There has been a lot of recent attention given to testosterone therapy, but too few understand the importance of having proper testosterone levels. Testosterone impacts many things, including sex drive, energy level, mood, changes in muscle mass, and more. It’s important for men to be able to recognize the symptoms of low testosterone so they can receive proper treatment.
Some of the earliest symptoms of men with low testosterone, or “low T,” include fatigue, poor sleep, aches and pains, and a general since of uneasiness. This may come as a surprise to some because most people relate low testosterone levels strictly to sexual symptoms, but these issues typically don’t arise until much later.
Seeking Treatment
Most men don’t find out they have low testosterone levels until their general physician detects it from routine blood work. Even then, a lot of doctors who see that you’re on the lower end of the normal range for testosterone levels will completely ignore the fact that you’re actually lower than you might want to be. Most testosterone therapy specialists will aim to get patients on the higher end of the spectrum and this can be life-changing in a positive way.
Symptoms don’t normally arise until men have lost about half of their testosterone so not noticing symptoms on your own isn’t uncommon. If your doctor feels your testosterone is too low and you report symptoms, he or she will likely recommend you to a doctor that specializes in testosterone therapy.
The initial visit with a testosterone therapy expert involves a discussion on symptoms. Once symptoms have been determined and additional tests have confirmed low testosterone levels, the risks and benefits of testosterone therapy will be discussed.
Benefits of Testosterone Therapy
There are a number of benefits of someone with low testosterone undergoing testosterone therapy and these include:
- Better sex drive
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Stronger bones
- Less anxiety and depression
- Better mood
- Increase in muscle mass
- Decrease in fatty tissue
- Improved memory and thinking
Testosterone therapy has also shown to improve diabetes, arthritis, sleep patterns, Parkinson’s disease, and more. Some studies have indicated a link between men with low testosterone and a shorter life expectancy. Testosterone therapy goes well beyond curing symptoms associated with sex drive and men need to understand this treatment to be encouraged to try it.
If you’ve been told you have lower than normal levels of testosterone you should definitely speak with a specialist to see how testosterone therapy can help you.
