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. Low testosterone 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! 

For example, one study of U.S. men aged 45–79 showed a 22% drop from 1987 to 2004 (501 ng/dL to 391 ng/dL). Another U.S. study in younger men reported that levels fell from 605 ng/dL in 1999–2000 to 451 ng/dL in 2015–2016. Similar trends appear globally, with Danish and Israeli studies reporting annual declines of 0.7–1.0% and 0.8%, respectively. 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. By age 70, men typically have testosterone levels significantly below their peak.

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, board-certified 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:

Ongoing Follow-up and Support:

Other Treatments:

Our goal is to help men regain their vitality and quality of life.

Schedule a Consult

If you’re experiencing symptoms that you think could be low testosterone, schedule free consult to learn more about TRT and to get a free testosterone test. If you are a candidate for TRT, start treatment the same day.   

Contact us at (714) 671-2005 or send us an online contact form to book your free consultation.

References

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