How is low testosterone treated

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Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Studies have shown that men who take testosterone tend to experience an increase in memory. Testosterone affects many physical processes in the body, and focus, clarity, and memory are no exception. Life issues caused by low testosterone- such as stress and relationship issues- can also play a role in the struggle to focus.

While most men experience a decrease in interest and libido as they age, low testosterone causes a steeper drop-off than what is normal for most men. Low testosterone can cause a variety of health issues such as hair loss and erectile dysfunction that may also inhibit certain desires. Low testosterone can result in a number of mood changes. Hormonal imbalances are often to blame for depression, anxiety, and other mood issues. Fatigue caused by low testosterone can also add to these issues.

Since testosterone is key for building muscle in the body, low testosterone can cause loss of muscle mass. Apply liquids and gels, creams or patches to skin that is dry and without cuts or scratches. Do not wash the area until it is time for the next dose. Wash your hands after you apply liquids, gels or creams. Make sure that other people, especially women and children, do not touch the medicines.

There are short-acting and long-acting forms of testosterone injection. The short-acting medicine may be given under the skin or in the muscle. The long-acting one is usually given in the muscle. Injections are usually given either weekly, every two weeks, or monthly. The buccal dose comes in a patch that you place above your incisor canine or "eyetooth". The medication looks like a tablet but you should not chew or swallow it.

The drug is released over 12 hours. This method has fewer harmful side effects on the liver than if the drug is swallowed, but it may cause headaches or cause irritation where you place it. This form of testosterone comes in a gel.

You pump the dose into each nostril, as directed. It is usually taken three times daily. Your doctor will place the testosterone pellets under the skin of your upper hip or buttocks. Your doctor will give a shot of local anesthesia to numb your skin, then make a small cut and place the pellets inside the fatty tissues underneath your skin. This medication dissolves slowly and is released over about months, depending on the number of pellets.

Some of the side effects are as follows: For gels and liquids, there may be some redness at the skin site. With patches, you may have itching and a rash around the area. A very small number of patients report back pain. For short-acting injections, you may have some reaction at the injection site. Some persons have had serious allergic reactions to the long-acting injection. Because of this, when you get the long-acting injection they will watch you closely for a while afterwards in the medical office.

For testosterone pellets, possible adverse effects include swelling, pain, bruising and, rarely, hematoma clotted blood under the skin.

During TT, there is increased risk of erythrocytosis abnormal raising of blood hemoglobin and hematocrit. TT may interrupt normal sperm production. You should not have TT if you plan on having children soon.

If you are being treated for Low-T your doctor may suggest added treatment for sperm production. Topical testosterone, specifically gels, creams and liquids, may transfer to others. Women and children are most at risk of harmful effects from contact with them.

You should take care to cover the area and wash your hands well after putting on the medication. Be careful not to let the site with the topical TT touch others because that could transfer the drug. The FDA suggests watching for signs and symptoms of early puberty in a child you live with or have contact with if you use topical testosterone.

Do not let children touch the unwashed or unclothed area where you put the drug. Here are some things you should know: There is no evidence linking TT to prostate cancer.

There is no strong evidence linking TT to increase in vein clots. At this time, there is no strong evidence that TT either increases or decreases the risk of cardiovascular events. However, while you are on TT, you should call your doctor right away if you have signs or symptoms of stroke or heart attack. After Treatment. More Information. Will I have to repeat these tests? If so, how often? Low testosterone can lead to reduced levels of energy and fatigue.

A person may feel tired, even after adequate rest, or they may develop a diminished interest in exercise or movement. In some cases, men with a deficiency of the hormone develop gynecomastia, which causes an enlargement of the breasts. Some evidence suggests that men with low levels of testosterone are likely to experience a lack of focus, irritability, and depression.

A doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy if a person displays a number of symptoms. Low testosterone does not always present symptoms, and some people only learn about it after a routine physical examination with bloodwork.

However, anyone who experiences one or more of the symptoms listed above should seek medical attention. The doctor may also request testing to look for additional signs. A doctor will typically only prescribe TRT if the person has several symptoms of low testosterone as well as blood test results that indicate a deficiency.

Most people will notice relief from symptoms within 4—6 weeks of starting TRT. Having a nutrient-rich diet can help improve testosterone levels. While changes to the lifestyle and diet alone may not raise levels sufficiently, they can often help. It is important to keep in mind that men typically lose testosterone as they age, and the potential benefits of lifestyle changes also decrease over time.

Exercise, for example, often shows more significant results in younger people. To support a boost in testosterone levels, the diet should be rich in nutrients. It may help to incorporate some of the following foods into the diet:.