What To Expect After Low Testosterone Diagnosis

Low testosterone, or Low T as it is commonly called, is a medical condition more significant to men. Testosterone is a hormone responsible for sexual function and male development that is produced in the testicle. Features such as muscle building, sperm production, sex drive and building of bone mass are made possible with the presence of testosterone in the body.

The normal limit of testosterone in men is 1000-1200 ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter) and a low limit of testosterone is 300 ng/dl. When the level of testosterone falls below the lower limit, proper diagnosis is required to proffer help to the situation.

What’s Next After a Low Testosterone Diagnosis

After identifying low testosterone as responsible for noticeable symptoms such as low sex drive, low energy or feeling of depression through proper diagnosis, the paramount question is: what’s next?

There is a need to understand that treatment of low testosterone is a gradual process that requires following your doctor’s recommendation.

First, if a certain health condition is found to be responsible for low testosterone, the treatment of such condition may help in improving the level of testosterone. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and sleep apnea can be responsible for low testosterone.

Aside from treatment for low testosterone, a proper diet such as food with low saturated fat, regular exercise, stress management, and a healthy lifestyle are pivotal to the management of low testosterone.

Symptoms after a low testosterone diagnosis could be an increase in muscle mass and energy levels.

Curious on the difference between too low or too high in testosterone levels? Click here to view The Common Questions of High vs. Low Testosterone Levels

Treatment Options

There are different options for the treatment of low T such as hormone replacement therapy which involves the application of gels, injections, or pills to replenish the lost testosterone.

The use of testosterone patches is also used as a form of treatment. These patches are placed in parts of the body surface such as thigh, stomach, back, or upper arm and the skin gradually absorbs testosterone into the bloodstream.

Treatments such as injections are administered at intervals of 7 to 22 days. This boosts the level of testosterone to a peak in two to three day after taking the injection and gradually drops until the next dose is taken.

A rare option used for treating low T is testosterone pellet implant. The pellet implant slowly releases testosterone into the body for a period of three to four months before another implant is done.

Potential Risks low T Treatment

Testosterone replacement has potential risks like other medication. For instance, men diagnosed with cancer are not recommended for testosterone treatment as it can stimulate the growth of the cancer.

Testosterone treatment is also responsible for sleep apnea, and it requires proper screening to rule out Low T before administering treatment. It is essential to weigh the risks and benefits before embarking on treatment.

To learn about if you or a family member is in need of testosterone replacement therapy, please see Dr. Evans of Men's Vitality Center today. Low testosterone is a risk, and if the diagnosis proves that it can be significant in your life, seeking immediate help is highly recommended.