Low Testosterone

Feeling tired all the time? Has your sex drive dropped? Are you finding it harder to maintain muscle or stay focused during the day? Low testosterone can affect many parts of your health and quality of life.

We help men with low testosterone in San Antonio and nearby communities. If you have symptoms of Low T, testing can help find the cause and show whether treatment may help.

Low testosterone, often called Low T, happens when the body isn’t producing enough testosterone.

Testosterone is a hormone that helps support muscle mass, bone strength, energy levels, mood, sexual function, and sperm production.

Testosterone levels naturally decline with age. For many men, that decline begins around age 30. Sometimes, that drop may cause symptoms that affect daily life.

Many men assume these changes are simply part of getting older. They may feel more tired than usual, notice a lower sex drive, or find it harder to maintain muscle mass. An evaluation can help determine whether low testosterone may be the cause.

Low testosterone can happen when the testicles don’t make enough testosterone or when the brain doesn’t send the signals needed to produce it.

Primary Hypogonadism

Primary hypogonadism happens when the testicles can’t produce enough testosterone. Causes may include:

• Genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome
• Injury or infection involving the testicles
• Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• Undescended testicles present at birth
• Congenital absence of testicular tissue

Secondary Hypogonadism

Secondary hypogonadism happens when the brain doesn’t send the signals needed to produce enough testosterone. Causes may include:

• Pituitary disorders
• Excess body weight
• Type 2 diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic illness
• Certain medications

Testosterone levels also decline naturally with age.

Symptoms of low testosterone may include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Reduced sex drive
• Loss of muscle mass or strength
• Increased body fat
• Mood changes or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Reduced bone density
• Fertility problems or lower sperm production

Low testosterone symptoms can overlap with other medical conditions. That’s why it’s important to get a proper evaluation before assuming Low T is the cause.

Your provider will review your symptoms, medical history, overall health, and any medications you take. A physical exam may also be done.

Blood testing is used to identify low testosterone levels. Testosterone is usually checked early in the morning because levels change during the day.

In most cases, a total testosterone level below 300 ng/dL is considered low. Testing is usually repeated on a different morning to confirm the results before treatment decisions are made.

Healthy lifestyle habits can support hormone function and improve how you feel.

Exercise, especially resistance training, helps maintain muscle mass and overall health.

Weight loss can help improve testosterone levels in some men, especially those who are overweight or obese.

Better sleep and treatment for sleep apnea may also help support healthy testosterone levels.

Eating well, managing stress, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco can also help.

When levels remain low, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be recommended. TRT helps raise testosterone levels in men with low testosterone.

Several testosterone replacement therapy options are available. The right treatment depends on your health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Injectable Testosterone

This is one of the most common forms of treatment. Testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate are typically given every one to two weeks. Longer-acting testosterone undecanoate injections are also available.

Topical Gels

Gels are applied to the skin each day and absorbed into the bloodstream. It’s important to wash your hands and cover the area after application to avoid transferring testosterone to another person.

Implantable Pellets

These small pellets are placed under the skin, usually near the hip or upper buttock. They slowly release testosterone over several months.

Buccal Tablets

A small tablet is placed between the upper gum and cheek, where it dissolves slowly and is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Nasal Testosterone Gel

This gel is applied inside the nostrils. Because it’s not applied to the skin, there’s less risk of transferring testosterone to another person through skin contact.

Oral Testosterone

Oral testosterone undecanoate is available for some men with low testosterone. These newer medications may be an alternative to injections, gels, and other treatments.

Testosterone therapy requires regular follow-up appointments and lab testing. Regular testing helps make sure your testosterone levels stay in a safe range and helps your provider watch for side effects.

Potential risks and side effects include:

• Acne or oily skin
• Increased red blood cell counts
• Fluid retention
• Enlargement of the prostate
• Worsening sleep apnea
• Breast tenderness
• Reduced sperm production and fertility changes
• Elevated blood pressure

Men who want to have children in the future should discuss that before starting treatment. Testosterone therapy can significantly reduce sperm production.

TRT isn’t right for everyone. Your symptoms, health history, age, heart health, and treatment goals all play a role in deciding whether treatment is appropriate. An endocrinology specialist can help determine whether testosterone replacement therapy is right for you.

Low testosterone can affect your energy, strength, mood, sex drive, and overall quality of life. Because many symptoms of low testosterone can also be caused by other health conditions, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone in San Antonio, the team at Diabetes & Glandular Disease Clinic can perform a thorough evaluation and discuss treatment options that fit your needs. Schedule an appointment to find out if low testosterone may be causing your symptoms.

1. Can low testosterone cause weight gain?

Low testosterone can contribute to increased body fat and reduced muscle mass, which may make it easier to gain weight.

2. Can younger men develop low testosterone?

Yes. Obesity, pituitary disorders, sleep apnea, medications, chronic illness, injuries, and genetic conditions can all contribute to low testosterone in younger men.

3. Can testosterone therapy affect fertility?

Yes. Testosterone therapy can reduce sperm production and affect fertility. Men who plan to have children should discuss fertility-preserving options with their doctor before starting treatment.

4. Can low testosterone cause erectile dysfunction?

Yes. Low testosterone can contribute to erectile dysfunction in some men. Testosterone helps support sex drive and sexual function. But erectile dysfunction can have many causes, including blood vessel disease, diabetes, and stress. An endocrinology specialist can help determine whether low testosterone may be contributing to your symptoms.