What Happened to Your Testosterone Levels?

Testosterone, or the "male hormone," plays a crucial role in every man's overall health and well-being. This single hormone influences a variety of bodily functions, from muscle mass and bone density to sex drive and mood.

But as you age, it's not uncommon for your testosterone levels to change. In fact, 25% of men over age 30 have low testosterone — a hormonal condition that can lead to several potential health issues.

Thomas Kay, MD, Georgina Bustamante, MD, Becky Spencer, NP, and our team at Direct Primary Care New Braunfels specialize in men’s health and hormone optimization. We’re here to help you figure out what happened to your testosterone levels and how you can improve your health.

Why testosterone levels drop

A few of the most common reasons for low testosterone are:

Aging

The natural aging process is the most common reason for low testosterone. Testosterone production tends to peak during adolescence and early adulthood, and then gradually decreases by about 1% each year after age 30.

Lifestyle factors

Certain lifestyle factors also affect your testosterone levels. Chronic stress can cause hormonal imbalance, and unhealthy lifestyle choices can also contribute to low testosterone levels. Lack of exercise, poor dietary habits, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can all negatively impact your testosterone levels.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions can interfere with your body’s natural hormone production. Obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and pituitary gland issues, can contribute to low testosterone. Some medications, like corticosteroids or opioids, can also suppress testosterone production.

Common symptoms of low testosterone

It’s natural for testosterone levels to decline with age, but when testosterone drops too low, it can trigger a range of bothersome symptoms. You might have low testosterone if you have symptoms like:

• Low sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Chronic fatigue
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increase in body fat
• Mood changes
• Loss of bone density

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you could have a testosterone deficiency — and hormone replacement therapy could help you feel like yourself again.

Treatment options for low testosterone

Could you have low testosterone? Schedule a hormone evaluation at Direct Primary Care New Braunfels to find out more. We specialize in diagnosing and treating low testosterone, and we work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. 

A few of the most effective treatments for low testosterone are:

Low testosterone replacement therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) works to restore optimal testosterone levels and relieve your symptoms. TRT is available through various methods, like injections, patches, gels, and pellets.

Lifestyle changes

Along with TRT, adopting a healthier lifestyle can have a positive impact on your testosterone levels. We may recommend regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and adequate sleep. If you’re overweight, losing excess weight can improve your testosterone levels.

Proactive healthcare

If underlying health issues contribute to your low testosterone, adjusting your treatment plan could improve your hormone levels. We might consider adjusting your medication dosage, prescribing alternatives, or trying other treatments to manage your condition.

Low testosterone levels can have a major impact on your health and quality of life. By learning to recognize the symptoms, you can start getting the treatment you need to regain your vitality. Call our New Braunfels, Texas, office at 830-368-0135 or book a consultation online now.