Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on November 28, 2022
What Is Testosterone?

What Is Testosterone?

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Testosterone may be the most notorious of hormones. It conjures up thoughts of muscles and masculinity. In fact, testosterone does fuel sex drive and muscle mass, but it also regulates mood and bone strength. When a man's level falls below normal, a doctor may prescribe shots, gels, or patches.  But there is some debate over who needs treatment.

Aging and Testosterone Levels

Aging and Testosterone Levels

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A slow drop in testosterone is a normal part of aging, sometimes called "andropause" or "male menopause." For many men, this doesn't cause any significant problems or symptoms. Others may notice a decline in muscle mass, depression, or less interest in sex.

Low Testosterone and the Body

Low Testosterone and the Body

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Low testosterone can cause visible changes in some men:

  • Smaller, softer testicles
  • Larger breasts
  • Thinner muscles (happens slowly over a period of years)
  • Loss of body hair (also happens slowly, usually over a period of years)

 

Low Testosterone Affects Bones

Low Testosterone Affects Bones

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You may think osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease, is a woman's disease, but it can affect men as well. Low testosterone is a common cause. As testosterone levels fall, the bones may get thinner, weaker, and more likely to break.

Low Testosterone and Sex

Low Testosterone and Sex

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A drop in testosterone doesn't always interfere with sex, but it can make it more difficult for your brain and body to get aroused. Some men may notice a drop in libido, while others may lose interest in sex completely. Low testosterone can also make it tougher to get or keep an erection.

Testosterone, Mood, and Thinking

Testosterone, Mood, and Thinking

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Some men have subtle problems like mood changes, poor concentration, and less energy. These symptoms can easily be caused by other health problems though, like anemia, depression, sleep troubles, or a chronic illness.

Low Testosterone and Infertility

Low Testosterone and Infertility

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Testosterone helps a man's body make sperm. When levels of the hormone are low, their sperm "count" can be low, too. Without enough sperm, they may not be able to father a child.

What Causes Low Testosterone?

What Causes Low Testosterone?

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Getting older is the most common reason testosterone levels dip. Illnesses are sometimes to blame, including:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Liver 
  • obesity
  • Pituitary gland problems
  • Testicle injuries
  • Tumors

Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and steroid medicines can also affect testosterone levels.

Should You Be Tested?

Should You Be Tested?

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Your doctor may suggest a testosterone test if you have:

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Lower sex drive
  • Low sperm count
  • A loss of height, body hair, or muscle size

If you have an illness known to lower testosterone, your doctor may want to test your levels of the hormone.

Testing for Low Testosterone

Testing for Low Testosterone

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Testosterone is usually measured with a blood test done early in the morning, when levels are highest. Normal levels range from 300 to 1,000 ng/DL. Your doctor may want to run this test a second time before diagnosing low testosterone.

Treating Low Testosterone

Treating Low Testosterone

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If you have low blood levels of testosterone AND symptoms that affect your daily life, your doctor may suggest taking supplemental testosterone.  Not everyone with low testosterone will need treatment. You may want to see a specialist to discuss the risks and possible benefits of treatment. Look for a urologist or an endocrinologist, a doctor who treats hormone problems.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

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If you need treatment, your doctor may prescribe testosterone to boost your levels. Some studies suggest this can strengthen men's muscles, protect their bones, and improve their sex drive, improve erectile dysfunction, and contribute to improved mood. But the effects can be quite different from one man to the next.

Testosterone Injections

Testosterone Injections

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Testosterone comes in several forms, including shots, gels, patches, and tablets you place on your gums. Injections are the least expensive option, but they can be painful. You take the shots every 2 to 4 weeks, as prescribed by your doctor. You may also be able to get the medicine without injections by using a nasal pump. Your  testosterone levels can swing up and down between doses.

Testosterone Gels or Patches

Testosterone Gels or Patches

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These are placed directly on your skin. The hormone seeps through the skin, and is slowly released into the blood. Because gels and patches are applied every day, they keep a steady level of testosterone. However, they can cause itching, irritation, and blisters at the spot where they're applied. Women and children should not touch skin treated with a gel or patch.

Testosterone Tablets and Pellets

Testosterone Tablets and Pellets

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Tablets are placed on the gums above your incisors every 12 hours. As the gel-like tablet dissolves it slowly releases testosterone. Gum tablets can cause a bitter taste, irritated mouth, tender gums, or headaches. These side effects may get better with time. You can eat, drink, and kiss women and children while using testosterone tablets. Testosterone pellets are placed under the skin with low continual release of T for 3-6 months which eliminates the need for a weekly or daily testosterone application. 

Risks of Testosterone Therapy

Risks of Testosterone Therapy

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Testosterone therapy has some drawbacks. Some men may develop:

  • Too many red blood cells
  • Sleep apnea
  • An enlarged prostate
  • Acne

The risks and benefits of taking testosterone for many years are not known, because large studies haven't been completed, yet. Some researchers suggest there might be a higher risk of heart disease. But the evidence is still not conclusive.

Testosterone Use and Cancer

Testosterone Use and Cancer

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There's some concern that long-term use of testosterone may cause prostate cancer in older men. Men taking testosterone will need regular checkups to look for early signs of prostate cancer. This covers: All men over 50, men over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, and all African American men.

Who Should Not Take Testosterone?

Who Should Not Take Testosterone?

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Men with these conditions shouldn't take testosterone:

  • Prostate or breast cancer
  • Poorly controlled heart disease
  • Untreated sleep apnea
  • Too many red blood cells
  • Clotting disorders

 

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SOURCES:

The Endocrine Society: "Low Testosterone and Men's Health."
Patient Education Institute: "Low Testosterone."
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, November, 2005.
The Endocrine Society: "Testosterone Therapy in Men with Androgen Deficiency Syndromes: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline."
American Association for Clinical Chemistry: "Testosterone."