Testosterone is a sex hormone that your body makes. Normally, men produce more of it than women do. Some men may have low amounts of testosterone. This is known as hypogonadism. Your hormone level decreases as you get older. Certain medicines and health conditions may affect it as well, including:
- Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy
- Testicular cancer
- Injury to your testicles
- Hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels)
- Problems with your nervous system
- Obesity
- Diabetes
Path to improved health
Low testosterone can affect your physical and mental behavior. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms, such as:
- Low sex drive
- Low sperm count
- Infertility
- Erectile dysfunction
- Changes in mood
- Depression
- Muscle or bone loss
- Decreased strength
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble focusing
These can also be caused by other health issues. Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and review your lifestyle to determine the problem. In addition, they may run a blood test to check your levels. Men usually have between 300 and 1,000 nanograms (ng) of testosterone per deciliter (dL). If your test results show a low level, you may need to increase the hormone. This can be done naturally.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is most common. This involves using man-made hormones. There are several forms that your doctor can prescribe. They include gel, a patch, or an injection. TRT is not an option for men who have certain health issues, including prostate or breast cancer. TRT also may not help men who have low testosterone due to advanced age.
TRT often is done in combination with other lifestyle changes. These changes promote overall good health. If you have obesity, you should try to lose weight. You can do this by eating better and getting more exercise. Aim to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Try to control your stress levels. This allows your body to focus its energy on testosterone production.
Men low in testosterone should eat foods with zinc and vitamin D. These can help balance your hormones and produce more testosterone. Adult men should get about 11 milligrams of zinc per day. Zinc is in meat, poultry, seafood, and shellfish. Beans, nuts, and whole grains are also good sources. These foods, plus dairy, also contain vitamin D. Adult men should get about 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D per day. You also should eat less sugar and saturated fat.
Things to consider
Your doctor may want to perform other tests to find the cause of low testosterone. This will help them decide if you need other treatment, as well.
There are benefits and risks to TRT. The goal of therapy is to get rid of symptoms of low testosterone. The treatment has been known to improve men’s sexual drive and mood. However, studies show that it may increase your risk of plaque buildup and heart disease. Talk to your doctor more about specific concerns. Make sure they know if you are at risk of any other health conditions.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Will I always have low testosterone?
- How long does TRT last?
- Should I take a supplement to increase my testosterone?
Resources
Endocrine Society: Hypogonadism in Men
National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Could You Have Low Testosterone?
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This article was contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
