Testosterone is a naturally-produced steroid hormone primarily responsible for masculine growth, including characteristics like muscle mass and the growth of body hair.
Male Hypogonadism is the condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. Some men are born with this condition while others can develop it later in life. A primary cause of hypogonadism originates from a problem in the testicles. A secondary cause may be a problem with the pituitary gland in the brain that signals the testicles to produce testosterone. These causes may be inherited or acquired via infection, injury, or as a side effect of certain medications.
Symptoms:
Progressive Urology is here to help! Make an appointment if you experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Infertility
- Loss of body hair
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Decrease in strength
- Depression
- Decrease bone density (Osteoporosis)
- Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
Workup:
A simple blood test is used to determine if your body is producing low levels of testosterone.
Treatment Options:
Testosterone deficiency is treated by replacing the hormone. Typically referred to as Hormone Replacement Therapy, it can restore muscle strength and sexual function; prevent bone loss, as well as increase energy and libido in men.
Forms of Hormone Replacement Therapy:
- Intramuscular injections every 2 – 3 weeks.
- Testosterone patch worn on the body (rotated between upper arms, back, thigh, abdomen and scrotum).
- Testosterone gel applied and rubbed into your skin where testosterone is absorbed while the gel is drying (usually applied on lower abdomen, upper arm or shoulder).
- Long-acting subcutaneous implant using Testopel where tiny pellets are placed beneath the skin helping maintain testosterone levels for several months. Implantation is done in the office and the number of pellets is relative to the patient’s deficiency level, age, body size, and activeness. Pellets are absorbed by the body in about 3-6 months and removal is unnecessary.
Contraindications:
Testosterone replacement increases prostate volume and PSA levels, thus, men with BPH or Prostate Cancer should not take this therapy without a thorough prostate cancer screening.
