What You Should Know About Low Testosterone

Testosterone is the main sexual hormone in men. Low testosterone levels may cause fatigue, low energy, decreased physical and mental endurance, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. Low testosterone may occur at any age. In adults, it can be part of the aging process, or caused by various physical and mental conditions such as infections, trauma, or depression.

Physical condition lead to Low testosterone

Some of the conditions that can lead to a low testosterone are: Obesity, Diabetes (type II), Chronic medical conditions-especially liver or kidney disease, Hormonal disorders and Infections.

Low testosterone treatment

Normal range of testosterone for Males is between 300 -1,000 ng/dL and for Females is between 15 - 70 ng/dL (Note: ng/dL = nanograms per deciliter). However, Normal ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.If you are experiencing some or all of the above mentioned symptoms of low testosterone, make an appointment with your specialist and schedule for a work up. Dr. Elist specializes in male sexual health and infertility and has been successfully treating patients with low testosterone.During your visit, Dr. Elist will conduct a thorough history taking and physical examination followed by a blood work up for testosterone levels, as well as other markers needed to determine the cause of your low testosterone symptoms. A further referral to an endocrinologist (hormone specialist) might be considered if a simple blood test does not explain your symptoms.If Dr. Elist determines the cause of your symptoms to be "Low Testosterone", a treatment with testosterone supplementation can be started after your blood level of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) has been checked. Increased PSA levels which may indicate an enlargement of the prostate might exclude you from being a candidate for low testosterone replacement therapy. PSA levels should also be monitored every 3 to 6 months after the initiation of low testosterone replacement therapy.The duration of your low testosterone therapy will be based on your blood testosterone levels which should be checked every 3 to 6 month until they have reached normalized levels.