Testosterone is one of the androgen hormones produced by the testes. It is the principle male hormone and is responsible for the development of the male sex characteristics. Testosterone is also the hormone of desire. Men produce testosterone primarily from the testes and also from the adrenal glands, while women produce smaller amounts of testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands Testosterone is important in maintaining good health in men. Testosterone has a well-documented role in cardiovascular health and bone density. Research shows that testosterone has been associated with lowering the risk of a heart attack and high blood pressure. Optimal testosterone levels positively affect muscle tone, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, the immune system, weight, moods, bone health, skin, libido, sperm production, sleep, as well as heart, liver and brain health.

Low libido Lack of initiative, assertiveness and drive Fatigue Decline in sense of well-being and self-confidence Depressed, irritable moods Indecisiveness Decreased mental sharpness Lessened stamina and endurance Loss of muscle mass, strength, and tone Increased body fat around the waist Decline in sexual ability Sleep apnea Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)

Hypogonadism, low hormone production by the reproductive gland, occurs when the testicles do not produce sufficient levels of testosterone. Age-Related Decline As men age, they move from a state of optimal testosterone status to one of relative deficiency as their testosterone levels naturally decline. This stage of their life can be referred to as andropause, or male menopause. This downward slide begins in a man’s thirties and continues inexorably until the day he dies, although it is beginning to occur more commonly in younger men. As with any biological change that occurs gradually rather than abruptly, the age-related decline in testosterone often goes unnoticed until a critical point is reached. Suddenly out of the blue, a man in his forties or fifties may begin feeling depressed, irritable, or uninterested in the things that used to give him pleasure. He may notice that he has more aches and pains and fatigues more easily. He may develop a “spare tire” around his abdomen and find that his muscles have lost their strength or tone. Men may begin exercising, but find that even when they work out they show little improvement in muscle strength and stamina. They may go on a diet but have trouble losing weight. The lack of progress in their fitness regimen often leaves them feeling even more discouraged. He may lose interest in sex, have difficulty making decisions, or experience any number of other problems related to the decline in levels of testosterone.

In healthy men, testosterone levels between 350 ng/dL and 1000 ng/dL are referred to as “normal.” Normal physiology allows the brain and the testes to work together to keep testosterone in this range. The brain produces “signal” hormones that are responsible for stimulating testosterone production. These signals are periodically released, which in turn stimulates testosterone production. When levels of testosterone are in an acceptable range, the production of the signal hormones are slowed, which in turn allows the testosterone levels to decrease.

Hypogonadism, in a male, refers to a decrease in either testosterone production, sperm production, or both. The medical professionals at Low T Center address the testosterone aspect of this condition. Decreased sperm production requires a careful, thorough evaluation by a fellowship-trained specialist.

Benefits of testosterone replacement therapy vary based upon the pre-therapy symptoms and other factors, but they can include the following: increased energy; decreased irritability and depression; improved muscle mass and strength; improved sexual desire; improved visuospatial cognitive function and verbal memory; higher motivation; decreased body fat (optimal results received through accompaniment of a diligent diet and exercise regimen); possible improvement in erectile function; thicker skin.