Low testosterone can have a significant impact on how you feel and function in your daily life. While testosterone production declines as men get older, it can drop abnormally low, which can happen at a younger age than most men think.
Nearly 40% of men have low testosterone by age 45, and a quarter of men experience sluggish levels by age 30. By the time men reach age 65, testosterone levels decline significantly.
Through his El Centro, California practice, expert internal medicine physician Prabhdeep Singh, MD, and our compassionate clinical team use a patient-centered approach to help men, women, and teens maintain health.
Many men are unaware that inadequate testosterone may be impacting their life, and even fewer are aware that it is very treatable with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Read on to learn how TRT can restore your testosterone levels to normal and ease your symptoms.
Identify the symptoms
Reproductive hormones play a significant role in a wide array of body functions. When levels decline too much, you may experience symptoms that you weren’t aware were related. Identifying the symptoms is the first step to getting relief. Low testosterone commonly causes:
The symptoms may seem subtle at first and gradually worsen with time. Some men notice that they feel different but aren’t able to pinpoint the problem. If you don’t feel like yourself lately, it’s good to see a physician for a wellness evaluation.
Checking your testosterone levels requires a simple blood test. Dr. Singh will carefully interpret the results. A testosterone blood test checks the level of testosterone in your blood. Because levels fluctuate throughout the day, it’s best to draw blood for a testosterone test in the morning when levels are usually at their highest.
Once your results are available, Dr. Singh will check whether your levels are healthy for your age. To get a clear picture of your testosterone level, Dr. Singh may check total testosterone as well as “free” testosterone. Free testosterone monitors the small amount of biologically active testosterone circulating in the blood.
Most of the testosterone circulating in the blood is bound to a protein. Checking the bound and unbound testosterone enables Dr. Singh to confirm a diagnosis of low testosterone.
TRT restores your body’s testosterone levels to normal through regular administration of testosterone. Treatment is available in various forms to fit your needs and lifestyle. These include:
If you suspect your testosterone levels are off, TRT specialist Dr. Singh can get to the bottom of your symptoms. Many men who choose testosterone replacement report feeling better within weeks of starting treatment. We offer a range of men’s health services. To get started, contact our clinic to schedule a consultation with Dr. Singh. You can call our friendly staff or book your visit online.
