Testosterone Treatment: The Truth Behind Low Testosterone

In America, almost 13 million men might have low testosterone. Of those who do, an astounding 90% will not seek treatment. The easy answer to why so few seek help is that they feel embarrassed — as if it’s something to be ashamed of when it isn’t. When such a large portion of the population is affected, it stops being something to be embarrassed by and starts being something to actively try to treat. But before thinking about low testosterone treatment, we need to understand it better first.

Low Testosterone Causes.
“Normal” testosterone levels in men can be anywhere between 300 to 1000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl), but the “right” levels vary from man to man. Another name for low testosterone in men is “hypogonadism.” There are several possible causes for hypogonadism. These include type 2 diabetes, liver or kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other pituitary gland issues. It’s also possible for some treatments, such as chemotherapy, to lower testosterone levels.

Low Testosterone Side Effects.
Having low testosterone has several side effects in adult men. Some of the more common effects revolve around the male sex drive. Most often, there is a decrease in the desire for sex, and in some cases, there’s also erectile dysfunction or a general lack of fertility. Scarce or decreased body hair is also common. Swelling or tenderness of the breast tissue is also possible, as are hot flashes and fatigue. A general decrease in energy and willpower is also common.

Low Testosterone Treatment.
There is a myriad of treatment options for men with low testosterone. There are many natural testosterone supplements available at pharmacies, but merely taking supplements may not be enough. There are many testosterone hormone replacement treatment therapy (TRT or HRT) options as well. HRT therapy for men can help boost testosterone levels, which can bring energy levels back to normal and combat the other side effects.

A surprising amount of men have low testosterone levels — it’s more common than most people think. It’s not something to be embarrassed over or to try to deal with in secret. In addition to supplements, there are many medical testosterone treatments available that any doctor would be more than happy to inform you of.