Low T Treatment with Bellaire Primary Care
Low testosterone, also known as male hypogonadism, is a condition where the testicles don’t produce enough of the male sex hormone testosterone. The American Urological Association defines low testosterone as less than 300 ng/dl.
There are two main types of low testosterone:
- Primary hypogonadism: This occurs when the testicles fail to produce sufficient testosterone due to problems within the testicles themselves
- Secondary hypogonadism: This is caused by issues in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which are responsible for signaling the testicles to produce testosterone
Causes of low testosterone include:
- Aging: Testosterone levels naturally decline by about 1% per year after age 30
- Inherited conditions:
- Klinefelter’s syndrome
- Undescended testicles
- Hemochromatosis
- Acquired conditions:
- Injury or damage to the testicles
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- HIV/AIDS
- Pituitary gland disorders
- Lifestyle factors:
- Obesity
- Alcohol/drug abuse
- Use of certain medications (e.g., opioids, corticosteroids)
- Chronic illnesses:
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Low testosterone can affect various aspects of health, including muscle mass, bone density, sex drive, and mood. Treatment options, such as testosterone replacement therapy, may be considered depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms
1. Appointment
Your provider will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your current symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
2. Plan
After gathering sufficient information, your provider will collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan may involve prescription medication and lifestyle modifications.
3. Treatment
Once you begin your treatment plan, you have the option to schedule regular video check-ins with your provider to help ensure treatment is working.