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Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Low Testosterone

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What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone may be the most notorious of hormones. It conjures up thoughts of muscles and masculinity. In fact, testosterone does fuel sex drive and muscle mass, but it also regulates mood and bone strength. When a man's level falls below normal, a doctor may prescribe shots, gels, or patches. But there is some debate over who needs treatment.

Aging and Testosterone Levels

A slow drop in testosterone is a normal part of aging, sometimes called "andropause" or "male menopause." For many men, this doesn't cause any significant problems or symptoms. Others may notice hot flashes, irritable moods, or less interest in sex.

Low Testosterone and the Body

Low testosterone can cause visible changes in some men:

Thinner muscles
Loss of body hair
Smaller, softer testicles
Larger breasts

Low Testosterone Affects Bones

You may think osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease, is a woman's disease, but it can affect men as well. Low testosterone is a common cause. As testosterone levels fall, the bones may get thinner, weaker, and more likely to break.

Low Testosterone and Sex

A drop in testosterone doesn't always interfere with sex, but it can make it more difficult for your brain and body to get aroused. Some men may notice a drop in libido, while others may lose interest in sex completely. Low testosterone can also make it tougher to get or keep an erection.

Testosterone, Mood, and Thinking

Some men have subtle problems like irritability or other mood changes, poor concentration, and less energy. These symptoms can easily be caused by other health problems though, like anemia, depression, sleep troubles, or a chronic illness.

Low Testosterone and Infertility

Testosterone helps a man's body make sperm. When levels of the hormone are low, his sperm "count" can be low, too. Without enough sperm, he may not be able to father a child.

What Causes Low Testosterone?

Getting older is the most common reason testosterone levels dip. Illnesses are sometimes to blame, including:

Type 2 diabetes
Liver or kidney disease
COPD
Pituitary gland problems
Testicle injuries

Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and steroid medicines can also affect testosterone levels.

Should You Be Tested?

Your doctor may suggest a testosterone test if you have:

Erectile dysfunction
Lower sex drive
Low sperm count
A loss of height, body hair, or muscle size

If you have an illness known to lower testosterone, your doctor may want to test your levels of the hormone.

Testing for Low Testosterone

Testosterone is usually measured with a blood test done early in the morning, when levels are highest. Normal levels range from 300 to 1,000 ng/DL. Your doctor may want to run this test a second time before diagnosing low testosterone.

Treating Low Testosterone

If you have low blood levels of testosterone AND symptoms that affect your daily life, your doctor may suggest taking supplemental testosterone. Not everyone with low testosterone will need treatment. You may want to see a specialist to discuss the risks and possible benefits of treatment. Look for a urologist or an endocrinologist, a doctor who treats hormone problems.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

If you need treatment, your doctor may prescribe testosterone to boost your levels. Some studies suggest this can strengthen a man's muscles, protect his bones, and improve his sex drive. But the effects can be quite different from one man to the next.

Testosterone Injections

Testosterone comes in several forms, including shots, gels, patches, and tablets you place on your gums. Injections are the least expensive option, but they can be painful. You take the shots every 7 to 22 days, as prescribed by your doctor. Your testosterone levels can swing up and down between doses.

Testosterone Gels or Patches

These are placed directly on your skin. The hormone seeps through the skin, and is slowly released into the blood. Because gels and patches are applied every day, they keep a steady level of testosterone. However, they can cause itching, irritation, and blisters. Women and children should not touch skin treated with a gel or patch.

Testosterone Tablets

Tablets are placed on the gums above your incisors every 12 hours. As the gel-like tablet dissolves it slowly releases testosterone. Gum tablets can cause a bitter taste, irritated mouth, tender gums, or headaches. These side effects may get better with time. You can eat, drink, and kiss women and children while using testosterone tablets.

Risks of Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone therapy has some drawbacks. Some men may develop:

Too many red blood cells
Sleep apnea
An enlarged prostate
Acne

The risks and benefits of taking testosterone for many years are not known, because large studies haven't been completed, yet.

Testosterone Use and Cancer

There's some concern that long-term use of testosterone may cause prostate cancer in older men. Men taking testosterone will need regular checkups to look for early signs of prostate cancer. This covers: All men over 50, men over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, and all African American men.