Low Testosterone & Male Hormone Imbalance

Men who notice they’re gaining belly weight, having a hard time sleeping, losing focus or motivation, or are less interested in sex than they used to be may have low testosterone levels associated with aging. Low testosterone—often called low T—can cause symptoms that undermine the quality of a man’s life, starting around the time he turns 50. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) at our Rochester, NY-area practice can help restore hormonal balance and overall wellbeing.

What Is Andropause?

Andropause is a word that’s often used to describe the range of symptoms caused by hormonal changes that occur as men age. Even though you might see decreasing testosterone levels described as “male menopause,” age-related changes in men and women are very different.

Women’s estrogen levels decline rapidly once they approach menopause. Testosterone and other male hormone levels, on the other hand, begin dropping very gradually after about age 30, and the symptoms may be unnoticed for years. A man’s vitality, libido, physical performance, and strength all rely on testosterone, the major male sex hormone. As testosterone levels slowly decline, various physical and psychological symptoms can appear. Depending on their severity, a man may look to treatment such as hormone replacement therapy to help restore his energy and vitality.

What Are Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

The constellation of symptoms that could indicate low levels of testosterone may be difficult to put a finger on, such as simply not feeling the same energy you’re used to or something specific such as erectile dysfunction. Common symptoms of low testosterone levels include:

• Fatigue and insomnia
• Mood swings
• Low libido
• Weight gain
• Lack of concentration
• Depression
• Loss of muscle mass
• Erectile dysfunction

Even though andropause may be the reason you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to rule out other potential underlying illnesses associated with similar symptoms, such as cardiac problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or depression.

How Common Is Low T?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, almost 40% of males over 45 are affected by low testosterone. Even though testosterone levels dip for virtually all men—the decline averages about 1% per year after age 40—most older men still have testosterone levels within the normal range and don’t experience low T symptoms. And those men with lower-than-normal testosterone levels may not know it because they never have a diagnostic blood test.

In addition to the natural aging process, there are other causes of low testosterone. These can range from injury to medications to other medical conditions. It is important that men have a complete diagnostic workup to determine the cause of their symptoms.

What Are Treatments for Low Testosterone?

If a doctor determines no underlying conditions are responsible for your symptoms, increasing testosterone levels through medically monitored bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is an option. Testosterone therapy can be administered in various ways. This approach should be combined with pursuing a healthy lifestyle that includes:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Getting enough sleep
• Reducing stress

Mid-life hormonal changes can cause physical changes that also result in mental health concerns, such as a loss of confidence, anxiety, and depression. If these feelings persist, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to determine if medication or therapy might help you.

Request Your Consultation

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with low testosterone levels, hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) at our Victor, NY, practice may be a solution. Request a consultation with our certified hormone therapy specialist, Julie A. Chatt, using the online form. Or you can call us at (585) 244-1506 to schedule an appointment.