Low Testosterone Treatments in Houston, TX
What is Testosterone and Low-T?
Low testosterone, or male hypogonadism, is a medical condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough testosterone to supply the body’s needs. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for masculine development during the male’s development. This condition can occur prior to birth or later during life.
Dr. Jonathan Clavell is a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist, and men’s health specialist in Houston, TX. Dr. Clavell is an expert when it comes to diagnosing and treating low testosterone. Call (713) 652-5011 to learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments below and schedule your low testosterone consultation at our urology clinic in Houston.
Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone
According to Urology Care Foundation, Symptoms of low testosterone vary from person to person but these include:
- Infertility
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Low Sex Drive
- Decreased Energy and Vitality
- Depressed Mood
- Decrease in Muscle Mass and Strength
- Breast Development
- Increased Body Fat and Difficulty with Weight Loss
- Decrease in Bone Mass and Osteoporosis
There Are Two Types of Hypogonadism
Primary
Also called testicular failure, Primary Hypogonadism is the term used when a problem which occurs within the testicles results in a decrease of testosterone levels.
Secondary
This occurs when the problem lies on organs in the brain, the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, that are responsible for stimulating or signaling the testicles to produce testosterone. The hypothalamus produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone which then signals the pituitary gland to create follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH, produced by the pituitary gland, signals the testicles to produce testosterone.
Common Causes of Low Testosterone
Medical News Today stated that there are a range conditions that can cause hypogonadism here are a few:
Age
It is known that testosterone levels start to decline by an average of 3.1 to 3.5ng/dL per year in men starting at age 30. Studies have estimated that approximately 24 million American men between the ages of 40-69 experience testosterone deficiencies, and this prevalence might increase to 65 million by 2025 in males between the ages of 30-80.
Obesity
Being overweight has been associated with having low levels of testosterone. Maintaining a healthy weight can help slow the progression of decreasing testosterone levels.
Undescended Testicles
There are certain cases during which the testicles have not descended all the way down to the scrotum at birth. If not treated during early childhood, the organ may not function normally and there may be an underproduction of testosterone.
Mumps Orchitis
An infection that may involve the testicles and the salivary glands during childhood, adolescence or adult life, and may cause the testicles to produce insufficient amounts of testosterone.
Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can affect testosterone production.
Infection and Inflammatory Disease
Conditions such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, HIV/AIDS can affect the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and cause secondary hypogonadism.
Benefits of Treating Low Testosterone
Available research studies show that testosterone therapy has been demonstrated to:
- Improve Sexual Function
- Improve Muscle Strength and Bone Density
- Improve Mood and Cognition
- Decrease Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
- Improve Sleep Patterns and Energy
What Can I Do to Improve My Testosterone Levels?
Research has shown that maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, weight management and avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs can help keep testosterone levels within a normal level. There are several medications for low testosterone which include topical gels, patches, subcutaneous injections, intramuscular injections and subcutaneous pellets.
Low Testosterone Treatment at Clavell Urology in Houston, TX
Our urology clinic in Houston provides state-of-the-art treatments for low testosterone for men of all ages in Houston, TX. We evaluate each patient as an individual and tailor treatment options specific to the patient’s needs. Schedule your appointment for a consultation and full evaluation today!