Low Testosterone: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Introduction

Low testosterone is a condition where the body produces insufficient testosterone, a critical hormone for male health. It affects energy, mood, muscle mass, sexual function, and overall well-being.

Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is increasingly common, with studies showing a decline in average testosterone levels over recent decades. At MD Total Wellness in Brea, CA, we specialize in diagnosing and treating low testosterone to help men regain their vitality and quality of life. This article explores what low testosterone is, its prevalence, symptoms, treatment options, and how our men’s health program can support you.

What is Low Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced in the testes, essential for regulating muscle mass, bone density, libido, mood, and energy levels. Low testosterone can be identified through a combination of lab results and clinical symptoms, but these two aspects don’t always align.

Laboratory tests typically define normal testosterone levels as ranging from 300–1000 ng/dL, based on population averages, not what is optimal for health and quality of life. Symptoms of low testosterone—such as fatigue, reduced libido, or mood changes—can occur in men with blood levels above 300 ng/dL, while some with levels below this threshold may remain symptom-free. This discrepancy highlights the need for a comprehensive evaluation that considers both lab results and clinical symptoms to accurately diagnose and address low testosterone.

Prevalence of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is increasingly common, with studies showing a significant decline in average testosterone levels over the past 50 years, estimated at about 1% per year, suggesting a cumulative decrease of approximately 30–40% since the 1970s (Travison et al., 2007; Lokeshwar et al., 2020). For example, U.S. men aged 45–79 showed a 22% drop from 1987 to 2004 (501 ng/dL to 391 ng/dL), while younger men saw levels fall from 605 ng/dL in 1999–2000 to 451 ng/dL in 2015–2016 (Travison et al., 2007; Lokeshwar et al., 2020). Similar trends appear globally, with Danish and Israeli studies reporting annual declines of 0.7–1.0% and 0.8%, respectively (Andersson et al., 2007; Chodick et al., 2020). Contributing factors include:

1. Environmental Factors:

2. Lifestyle Changes:

3. Stress and Sleep:

Additionally, testosterone naturally declines with age. After age 30, levels decrease by approximately 1–2% per year (Harman et al., 2001). By age 70, many men have levels significantly below their peak, often exacerbating symptoms.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone manifests in various ways, and symptoms can occur even when levels are within the “normal” range. Common symptoms include:

Because symptoms vary widely, diagnosis should focus on clinical presentation rather than solely on blood levels.

Treatment Options for Low Testosterone

Effective treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and optimize testosterone levels, tailored to the individual. At MD Total Wellness, we offer evidence-based therapies overseen by experienced clinicians.

1. Testosterone Therapy (TRT)

2. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

3. Enclomiphene

Benefits of Treatment

Optimizing testosterone levels can significantly improve quality of life.

 

Benefits of TRT include:

Benefits of adding hCG to TRT include:

Risks & Safety Considerations

When managed by qualified professionals, testosterone therapy for symptomatic low testosterone is safe and effective. Key considerations include:

Bioidentical Hormones:

Monitoring:

Risks:

Acne and Oily Skin:

Testicular Shrinkage and Decreased Fertility:

Elevated Estrogen Levels:

Blood Clots:

Elevated Hemoglobin and Hematocrit:

Sleep Apnea:

Prostate Effects:

Misconceptions:

MD Total Wellness Men’s Health Program

Located in Brea, CA, MD Total Wellness offers a comprehensive men’s health program led by board-certified clinicians. Our services include:

Personalized Treatment Plans:

In-Office Testing:

Full-Service Care:

Our goal is to help men regain energy, confidence, and vitality through safe, evidence-based treatments.

References

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, don’t wait to seek help. MD Total Wellness offers a free consultation and in-office testosterone testing at our Brea, CA location. Schedule your appointment today to start your journey toward better health.

Contact us at (714) 671-2005 or visit our website to book your free consultation.

Bibliography

Schedule Your Consultation

Work with our board-certified clinicians to build a personalized care plan.

People who read this also read

Ozempic vs Zepbound: Which One Is Right for You?

Ozempic vs Zepbound: Which One Is Right for You?

David Oliak, MD
Couple exercising.jpg

A Comprehensive Guide to Alma TED vs. PRP for Hair Restoration in Orange County

David Oliak, MD

The most read articles

Couple healthy and selfie.jpg

Alma TED Before/After Photos

David Oliak, MD
Hair couple

Hair Restoration With The Alma TED System In Orange County

David Oliak, MD