fluid retention, prostate enlargement, acne, breast tissue growth, infertility, weight gain, stroke, heart attack and blood clots.
We are dedicated to compassionate and comprehensive urologic care, offering you necessary and appropriate evaluations and treatments that you may need to feel and be healthy. With years of experience in urologic care, we are the team that you can trust.
Urologic Surgery of NWI is your source of reliable information and excellent urologic care in the region. We are here to answer all of your questions and take care of you like family. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.
We will work together to jointly find the best treatment plan for you. We respect your wishes and are here to empower you to make your own decisions regarding your health and well being. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
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