Matt has been tired and irritable lately. He had been looking forward to all the things he would do when he retired, but now, he doesn’t feel like he has the energy for them. In fact, he isn’t finding much enjoyment in anything anymore.
Janna was enjoying her “empty nest” status until after her surgery for endometriosis. The hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries caused sudden menopause. Now, she was experiencing intense symptoms, including hot flashes, low energy, and loss of sexual desire.
While different in origin and physiology, both Matt and Janna are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone. This common hormone imbalance can affect your sex life, influence your mood, change your body, and impact your cognitive functioning.
If you are wondering, do I have low testosterone? It’s time to get answers and start on the path to recovery.
Low Testosterone in Men and Women
Because testosterone plays an essential role in maintaining physical, emotional, and cognitive health, low levels may cause symptoms for people of any sex.
Men
- Testosterone rises during puberty and is responsible for the deeper voice and growth of facial and body hair that appear at this time. Muscle mass and strength also increase as a result. In adult males, testosterone affects sex drive, as well as erections and sperm production.
- Testosterone deficiency can affect a man’s sexual performance, cognitive functions (memory, attention, concentration), and moods. Over time, there may be a loss of muscle mass and bone density, loss of facial and body hair, weight gain, fatigue, and mood disorders.
- Low testosterone in men may be caused by illness or injury that affects the testes obesity, endocrine dysfunction, cancer, certain medical treatments, alcohol, tobacco, or drug abuse. Aging is a significant factor, as testosterone production naturally decreases with age.
Women
- Though present in lesser quantities than in men, testosterone is an important hormone for women. It is produced in the ovaries, the adrenal glands, and other tissue by conversion from hormone precursors.
- Low sex drive, lack of sexual satisfaction, low energy, and fatigue are common symptoms of low testosterone in women.
Low testosterone in women often occurs after natural or surgical menopause. Thyroid and adrenal dysfunction and certain medications may also impact testosterone production.
Do I Have Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone may occur at any age, but the risk increases as you get older. Knowing what to watch for can help you reach out for help when uncomfortable symptoms impact your quality of life.
If you are wondering, do I have low testosterone? don’t ignore this question. It can be tempting to brush away the question and try to find some other reason for your symptoms, especially if those symptoms involve highly private aspects of your life. But getting an accurate diagnosis is essential to feeling better.
Due to the complexity of hormones and the lack of specificity in their symptoms, the best course of action is to seek help from a hormone health expert. They will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam. They will also order diagnostic lab tests to assess your hormone levels, including testosterone. These tests are the only way to truly know if you have low testosterone, and the results will give you the information you need to make smart decisions about your health.
Treating Low Testosterone
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is often the best way to address low testosterone. By restoring your testosterone levels, TRT brings your hormones back into balance.
TRT is available in several different forms, including creams, gels, and injections. One of the most innovative treatment methods for both men and women, however, is testosterone pellet therapy. These tiny implants are about the size of a grain of rice and engineered to mimic the way your body naturally releases hormones. They are implanted every 3-6 months in a doctor’s office. The quick procedure takes just minutes, and the recovery period is short. For women, testosterone may be administered with menopause hormone therapy (estrogen or estrogen/progesterone).
With convenient and effective treatment available, you don’t have to live with the symptoms of low testosterone. A compassionate hormone health specialist can design a personalized treatment plan to restore balance, reduce your symptoms, and improve your quality of life.
