11/19/2014
LOW TESTOSTERONE (HYPOGONADISM)
Low Testosterone is a common problem among men, mainly in men above 40 years old, but younger people ca have it too. Low testosterone can happen due to low production from the testicles (primary hypogonadism), or failure of the Pituitary gland to produce FSH, LH, hormones that stimulate testicles to produce testosterone (secondary hypogonadism). There are several other causes of hypogonadism.
SYMPTOMS:
-Low sexual drive
-Erectile dysfunction
-Fatigue/lack of energy
-Loss of muscle mass
-Decrease of bone mass
-Mood changes
-Loss of morning erections.
DIAGNOSIS:
Your doctor will check testosterone level, best time is in morning hours, and based on the levels he will decide start on testosterone replacement therapy. Sometimes your doctor needs to request other test like PSA, FSH, LH, metabolic profile, and red blood cell count.
TREATMENT
Testosterone replacement therapy is the standard treatment for hypogonadism, but not all the patients can get it.If the patient wants to have kids, testosterone should be combined with HCG to preserve s***m count (Testosterone reduce s***m count). Alternative treatment for those patients is Clomiphene, that stimulate testicles to produce testosterone. Testosterone can be given in creme, injections, or pellets (subdermal administration).
Your doctor will check for routine labs every 3 to 6 months to evaluate for inflammation of liver, prostate or elevation of red blood cell among others.
