Low Testosterone

What is low testosterone?

Low testosterone occurs when your testicles don’t produce enough of the male sex hormone. Testosterone is essential for sperm production and helps develop many typical male characteristics, such as facial hair, muscle mass, and endurance. 

Your sexual function and satisfaction also depend on testosterone. Decreasing levels can lead to low libido and erectile dysfunction. 

As a sexual medicine specialist, Dr. Gonzalez performs comprehensive hormone testing to measure your testosterone levels and determine the right treatment for you.

What are the signs of low testosterone?

Low testosterone can influence many of your bodily functions and physical features, including:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Reduced muscle mass
• Thinning hair
• Loss of body hair
• Fatigue
• Increased abdominal fat
• Low libido

Many men also experience mood changes with low testosterone. Irritability, depression, and low self-esteem are telltale signs that your hormone levels are declining.

What causes low testosterone?

Testosterone levels peak around age 18 or 19 and slowly decline through adulthood. Most men expect a gradual drop, but too little testosterone can diminish your quality of life. 

Dr. Gonzalez uses advanced diagnostics to uncover the cause of your low testosterone. Common causes include:

• Medications such as corticosteroids and opioids
• Hormone disorders
• Pituitary gland dysfunction
• Testicular injuries
• Chemotherapy
• Genetic conditions
• Alcohol or drug use

Hypogonadism is a condition that causes the testicles to produce little to no testosterone. If you have hypogonadism, Dr. Gonzalez can create a treatment plan that restores your hormone levels.

What are the treatments for low testosterone?

Replacing your hormone levels is essential if you have low testosterone. Dr. Gonzalez specializes in testosterone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms of low T. Testosterone pellets contain hormones formulated specifically for your imbalance. 

After designing your treatment with bloodwork, urinalysis, and other testing services, Dr. Gonzalez places your pellet. He makes a small incision in the skin above your buttocks and inserts the rice-sized pellet.

Over the next few months, the pellet releases a steady stream of testosterone to address your symptoms. Dr. Gonzalez monitors your progress and reassesses your treatment plan after six months to one year. Depending on your results, he may recommend continuing or adjusting your treatment.

Call Joshua R. Gonzalez, MD, today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about low testosterone.