Low testosterone is a common symptom of aging due to andropause and can cause a host of unwanted symptoms in men, including lowered sexual desire, erectile dysfunction (ED), loss of muscle mass, and low energy levels. At Balanced Medical Solutions in Hayward, California, we offer safe and advanced treatments like testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men struggling with low testosterone. We serve the entire San Francisco Bay Area, including cities like Fremont, San Mateo, San Lorenzo, Oakland and San Jose. If you think you may have low testosterone, call our office or book an appointment online today to learn how we can help restore your vitality.
Low Testosterone Q&A
What is low testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary hormone in men, though women also have it and can experience the symptoms of low testosterone. In men, testosterone plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining muscle and bone mass, sexual vitality, and red blood cells. Testosterone also regulates your sexual and reproductive function, and boosts your mood.
Low testosterone, also known as low T, happens when your testicles don’t produce enough of this critical hormone. One study found that 1 in 4 men over the age of 30 had low testosterone levels, with no differences between race or ethnic groups. Locally, in the San Francisco Bay Area — including the surrounding communities of Castro Valley, San Jose and Hayward — thousands of men may be experiencing low testosterone. Among those feeling the effects of low T, the most commonly reported symptoms were low libido and erectile dysfunction.
Low testosterone most commonly occurs in men aged 45 or older as part of the aging process known as andropause or “male menopause”, but this condition can happen at any age due to factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
What causes low testosterone?
Testosterone levels peak in early adulthood and fall gradually as you grow older. Starting at about age 30-40, your body produces about 1-2% less testosterone every year. However, certain conditions can speed up the decline of testosterone, including:
- Obesity or extreme weight loss
- Chemotherapy
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Injury or infection to the testicles
- Endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism
- Certain medications, such as opioids
- Previous anabolic steroid use
- Tumors of dysfunction of the pituitary gland
- Liver or kidney disease
- Congenital disorders and defects
If your low testosterone is due to a health factor, such as obesity or uncontrolled diabetes, treating the underlying condition may improve your levels.
How do I know if I have low testosterone?
Symptoms of low testosterone vary depending on certain factors, such as age. A man with low testosterone may have some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Decreased bone density
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low sex drive (libido)
- Hair loss
- A decrease in muscle mass
- Increase in body fat
- Low energy levels
- Mood swings and irritability
- Depression and anxiety
These symptoms can be detrimental to your sexual wellness, intimate relationships, and overall quality of life, but the team at Balanced Medical Solutions can help. Visit our free hormonal imbalance quiz to see if you might have low testosterone!
How is low testosterone treated?
First, your Balanced Medical Solutions provider will perform a physical exam that includes lab tests to measure your testosterone levels. If you have low testosterone, they develop an individualized treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Treatment may include bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or peptide therapy to optimize your hormone levels. If your testosterone levels are low due to an underlying condition, the team at Balanced Medical Solutions makes sure to help you address that first.
What does the treatment timeline for low T look like?
While individual responses to treatment can vary based on personal health factors, most patients start to see an improvement within the first few weeks of starting BHRT, TRT or peptide therapy. It can take time to rebalance your hormone levels, so the most significant and consistent results typically become evident after about three to six months. Healthy lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can support and enhance the effects of treatment.
We monitor your progress closely and adjust treatment as necessary to optimize outcomes. Our goal is to ensure that each patient not only finds relief from symptoms like low libido and energy levels, but also sees an improvement in their overall quality of life. We encourage patients to maintain regular follow-up appointments for the best results.
Who are the ideal patients for treatment?
Men who exhibit symptoms such as reduced libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), loss of muscle mass, fatigue or other changes are potential candidates for low testosterone treatment. We encourage Bay Area men who have noticed these symptoms to consult with our specialists. A comprehensive medical evaluation is essential before beginning treatment to ensure its safety and efficacy.
For compassionate, confidential treatment for low testosterone, call Balanced Medical Solutions, or book an appointment online today.
Request an appointment now through our online calendar.
