Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, is a condition in which a man’s testosterone is below the normal reference range of the laboratory. The treatment of low testosterone is based not only upon blood work, but also upon appropriate symptoms. At times, testosterone levels may be adjusted by age.
Symptoms of low testosterone vary significantly and are generally not specific only to low testosterone levels.. You may experience the following common symptoms:
Low testosterone is typically divided into two categories - primary and secondary.
Many men with low testosterone have neither a primary or secondary cause. In many of these men, low testosterone is simply related to poor overall general health. Men with obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes are particularly at risk. Chronic opiate (narcotics) use may contribute to a low testosterone level. Patients who have used anabolic steroids may develop testosterone production problems.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
In appropriate patients, treatment of low testosterone may be indicated either with testosterone replacement therapy or medications that may be used to treat pituitary gland problems.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
There are no surgical treatments or low testosterone except in rare instances when a pituitary tumor may be diagnosed.
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