Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times

Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times

We also go beyond the research, interviewing top experts in their fields to bring you the most informed insights. Every article is rigorously reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy. “Bone metabolism is complex and related to two main cell types,” says Calvert. There are osteoblasts, which build the bone, and osteoclasts that break it down. Testosterone stimulates osteoblasts to deposit bone, so if your T levels are low, you may make less bone. The relationship isn’t completely understood, but researchers suspect that testosterone acts as a vasodilator, allowing more blood flow into the penis, says Calvert. Without enough testosterone, blood may not be able to enter the penis and allow it to get rigid enough for sex.

Recent laboratory data from rats also revealed that finasteride interferes with the crystal formation of calcium oxalate, the most common stone component [7]. ‘There are several lifestyle changes men can make to help naturally raise their testosterone levels. Because testosterone levels can fluctuate from day to day, two to three consecutive low counts are needed to definitively diagnose male hypogonadism. The blood tests should be taken at least a week apart, ideally between 7 a.m.

As part of the faculty, he completed a medical education fellowship and received a certificate in innovation in curriculum design and evaluation. He was the fellowship director at the Center for East-West Medicine and led courses for physician fellows, residents, and medical students. Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, and trauma healing. Still think testosterone therapy turns guys into roid-raging gym rats? One of the most persistent myths around TRT is that it makes men overly aggressive or “unnatural.” The reality?

While testosterone replacement therapy can help restore penile size, it won’t reverse testicular shrinkage. The Testosterone is a vital hormone that plays a key role in muscle building, sex drive, bone density, and overall health. However, when levels drop too low, it can lead to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Here are eight sneaky signs that your testosterone might be lower than it should be.

As males age they have a deterioration of hypothalamic-pituitary function and Leydig cell function that decrease testosterone and/or sperm production. Low levels of testosterone that are atypical of normal aging are due to other primary or secondary causes of hypogonadism. Hypogonadism in males happens when the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. Hypogonadism can start during fetal development, during puberty, or during adulthood. Low testosterone can what cause high testosterone in women the tissues in your penis, scrotum, and testicles to atrophy, leading to a reduction in size. Your testicles may become softer and smaller, and your penis might lose both length and girth.

“Testosterone stimulates the growth of muscles and increases muscle strength,” says Calvert. When testosterone binds to the receptors, it helps your muscles grow. Other low testosterone symptoms—gaining weight, losing hair, and a lack of energy can also make your interest in sex decline.

Low testosterone can directly impact your mood, leading to feelings of depression or anxiety. This is partly due to the hormone’s role in regulating brain areas linked to emotional well-being. Additionally, the physical symptoms of low T, such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction, can further contribute to a decline in mental health. If you’ve been feeling unusually down or irritable, it’s worth exploring whether low T is playing a role. Testosterone helps your body build and maintain muscle by promoting protein synthesis.

If you have any urological questions or need personalized, confidential services, our customer service team is here to help. Low testosterone is a common side effect of the aging process in males. Most cases of low testosterone are treatable, and being aware of the symptoms can help a person to receive an early diagnosis and treatment. Studies have shown testosterone affects muscle mass, but not necessarily strength or function.

A doctor will typically only prescribe TRT if the person has several symptoms of low testosterone and blood test results that indicate a deficiency. For example, a bone density test can show diminished bone mass, one result of low testosterone. To diagnose low testosterone, a doctor will often perform a physical evaluation and review the person’s symptoms.