For men, testosterone is the underlying component for a healthy and active lifestyle. Tasks such as getting a great workout, maintaining the sexual desire for our partner, losing weight and building lean muscle tissue are all related to the amount of testosterone a man has in his body. Although testosterone levels are mostly associated with males, women rely on the hormone to maintain certain bodily functions. When women suffer from low T, a world of trouble can arise in a matter of months. If you feel as though your testosterone levels may be low, here’s what you need to know moving forward.

Warning Signs of Low Testosterone

Much in the same way a storm gives indicators that bad events are on the horizon, low T gives symptoms and side effects that we shouldn’t ignore. Regardless if you’re a man or a woman, here are the indicators that something may be occurring below the surface:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Chronic fatigue
• Weight gain
• Low sexual desire
• Aches and pains
• Low impulse control
• Emotional instability
• Hair loss
• Depression-like symptoms
• Erectile dysfunction
• Testicular pain or shrinkage
• Fertility issues
• Vaginal dryness
• Erratic menstrual cycles

As you can see, low testosterone can wreak havoc on the lives of men and women rather easily. The ailment has become so common that researchers and healthcare professionals believe that both men and women will see a 1% decline in freely-available testosterone as they become older. That means, in a general sense, that the symptoms will only worsen over time if we do not have them examined soon.

When To Get Checked

Although low testosterone is a common problem that patients of a ‘mature’ age experience, it can affect young people as well. Use the common side effects listed above and compare them to the symptoms you experiences daily. If you notice any similarities, it may be time to get examined by a doctor. Once your doctor examines your body mass index (BMI) and medical history, they will begin testing for low testosterone via a blood sample. These samples are collected early in the morning, as testosterone gradually dips throughout the day and before bed. For most doctors, they will require two separate blood panels to examine the full spectrum of testosterone in your blood. From here, the doctor will compare your testosterone against ‘normal’ levels. For a man, an average reading is around 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

A woman, on the other hand, would be considered in the normal range if her testosterone level was between 17 ng/dL and 70 ng/dL. If your reading is below that number, doctors will formulate a testosterone-replacement treatment (TRT) plan to suit your needs. Although the TRT plan may seem intimidating, it’s a relatively simple procedure to complete. Your doctor will begin giving you testosterone injections on a weekly or bi-weekly basis so that your levels can expand into the normal range. Once the doctor has shown the patient how to give the injection, they will often allow the patient to inject themselves from the comfort of their own home. The TRT medication can be conveniently shipped to their door and injected in their leisure time. If needles and injections give you the creeps, and honestly, we don’t blame you, some alternatives provide the same results:

• Testosterone gel
• Stick-on patches
• Pellet injection

These alternatives provide the same result as traditional injections while diminishing the pain and frequency of a standard needle. If you have fear or apprehension about getting TRT, consult with your doctor and voice your concerns. Your practitioner will provide much-needed insight into your treatment plan and put your mind at ease. In some specific cases, TRT won’t be needed for the entire duration of the patient’s life. Instead, the medication will be used to get the user back within normal ranges, then discontinued.

Time Is of the Essence

If you feel that your testosterone levels are lower than average, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 205-352-9141. Adequate amounts of testosterone are an absolute necessity for feeling normal, having energy and exuding tenacity in the face of adversity. If this sounds like your idea of a good future, get your testosterone levels checked by a healthcare physician, and begin living life on your terms!