Low Testosterone Treated by the Urologists at Mercy

Testosterone is a hormone that helps maintain muscle strength, body and facial hair, bone density, red blood cell production, sex drive and sperm production. It is normal for a patient’s testosterone level to decrease with age. However, testosterone levels can decrease more rapidly as a result of:

• Chemotherapy or radiation
• Chronic Illness
• Obesity
• Stress
• Alcoholism
• Certain medications
• Diabetes

Symptoms of low testosterone can vary from patient-to-patient. Some common symptoms include:

• Physical changes – loss of muscle mass, swelling or tenderness in the chest, decreased bone density, hair loss, decrease in libido
• Emotional changes – depression, trouble concentrating, issues with memory

After reviewing a patient’s symptoms and conducting a physical exam, a doctor may request a blood test to check testosterone levels. It is common for a doctor to request several blood tests because testosterone levels can fluctuate throughout the day.

Depending on the underlying cause of low testosterone, a doctor may prescribe lifestyle changes or adjustments in medication as an initial treatment. The most common treatment for low testosterone is replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy is offered in several forms - patches, gels, injections or pills. Mercy urologists work with their patients to determine the best treatment option for each individual case.