Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypotestosteronemia or low T, is a condition where the body does not produce enough of the hormone testosterone. As the primary male sex hormone, testosterone plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive and sexual functions. In addition, testosterone contributes to bone density, muscle mass, the distribution of body fat, red blood cell production, and a general sense of health and well-being.
When levels of circulating testosterone in the blood become too low, a range of possible symptoms and health issues can occur. Common signs of low testosterone include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, fatigue, loss of muscle tone, increased body fat, loss of body and facial hair, decline in bone mineral density resulting in osteoporosis risk, and anemia. Taken together, these symptoms can significantly impair a man's quality of life.
What causes low testosterone?
There are several potential causes of testosterone deficiency, including:
How is low testosterone diagnosed and treated?
If symptoms of low T develop, a physician will typically order a blood test to measure total testosterone levels in the body. Additional tests may assess sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels.
The experienced physicians at Vitality Hormone Clinic use advanced testing to accurately diagnose causes of low T on an individualized basis. Once confirmed, we develop customized treatment plans that can involve prescription testosterone replacement therapy via gels, patches, injections, or pellets to return testosterone status to ideal physiologic ranges. Close monitoring helps ensure optimized dosing and balanced hormone levels while avoiding potential side effects.
In milder cases of low T, lifestyle modifications like improved diet, weight loss, exercise, and stress reduction may help boost natural testosterone synthesis. However, medical intervention is often necessary to fully restore testosterone status. If you suspect you may have low testosterone, consult your doctor or set up a consultation with our specialists at Vitality Hormone Clinic for precise testing, diagnosis, and treatment planning. We help men optimize vitality, regain health, and improve quality of life through evidence-based hormone therapy.