However, it’s important to distinguish between the two concepts. In women, menopause is the end of ovulation and the steep and swift reduction of hormones in the female body. For men, on the other hand, reduction of hormones and testosterone occur over many years, and the impact of those declines aren’t as universal for all men.

How Do Male Hormones Change Over Time?

Testosterone levels aren’t the same in every man, and all men won’t experience low testosterone over their lifetime. Just as some women consider hormone replacement, some men decide to visit a low T doctor to stabilize their hormone levels. Generally, older men have lower testosterone levels than younger men, and the gradual decline in testosterone is seen as a natural part of aging.

Did You Know? On average, men’s testosterone levels decline by about one percent each year after the age of thirty.

There are many signs that may indicate low testosterone, and these symptoms are often ascribed to “male menopause.” However, it’s important to realize that doctors don’t use the phrase to describe a man’s reduced hormone levels. The condition of low testosterone in men is called male hypogonadism.

Some of the signs that may indicate that a visit to a low T doctor is warranted include:

Mental and emotional changes: Low testosterone can impact a man’s emotions by reducing self-confidence or the motivation to accomplish things. Some men even report sadness and depression, as well as difficulty concentrating or trouble remembering things.

Physical changes: Some men see physical changes like the reduction of muscle mass and an increase in body fat. Men may also experience a reduction in bone density, which may make it easier to break or fracture bones. Loss of body hair and male breasts are also possible

Sleep pattern changes: A change in the way a man normally sleeps may indicate a testosterone problem. This may mean insomnia for some men and drowsiness or increased tiredness in other men. Low testosterone impacts all men in different ways and with different intensity.

Changed sexual function or dysfunction: A change in the size of the testes is one impact of low testosterone in some men, and infertility may occur in other men. Additionally, erectile dysfunction is a common problem, as well as a reduction of sexual desire.

It’s important to note that not all men experience these symptoms. Some men don’t experience any noticeable symptoms at all and others experience so many that treatment for low T is recommended by their doctor.

Some of these bodily changes are also signs of other diseases or disorders, so it’s a good idea to visit a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis rather than self-diagnosing one’s self and assuming that low T is the problem.

Reducing the Impact of “Male Menopause”

Learn about Low Testosterone

Whether you choose to refer to it as male menopause or low testosterone, there are many solutions you can seek from your health professional or low T doctor. There are medical options for boosting testosterone, and your doctor can help.

Also, there are other, natural ways you can reduce the impact of low testosterone. Some of those methods include:

Seeking help from mental health professionals.

You may want to consider visiting a therapist or a health professional if your doctor believes your testosterone levels are impacting your mental health.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Men who are obese have lower testosterone levels, and remaining fit and healthy is an important way to keep your testosterone at a healthy level as you age.

Visit your doctor regularly.

The likelihood of disease and health problems increases as we age, so it’s important to visit a doctor on a regular basis with yearly checkups and appointments when you feel in poor health.

Work With Your Doctor for Low Testosterone

There are effective methods your doctor can recommend for hormone problems. If you’re starting to experience the signs of aging and the natural decline of testosterone due to aging, it’s important to bring your concerns and symptoms to your health professional.

The post Male Menopause and Low T appeared first on Dr. Buch.

A low T doctor can administer a blood test to confirm low levels of testosterone. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of the condition, as well as the consequences of leaving the issue unchecked.

Here are some of the less obvious problems that can develop with low testosterone.

Memory Problems and Cognitive Difficulties

You might assume that one of the punishments of getting older is losing your memory and becoming forgetful. However, low T can accelerate this decline, particularly for men above retirement age. Initial studies on the subject have suggested that low testosterone levels were often present with men showing a cognitive decline and memory problems.

In their initial testing, doctors have also found that testosterone impacted more than just memory and cognitive function. A study published in Supportive Care in Cancer studied the effect of androgen deprivation therapy, which is part of some cancer treatments and found that the reduction in testosterone negatively impacted visual motor skills.

Weight Problems and Impossible Weight Loss

On average, men who are overweight for their height and build have lower testosterone levels than men who are normal weight. One of the frustrating things about eating well and exercising with low T is that you find it almost impossible to lose weight even though you feel like you’re doing all the “right” things.

Tests have shown that supplementing testosterone helped obese men lose a significant amount of weight, and that treatments also influenced other positive changes in the body like reduced blood pressure levels and the ability to control blood sugar.

Dry Skin & Psoriasis

Developing skin conditions like psoriasis or suffering from chronic dry skin are common problems, and low T can exacerbate those conditions. Low testosterone can cause dry skin, and chronic low testosterone can make those problems quite painful. If you already suffer from dry skin or psoriasis, low T could make it difficult to fix those conditions.

A group of researchers measured the testosterone levels in a group of men and found that the men who didn’t have skin problems had the highest levels of testosterone. The recent research was published in The Journal of Dermatology.

Numbness and Nerve Problems

Nerve health is impacted by a variety of factors, and scientists have noted that testosterone treatments (as well as related treatments like DHT) can repair some damaged nerves. The peripheral nervous system, which is the set of nerves that aren’t part of the brain and spinal cord, are often damaged by illnesses and treatments like diabetes, injuries, and chemotherapy.

A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology found that testosterone treatments were effective in treating nerve damage, as well as in preventing the discomfort of chronic nerve pain and in preventing numbness.

Risk of Stroke & Heart Attack

Doctors warn us that we risk stroke and heart attack with poor dietary choices, weight gain, and high blood pressure. Low testosterone is another factor that can increase your likelihood of suffering from a “cardiac event.” In addition to the danger of fracturing a bone, there is also the issue of heart attacks and strokes.

A condition called hypogonadism, which is a reduction of the hormones produced by the ovaries or testes, has indicated an increased risk for heart problems. Hypogonadism is the medical label for low testosterone.

Reduced Bone-Mineral Density

You don’t really “see” your bones, and you won’t know they’re getting thinner until you take a tumble and fracture something. Low testosterone can reduce your bone density. As you age, there are other issues that can also cause you to lose bone density, so the problem can become dangerous if left untreated for too long.

Fortunately, there are ways to regain bone density. A recent study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism noted that older men taking testosterone treatments saw an increase of bone-mineral density in vital areas of the body including the hip and the lower spine.

If you find yourself suffering from any of these issues, you may want to speak with your doctor to see if you have low T or if there is another issue at work.

The post More Warning Signs of Low T appeared first on Dr. Buch.

How was the Study Conducted?

The team of doctors and researchers enlisted 681 men for the study, and each underwent a 12-core transrectal prostate biopsy. Out of these participants, some showed low testosterone levels and some had normal testosterone levels. Further, 143 men had a biopsy that was positive, and 99 had the aforementioned “high-grade PCa.”

The conclusion of the study was that low testosterone levels were an “independent risk factor” when doctors sought to detect high-grade prostate cancer. The doctors suggested that checking for low T could help a low T doctor or medical professional figure out whether a biopsy was necessary.

Frighteningly, cancer isn’t the only link to health problems doctors have found through research. Low testosterone has also been linked to a higher risk of death from heart disease.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is second only to skin cancer in the number of cases diagnosed each year. According to the American Cancer Society, there are more than two million men in the United States who are alive and have survived prostate cancer. Screening for prostate cancer is important for men as they age.

The prostate is found only in males, and it’s a small structure that sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It changes in size as men grow older since it’s impacted by male hormones called androgens. These hormones include testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.

At risk for prostate cancer? Get your Low T in check today. Call (972)-612-7131 to discuss low testosterone treatment.

Once a male reaches adulthood, the prostate stabilizes in size to about the size of a walnut. However, older men can experience growth that makes the prostate much larger. There’s more than one type of prostate cancer, including:

• Adenocarcinoma
• Sarcoma
• Small cell carcinoma
• Neuroendocrine tumor
• Transitional cell carcinoma

The majority of prostate cancer diagnoses are adenocarcinoma. Other types of cancer are fairly rare.

Research is Changing What We Know About Low T and Cancer

A study published with the British Association of Urological Surgeons in 2012 suggests that doctors used to believe that high levels of testosterone indicated a higher likelihood that the patient would see a prostate cancer diagnosis. However, further study has led doctors and scientists to see that the opposite is true.

Men with low testosterone have a higher risk of seeing their prostate cancer progress after treatment has been delivered. The study concluded that:

“Patients with PCa and lower testosterone levels have poor prognosis factors and higher tumour burden before treatment onset. These findings reinforce the idea that low testosterone levels pretreatment are related to a poor prognosis in PCa.”

What does this mean for men who are diagnosed with cancer? Essentially, low testosterone levels in men could indicate an aggressive cancer. Measuring testosterone could become a valuable option for helping a Low T doctor determine the best course of action regarding treatment and whether further observation or the start of treatment is best.

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Habits That Contribute to Low T

Testosterone levels are generally related to age and physical fitness. However, one of the first things that a low T doctor will ask you about is for more information about your lifestyle. This will help him/her identify any activities that may be contributing to the drop in hormone levels. Being overweight, inactivity, pain medications, steroid use, hair-loss medications, and insufficient sleep are all factors that could be causing decreased testosterone in your body.

Being Overweight

Although age does have an influence on testosterone levels, the size of a man’s waist weighs more heavily on it (literally). Aging cannot be paused or stopped. On the contrary, weight gain can be reversed and controlled. Overweight and obese men see an incredible improvement in their testosterone levels when following a healthy diet and daily exercise regimen. If you are overweight, fight low T by losing 15% of your current weight. Although it may seem like a small percentage, this triggers a significant rise in testosterone without any assistance from low testosterone treatments.

Inactivity

Besides being detrimental to many other aspects of your well-being, being a couch potato can also cause low testosterone. This is not to be confused with being overweight, as inactivity is unhealthy for men of average weight as well. Exercise has numerous health benefits and helping reverse low T is one of them. By exercising for 40-60 minutes just 4 or 5 times a week, men will see noticeable improvements in their testosterone, bone density, fertility, memory, heart and sexual health, as well and overall mood.

Pain Medications

While occasional use of narcotic painkillers is necessary, using them regularly can ruin your testosterone. A recent article in the May-June 2015 Journal of Opioid Management found a very strong link between narcotic pain medication and hypogonadism, which is the body’s inability to produce sufficient levels of the male hormone. If you are taking painkillers for chronic pain, talk to your doctor about alternative methods that will not affect your testosterone levels.

Steroid Use

If you enjoy bodybuilding, stay away from steroids. When a man takes anabolic steroids, his testes shut down testosterone production completely. This not only affects him while he takes the steroids, but long after he discontinues using them as well.

Hair-Loss Medications

Are you taking prescription medication to help delay or prevent baldness? Look out for ingredients such as finasteride, which causes low sex drive, sexual function, and – you guessed it – low testosterone. Do some research about any medication that you take, especially those for hair growth. If you find that any previous users have experienced sexual dysfunction or depression, ask you doctor for another option.

Insufficient Sleep

A good night’s sleep is important to you and your body’s ability to function each day. Poor sleeping patterns, including sleep disorders like sleep apnea, can lower your body’s testosterone-producing capabilities. Be sure that you get enough quality sleep each night. If you fear you have a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor to schedule a sleep study so that he/she can diagnose you properly.

In summary, here are 6 things to adapt in your lifestyle for healthy testosterone production:

- Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, devise a plan to lose weight and stick to it.

- Be sure to get enough physical activity. If you are not currently active, start with some moderate cardio and weight training.

- Stop using narcotic painkillers. Talk to your doctor about alternative methods for pain management.

- NEVER use anabolic steroids. If you have ever used them before, speak with a low T specialist about testosterone treatment options.

- Avoid harmful ingredients such as finasteride in any hair loss medications.

- Establish and maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle. Speak to a doctor if you feel you may have a condition that is preventing you from getting quality sleep.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of low T, schedule an appointment with a doctor. In the meantime, make any of the necessary changes above to your lifestyle to support your body’s ability to produce the important hormone.

The post Are You Ruining Your Testosterone? appeared first on Dr. Buch.

What are Low Testosterone and VTE?

In order to fully comprehend the study, it is important to understand the two key components being discussed: testosterone therapy and venous throembolism (VTE).

Low Testosterone and Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone is the major sex hormone in men, which plays a large role in many different areas of male health. This includes the reproductive system, sexuality, muscle mass, bone density, and even certain “manly” behaviors. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decrease. However, this can occur in men of all ages depending on drug use, disease, injury, certain types of cancer, and inherited health issues.

Hypogonadism, commonly referred to as Low T, is a condition when the body is no longer able to produce enough testosterone on its own. Symptoms of low testosterone include weakened sex drive, depression, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, mood swings, and even osteoporosis. The combination of these issues can take its toll on a man’s life; hence, many reach out to urologists and low T specialists for help. Testosterone therapy, which is available in topical creams, skin patches, gels, subcutaneous implants, and injections, can help drastically improve testosterone levels and in turn improves a man’s quality of life.

Venous Throembolism (VTE)

VTE refers to the formation of blood clots in the veins, which causes blockages. The most common forms of VTE include deep vein thrombosis, which occurs in the legs, and pulmonary embolism, which occurs in the lungs. Venous throembolism is the 3^rd most common cardiovascular disorder, following heart attack and stroke.

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What This Means for Low T Patients

In 2014, the Federal Drug Administration required manufacturers of testosterone therapy medications to include a message warning about the potential risk of VTE on all approved testosterone products. This was based on post-marketing drug surveillance and case reports, all of which provided conflicting evidence. Due to the severity of VTE, it’s no wonder that the possibility of the disease steered many men with medically confirmed low T away from seeking help for their condition. This put them at risk for developing other serious conditions, such as bone loss, decreased lean muscle mass, development of fat tissue, and even metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Men and women can now rest assured that they can seek the treatment they need without a fear of developing blood clots or venous thromboembolism.

If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of Low T, call (972)-612-7131 to schedule a consultation.

The post New Study: Testosterone Therapy Does Not Cause Blood Clots appeared first on Dr. Buch.

Understandably, this is a major concern among men with low T – especially those who enjoy strength training and muscle building. However, there is good news. Not only is it possible to build muscle with low testosterone levels, strength training and exercise can help increase the amount of the hormone in the body. Your body can overcome the deficiency by adapting a healthier diet, maximizing the other hormones in your body, and modifying your workout routine to include a wider range of exercises, other than the ones that you would typically associate with muscle-building.

How to Increase Body Strength with Low Testosterone

While building muscle with low T is possible, it is a challenge. However, by fitting the tips below into your daily routine, you can create a healthier lifestyle that can work to reverse your low testosterone and the fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and other symptoms that come with it.

Cardio is Everything

Although not typically associated with increasing muscle mass, cardiovascular exercise of a minimum of 10 minutes helps increase human growth hormone (HGH), which increases muscle strength. Schedule short, intense cardio sessions two to three times a week. The best thing about cardio is that you can switch it up each time. With options such as the treadmill, elliptical, stairmaster, stationary bike, and swimming, it never has to be boring. During each cardio session, warm up for 3 minutes, then move as fast as you can for 30 seconds, and rest for 90 seconds. This high intensity interval training (HIIT) is particularly effective for weight loss and for maximizing the effects of your workout in a short amount of time.

Weight Training

Following your cardio routine, do short (but intense) strength-training for 30 minutes. Using free weights and resistance machines, focus on the major muscle groups of your body: chest, shoulders, back, legs, and glutes. Aim for 3 sets of 8 – 12 repetitions of each movement. You can use a lighter weight for the beginning set and a heavier one for the remaining two. Similar to your cardio routine, use different equipment and movement each day to keep yourself involved and invested in the workout. If you are new to exercise, start slow and gradually increase intensity with both cardio and weight training.

Refuel Your Body After a Workout

Within 45 minutes following an intense cardio or weight training session, eat a meal containing protein and carbohydrates. Not only does this replenish the used energy in your body, but it also helps initiate the muscle repair process that is necessary to build strength. In addition, consuming carbohydrates and protein after a hard workout may help stimulate HGH release, which will support your muscle-building efforts.

Don’t Do Too Much

Although it is necessary to push yourself through a good, hard workout to build muscle despite low T, working too hard can be counterproductive and harmful to reaching your goal. Workouts lasting more than one hour trigger your body to release cortisol. Cortisol, a catabolic hormone, breaks down muscle – which is what you are working to fight in the first place. Be sure that you give your body an adequate amount of rest in between workouts, including 8 hours of sleep at night. As mentioned previously, resting allows your muscles to repair themselves and grow. Hence, although it may seem like adding a few sets at the end of your workout will help you reach your goals quicker, it can actually hinder and/or prevent you from doing so.

Fill Your Body With Muscle-Building Nutrients

Complex carbohydrates and lean proteins help build muscle and prevent fat build up. Accompany eggs, chicken, fish, and lean cuts of red meat with brown rice, sweet potatoes, or quinoa and watch yourself grow stronger and healthier. Cook all of your food in a moderate amount of healthy fat, such as olive or coconut oil.

A Note About Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Although the tips above can help reverse low T, extremely low levels of testosterone can result in a variety of health problems beyond just restricting your body’s ability to build strength. If you feel like you could benefit from low T treatments, schedule a free consultation with an experienced urologist to discuss your options.

The post Can I Build Muscle With Low T? appeared first on Dr. Buch.

Results After Low T Therapy

After suffering from low energy, weight gain and other symptoms for years, most of our clients report a huge energy boost in the first month of low t treatment. Men and women both see a return of interest in sex, heightened libido, and a spark of motivation that gets them back to the gym to work off the weight they’ve gained due to low testosterone levels.

It’s important to take your increase in energy slowly so that you don’t overexert your body’s capabilities. After sometimes years of inactivity, entering a stringent workout routine immediately can be counterproductive in that it can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Gradually work up levels in fitness to avoid any risky heart issues. Because an increase in testosterone can spur the production of red blood cells, the risk of heart attack goes up because blood becomes thicker.

Side Effects of Low T Therapy

Responsible for red blood cell production, bone marrow is one organ that is very sensitive to testosterone treatments. When men and women undergo treatment for low T, not only are they helping reduce their symptoms, but they are also stimulating bone marrow to produce higher amounts of red blood cells. This process is called polycythemia, and over time it can result in increased risks of heart attack and stroke. This is due to the thickening of blood from the overproduction of blood cells in bone marrow.

The good news is that this risk is easily controlled with regular blood testing in every six months. Regular testing will help you and your doctor catch high levels of red blood cell production before it becomes an issue, and you can donate blood during these regular testing intervals to maintain your normal red blood cell count. Plus, it’s always good to donate blood to those who will need it.

Contact the Low T Guru and get your questions about Low T answered. (972) 612-7131

Another area of concern is prostate cancer. While testosterone treatment will not cause, if any amount of prostate cancer is present in the body before treatment, low t therapy could make it metastasize faster. To sidestep this concern, your doctor should test you for prostate issues long before starting any kind of low T treatment. Prostate specific antigen levels should monitored on a regular basis to be assessed with a prostate biopsy to diagnose any cancer sooner rather than later. Your doctor is more likely to find cancer if you are receiving low t treatment than if you’re not, simply because the testing that is included with low T therapy is more frequent and thorough than your yearly screening.

Avoid Low T Therapy Risks with Expert Care and Treatment

When your testosterone treatment is administered and carefully monitored by an expert in the field, the risks for side effects like stroke, heart attack or the development of cancer are almost diminished. Because of these risks, testosterone treatment and hormone replacement should always be administered by a good doctor, and only after you know and understand the risks. Never attempt to diagnose yourself or treat your low T symptoms on your own. Instead, call us to set up an appointment for evaluation.

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How Low is Too Low in Women?

Emitted from ovaries and adrenal glands, testosterone in women naturally increases production during puberty and pregnancy, tapers off in adulthood and decreases with the onset of menopause.  Normally, women produce from 15 nanograms per deciliter to 70 ng/dL. A majority of testosterone production happens in adolescence, but the body maintains this level until a woman reaches mid-adulthood.

Now, because women normally produce a very small amount of testosterone, when that level drops even lower, many symptoms can arise.

Sometimes, women experience the effects of low testosterone before menopause, usually signaled by a sudden drop in energy levels (even when getting good rest), weight gain, sleep apnea and other symptoms.

Can’t Get Out of Bed

When testosterone levels in women drop, energy levels do too. If you’re feeling drained of energy throughout the day, you suddenly find it difficult to get out of bed, or your usual physical activities have become too hard for you to finish, anything could be the culprit. One of the biggest signs that this fatigue could be related to low testosterone levels is if it cannot be helped with sleep.

If you’re getting plenty of rest and still find yourself tired all the time, the underlying issue could be a hormone deficiency, or low testosterone. Go see your doctor to get a real diagnosis, as many medical conditions can cause fatigue, and your doctor can help rule them out.

Can’t Stay in Bed

Conversely, if you can’t sleep throughout the night, have insomnia or sleep apnea, you may have low T. While disruptions in sleep patterns can be a result of just about anything, if you haven’t gotten a decent night’s rest in over a month, you should definitely see your doctor to figure out why.

Sleep apnea is the most serious of the symptoms, as it can increase the risk of heart problems and should be diagnosed and treated. Why does reduced testosterone cause sleep disturbances in women? Scientists aren’t completely sure yet, but the theory is lowered T causes imbalances in other hormones that regulate and promote healthy sleep.

Unexpected Weight Gain

If you’ve experienced an unexpected drop in muscle mass and an increase in fat, especially around the abdomen, low testosterone might be the culprit. Often misconstrued as typical body changes as a woman ages, researchers believe that lowered testosterone is one of the most common causes of weight gain in women mid-life.

Low T in women also changes bone density and muscle tone, which significantly changes a woman’s appearance and body character. Unfortunately, most women accept this as a part of life, when really they should just see their doctor, as these symptoms are treatable and oftentimes even reversible.

Depression (Mood Changes)

Often misdiagnosed and mistreated with antidepressants, low T in women can cause mood changes, depression and other emotional issues that can be difficult to otherwise explain. While testosterone regulates libido and energy levels, it also has a big hand in mood stabilization and mental focus. When testosterone is low, neuropsychiatric symptoms like a lack of motivation and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities can occur.

Women may not have much testosterone in their bodies, but the small amount that female bodies do produce is valuable. Responsible for mood changes, sex drives and libidos, and even energy levels, testosterone is incredibly important to women too. Low T in women can be treated and many symptoms of low T are reversible if you catch them in time. If you’ve been feeling sluggish lately, or have gained weight unexpectedly, give your doctor a call and ask about testing your hormone levels.

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How Low is Too Low?

It’s helpful to know the threshold regarding testosterone levels. A man’s testosterone should normally range between 300 nanograms per deciliter to 1,200 ng/dL. Lower than normal ranges may indicate a number of conditions, including testicular injury or cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic liver or kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, infections, or other hormonal disorders. These aren’t the only reasons for a low T level, nor is low testosterone the only cause for these issues. Some men with low testosterone don’t even experience any symptoms however, testosterone levels far under 300 ng/dL offer more explanations for symptoms.

Have low T? Give Dr. Buch a call and set up an appointment.

Even if you don’t exhibit any symptoms of low T, you should still seek treatment, as a silent killer of low testosterone levels is directly related to weaker muscles and drops in bone density.

Osteoporosis: Not Just for Women

Thanks to Sally Field putting a face to the disease, you may think that osteoporosis is a disease that only women can get. That is a huge misconception, as men can have it too and a drop in muscle mass and bone density is a major, long term symptom of low testosterone. As men age, they don’t experience the rapid loss of bone marrow and density like women do, mostly because men have built up more muscle mass, albeit, slower over years’ time. By the mid 60s, men catch up and lose bone mass at nearly the same rate, as absorption of calcium decreases as both sexes age. As bone mass continues to decline, likelihood of fractures resulting from osteoporosis rises. Fractures are likely to occur in the hip, spine and wrists, and men who fracture their hips are more likely to die from later complications. Loss of muscle mass and impending loss of bone density is the main long term effect of low testosterone. The good news is that there are many different ways to increase your low T, including hormone therapy and many other options you can try on your own. Reduce your stress, cut out sweets (even fruit and agave sweeteners), and supplement your diet with zinc. In six weeks or less, you may begin to feel an increase in your testosterone production. Eat foods with lots of protein, such as fish, beans, yogurt and raw cheese and milk. If you choose to use dietary supplements, take no more than 40 milligrams of zinc per day, so that your body won’t have difficulty absorbing other vitamins.

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Why Does Testosterone Decline?

Testosterone is the hormone that puts hair on a man’s body, and drops his voice when he’s going through puberty. During adulthood, testosterone is responsible for a man’s sex drive and keeps his muscles and bones strong. As men age past 30, they begin to notice a decrease in testosterone, often marked by a drop in sex drive and interest. The misconception is that a man’s age is responsible for the tapering off of his interest in sex. Men in their 20′s have been known to experience low T levels, and even a gradual decrease over time can lead to a total loss of interest in sex. In those cases, there may be other health issues besides aging, and low T is often the culprit.

Having signs or symptoms of low T? Call Dr. Buch and set up an appointment today – (972) 621-7131

Any good doctor would want to rule out other explanations for low energy levels, low sex drive and other symptoms to make sure they aren’t attributed to bigger health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary diseases. Thanks to the comfortable conversations we can now have about testosterone and erectile dysfunction, those similar symptoms can now be separated from other health issues, and even help thwart bigger health risks associated with heart diseases and diabetes. A simple blood test will help a doctor determine your testosterone levels.

What Range of T is Too Low?

A man’s testosterone should normally range between 300 nanograms per deciliter to 1,200 ng/dL. Lower than normal ranges indicate a number of conditions, including:

• Testicular injury or cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Chronic liver or kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Infections
• Hormonal disorders

These aren’t the only reasons for a low T level, nor is low testosterone the only cause for issues like these. Low T doesn’t always mean that you’ll experience symptoms, but more often than not, testosterone levels far under 300 ng/dL offer more explanations for symptoms.

Even if you don’t exhibit any symptoms of low T, you should still seek treatment, as a silent killer of low testosterone levels is directly related to weaker muscles and drops in bone density.

Low Testosterone – What to Look Out For

Low sex drive or zero interest in sex is usually an apparent tick-off. Furthermore, if you’re having difficulty getting and maintaining an erection (especially if you’re below the age of 60), that’s another good reason to go see a doctor and ask some questions. Here are some other symptoms that you might be able to attribute to low T levels:

• Low amounts of semen–as testosterone plays a big role in the production of semen, if your ejaculate load is lighter than usual, you might have low T. Men with high testosterone produce more semen.
• Lack of energy, fatigue–if you find yourself tired all the time, even though you get a full night’s rest most of the week, or you find it hard to exercise when it used to be a part of your routine, your testosterone level might be low.
• Low muscle mass–another role of testosterone is in building up muscle tissue and strength. If your arms, legs or chest are feeling weaker than you’re used to, or you’re finding your normal weight training exercises to be more difficult than you remember, low T might be the culprit.
• Body fat increase–studies have shown that genes that control body fat percentage also circulate testosterone levels. When T is low, body fat tend to increase though there are no hard reasons as to why.
• Mood swings–testosterone is the driving force behind many physical processes in men’s bodies, but it also boosts their mental capacity and helps regulates their moods. Men with low t levels are likely to experience mood swings, irritability, depression or a lack of focus.
• Decrease in bone mass–osteoporosis is often misconstrued as a disease that only women can get, but since testosterone helps produce bone fiber, men with low T are at risk for bone fractures, especially of the hip, feet, wrists and ribs.

Treatment for Low T

Testosterone declining as you age is normal, but consider treatment if you are experiencing symptoms of low T and you are under the age of 60. For example, if you are a young man trying to conceive with your spouse, but have been noticing a decrease in your overall energy and semen production, testosterone injections might be a good option for you. Regular injections can help stimulate sperm motility and production. If fertility isn’t an issue, other options become readily available, such as a T patch or a daily gel to be applied on the skin.

These low t treatments are applied frequently and are the best way to keep a man’s testosterone steady and symptoms of low t at bay. You could also ask your doctor about a new implantable treatment where testosterone-releasing pellets are implanted under the skin of the buttocks. These pellets release daily doses of T over three to four months. Now these treatments have some side effects including heightened blood cell count, accelerated prostate growth, and increased breast tissue. Men with breast cancer or prostate cancer should not undergo testosterone treatment. For results that are catered to you and your specific testosterone levels, see your doctor and ask many questions if you’re thinking about treatment for low testosterone.

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