Did you know that low testosterone affects 40% of men over age 40 and can affect your overall well-being? Testosterone replacement therapy may be a treatment option for some men diagnosed with low testosterone. Dr. Natale of Carolina Urology Partners is a board-certified urologist with advanced training in treating low T and other men’s health issues. Research has also shown that obesity and type 2 diabetes are linked to low testosterone. Lower sex drive or low libido is one of the first symptoms of low testosterone but is not the only symptom of low T. About two-thirds of men who have low sex drive actually do not have low testosterone levels. Having fat on your body can lower your T levels, but eating fats will now lower your testosterone. It didn’t take long to find several more cancers in men with low testosterone despite normal DRE and PSA results. Low testosterone can develop at any age for a number of reasons, including damage to your pituitary gland or testes. But thanks to a growing body of research, treatments are now available to help men treat the symptoms of low testosterone, which include decreased sex drive, low energy, and fatigue. I actually had to dig deeper into this because I used to believe this myth. "It's an ongoing process," he says. Low testosterone happens when a man does not have enough testosterone in his body. It’s Illegal. Injections are a popular method because the testosterone is injected straight into the body increasing absorption and efficacy. Myth 5: Low Testosterone is a Normal Part of Aging. Myth: Low testosterone only affects men middle-aged and older. How much of this critical hormone the body produces is determined by signals from the brain that are delivered to the testes via the pituitary gland. We have to explore ED causes before assuming low testosterone to be the reason." 24 Low free testosterone has also been associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm in community-dwelling men aged Figure 1. Myth 2: Eating fats hurts your testosterone levels. This is why we have compelled a list of the biggest myths and the most relevant facts concerning low testosterone, so you can have a better idea of what this hormonal imbalance really means. 1. In men, it affects physical appearance, mood, bone density, muscle mass, and more. If your body stops making sufficient testosterone, raising the level is an ongoing process that must be carefully managed. Indeed, of the first thirty-three men I biopsied, six had cancer. Testosterone is the sex hormone that helps boys grow into men. And many men with type 2 diabetes have low T. Growing older doesn’t mean low testosterone levels. "Low testosterone can be associated with fatigue, low energy, and a lack of motivation to get up and do things," he says. Testosterone replacement will make your testicles shrink and you'll be sterile. Millions of men are affected by low testosterone. To learn more about low T and hormone replacement therapy, you can attend Dr. Richard Natale’s seminar on Tuesday, November 14 at Homewood Suites in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is reflective of genetics and lifestyle choices. Read on to discover what's fact and what's fiction about low testosterone in men. However, low testosterone rates do increase with age, affecting about 20 percent of men between ages 60 and 70, about 30 percent after age 70 and up to age 80, and about half of men older than 80. Research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder, can lead to low testosterone levels. ne of the most enduring storylines in discussions of testosterone is that “higher levels of the hormone cause aggression,” as the Guardian put it in 2017. The rumor is out in popular media that a vegetarian diet might not be appropriate for strength and power athletes because plant-based diets reduce testosterone levels. From 1941 to 1991 there was very little testosterone use in the United States because physicians were convinced they […] As you age, your testosterone level gradually declines about 1% a year after age 30 or 40.” The Ultimate Guide to Health and Happiness, Don’t Just Sit There: A Little Exercise Makes Up for a Full Day of Sitting, FDA Watch: Monoclonal Antibody Treatments for COVID-19, Preventive Flu Medication, and an Anti-Nightmare Device Get the Go-Ahead, Tippi Coronavirus: Tips for Living With COVID-19. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you should see a urologist and get tested. Here’s our 10 point guide, debunking myths you might have heard about hormone therapy for men. This was a very high cancer rate, especially for a group of men without known risk factors. Low testosterone (low T) affects millions of men, especially those over age 50. Of course, testosterone has been abused by some athletes and gym goers, giving it … © 1996-2020 Everyday Health, Inc. Available in several different forms, including gels, patches, and injections, testosterone replacement may help restore your sex drive and ease symptoms of depression and fatigue. Dr. Natale’s practice focuses on men’s health issues, such as erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, prostate enlargement, and Peyronie’s disease. Low T is more common among older men, but it can affect men of any age. Low Testosterone (Low-T): Get Facts on Levels and Treatment - August 7th, 2015; Low Testosterone in Men With Diabetes - July 6th, 2015; testosterone low , low testosterone effects , how to treat low testosterone - Video - May 5th, 2015; do i have low testosterone , symptoms low testosterone , supplements for low testosterone - Video - May 5th, 2015 Sleep apnea, which affects 4 percent of men, causes repeated disruptions in breathing during sleep and loss of a deep sleep — when testosterone production is at its peak. Testosterone is responsible for many a manly attribute, but Dr. Eid answers the five most common myths about "Low T" treatment. A physical injury to the pituitary gland or testes can affect testosterone production. In fact, you need fats in your diet because testosterone is fat-soluble. Fact: More than 23 million men of all ages have some form of erectile dysfunction. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Myth: Low testosterone only comes from old age. True, but that’s just half the story. Simultaneously, the production of sperm cells will slow or stop. "If you're tired or fatigued, it can put a strain on your partner or spouse, too," Farooq says. Treatment for low testosterone, however, can make obstructive sleep apnea worse, and men with symptoms of low testosterone should be screened for the sleep disorder, Farooq says. The trade-off was that those supplements caused a spike in liver enzymes, putting a lot of stress on the liver. He advises that men with low testosterone should follow a heart-healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity. When it comes to testosterone levels, there's a wide range of normal. MYTH: Testosterone deficiency is uncommon and treatment must be restricted only to men with severely low blood levels and extreme symptoms. If you introduce additional Testosterone into your body, your own supply is suppressed and the clearance rate increases. Browse our urology library to find important articles about men’s health. Low T can seriously affect your quality of life, and treating it can make a huge difference! Myth: Having low testosterone means you’ve lost your manhood. But that doesn't mean you have low testosterone. However, there are still a number of myths that exist about this men's health issue. Testosterone is the male sex hormone, and when there is not enough of it, you may feel fatigue, gain weight, lose hair or muscle mass, experience depression, loss of sex drive, or have erectile dysfunction. Prolonged untreated Low T levels can increase the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, depression and lung diseases. He points out, … Carolina Urology is now offering televisits in the face of COVID-19. But despite growing awareness, a number of myths and misconceptions remain. The myth that testosterone replacement in men causes prostate cancer has been around for over 60 years. 2 – Testosterone drives aggression and sexual violence. He explains that men often ignore low testosterone symptoms or put off discussing them with their doctor, chalking them up to be part of normal aging. One of the first signs of low testosterone is loss of libido, Farooq says. We have offices in Concord or Charlotte, North Carolina. Hormone replacement therapy can be an effective treatment for low T, but it must be maintained by your physician and hormone levels must be monitored as treatment progresses. Myth: Low T is just part of getting older. This testosterone myth has its origins in oral testosterone supplements that were used years ago by men who wanted to boost their T levels. He also performs vasectomies. Men need testosterone to make sperm. MYTH: Testosterone causes increase in the risk of blood clots known as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). But further research from the Medical College if Wisconsin proves otherwise on froedtert.com. With such misinformation, most have boycotted getting treatment as well as the care they need. Myths and misunderstandings about testosterone abound. Fact: Low T levels is a big deal as it is not only related to sexual health, but also to overall health. A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2013 reported a link between obesity and low testosterone and found that more than 200 minutes of aerobic exercise each week results in greater improvement in weight and testosterone levels than less exercise does. Testosterone, particularly at the levels commonly used by athletes for performance enhancement, can effectively sterilize a man and cause his testicles to shrink and become soft. Although these reports might scare strength athletes, I can assure you that they mean little to your performance and muscle-gaining abilities, and, in fact, may not be true at all. Although there may be a higher demographic of older adult men with cases of low testosterone, this is not a simple truth. He points out, however, that there are a number of other low testosterone symptoms that can affect your quality of life. It’s common to think that having low testosterone levels is just a normal part of aging and naturally happens with older men. type 2 diabetes also have low testosterone. Since many men don’t recognize signs of their own depression, or are reluctant to seek help treating depression, this is a significant problem for millions of men. In a study conducted in 2006 that included 2,100 men, low testosterone affected roughly 39 percent of men older than 45. Most men who have symptoms such as low libido, low energy, inability to gain muscles or lose fat, or erectile issues will notice an improvement after just 3-4 weeks of testosterone therapy. But Farooq cautions that this treatment is not a quick fix, and most men will need to stay on it indefinitely under the supervision of their doctor. To reserve your seat or for more information, call (877) 433-2873. aged and older men in the Rotterdam Study. Here are ten facts that are the most important to understand about testosterone. If you cut out fats, your free-floating testosterone has no where to run… so your T lowers in tandem. Myth #1: The primary symptom of low testosterone is erectile dysfunction or low libido. Myth: Only Older Men Experience Low T This is one of the biggest (and worst) myths about low testosterone. Treating low T can improve many areas of life, but there are myths about the condition that should be cleared up. Myth #1: My erection problems are caused by low testosterone. The problem with the supplements was that their molecules were altered to make them digestible. Over time, there is an increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. There has been a lot of confusion between taking steroids to bulk you up and taking medication for low testosterone. In fact, one-third of men with type 2 diabetes also have low testosterone. "I try to have couples come in together so they can understand that these are real symptoms and that it's a treatable medical condition.". Myth No. It’d be better to separate the low testosterone myths from the facts to know what it is and how to go about it. Common Myth #5: “The symptoms of low T cannot be reversed.” Incorrect! MYTH: Most patients with Low-T are impotent. Most men on testosterone replacement therapy start to see an improvement in about three to six months. "You have to look at how low your testosterone levels are, as well as the severity of your sleep apnea, and weigh the risks and benefits of treatment," he says. Dr. Richard Natale is a trusted urologist in Concord and Charlotte, North Carolina. Growing older doesn’t mean low testosterone levels. Myth #1: Testosterone is an illegal drug. MYTH #6 LOW TESTOSTERONE CAUSES DEPRESSION. Myth: Low Testosterone Only Affects a Man's Sex Drive One of the first signs of low testosterone is loss of libido, Farooq says. In 1941, Dr. Charles B. Huggins, a urologist at the University of Chicago published a study linking testosterone and prostate cancer. As a result, the testicles may take a vacation and actually shrink. A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 2002 found that the constant disruptions in sleep and normal breathing result in lower testosterone levels. The researchers noted that as body mass index increases, testosterone levels decrease. Fact: Low-T symptoms produce an increase in anxiety and a loss of self-esteem and … If you're experiencing low testosterone symptoms — such as loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and fatigue — get a blood test to determine if your testosterone level is below normal, says Ahmer Farooq, DO, an assistant professor of urology at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. "Not everyone needs treatment," he says, "but men with the appropriate symptoms should take it seriously and be screened.". By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Most men don’t know that depression, or depressed mood, can lower their testosterone levels. Myth :Decrease in testosterone levels is normal in aging men. While low testosterone is an increasingly common problem, there are still a lot of misconceptions about this condition, what it really means and how to treat it. Dr. Farooq says that low testosterone screening may be useful in some men with type 2 diabetes. Low T can seriously affect your quality of life, and treating it can make a huge difference! Get the latest tips and news for improving and maintaining your health at any age, straight from Dr. Richard Natale. Call (704) 786-5131 or request an appointment online today. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care in 2008 found that men 18 to 35 years old with type 2 diabetes have much lower testosterone levels than their peers with type 1 diabetes. Myth: The primary cause of Low-T is age. 1. Testosterone DOES NOT improve fertility Expand. Anybody, including females and younger males, can develop low testosterone. Myth: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Requires Daily Injections to Treat Low-T This myth is false. We all experience fluctuations in hormone levels throughout life, but clinically low levels of testosterone are not normal and can be treated at any age. Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone that flows through the veins of every healthy male or female, even making its presence known as early as the womb. Fact: Testosterone production, like many things, declines as you age.However, it’s doesn’t mean that you have low testosterone. "Warning signs for low testosterone can also include mood swings, a decrease in bone density or muscle mass, and an increase in body fat.". Low Testosterone is a Monotonous Part of Being Old To most people, they have believed that low testosterone is part of the aging process. Myths And Facts About Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is delivered in several different forms, each with unique benefits. Ten Testosterone Facts. Myth: Low T is a Normal Part of Aging. Also, what is a normal level varies per man, and not everyone will need treatment. It is true that testosterone levels in the body decline naturally as we age, however, physicians estimate that hypogonadism (also known as low testosterone) is one of the prime reasons for the shortage of testosterone in young adults. Myth #1: Low levels of testosterone isn't a big deal. It's estimated that several million men in the United States have low testosterone. Myth – Low Testosterone is the Cause of Low Libido or Low Sex Drive. Truth: Testosterone therapy can occur in many forms, from injectable and transdermal creams and patches and even subcutaneous pellets implanted under the skin. In fact, it can be outright healthy. Myth: Low testosterone treatment plans are all the same as the hormone in each is simply that of testosterone. There's an element of truth to this "myth." Taken appropriately, as replacement for naturally low levels, testosterone is not dangerous, nor is it illegal. These informative videos and before-and-after photos may help you decide on a particular procedure. 5 Myth And Facts About The Low Testosterone. Treating an underlying health condition such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea could help improve testosterone levels, Farooq says. Age-specific prevalence of biochemically defined testosterone deficiency*15 41 Testosterone deficiency: myth… According to the Mayo Clinic, “Testosterone levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood. Myth #3. As you get older, your testes naturally begin to produce less testosterone than they did when you were a teenager. Because low testosterone is also linked to age, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, research suggests that low testosterone will become even more prevalent as the population ages and the rates of these chronic conditions continue to rise. But the condition sometimes goes undiagnosed, Farooq says. During puberty (in the teen years), testosterone helps boys develop male features like body and facial hair, deeper voice, and muscle strength. We all experience fluctuations in hormone levels throughout life, but clinically low levels of testosterone are not normal and can be treated at any age. Testosterone is a sex hormone that drives more than just libido. Low testosterone symptoms like loss of sex drive, depression, and lack of energy can take a toll on close relationships. man with low testosterone should have been protected against prostate cancer.