WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HYPOGONADISM (LOW TESTOSTERONE)?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. Testosterone Gel:
A. AndroGel, 1% or 1.62%
B. Testim
C. Fortesta
D. Axiron

2. Testosterone Patch:
A. Androderm 

3. Testosterone Injection:
A. Testosterone Cypionate *
B. Testosterone Enanthate *
4. Testosterone Nasal *

CAUTION:

1. If a man is less than 40 years old and has a testosterone level of less than 250 ng/dl he needs a brain MRI to look for underlying causes.
2. If a man is older than 40 and has a testosterone level less than 150 ng/dl he needs an MRI of the brain to look for underlying causes.
3. When taking testosterone supplements there may be a slight increase in the chance of having a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and having a stroke (cardio vascular accident).
4. There is a chance that testosterone may increase the size in the prostate and thereby make BPH, benign prostate hypertrophy worse.
5. There is a chance that if someone has unknown prostate cancer, that additional testosterone will make their cancer worse.
6. There is a chance of an elevated red blood count (Erythropoiesis) happen if a person is taking too much testosterone. Erythropoies is not healthy because it thickens the blood.
7. All medication, including medications those that increase testosterone, have a risk of side effects.
8. Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
9. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
10. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGONADISM (LOW TESTOSTERONE)?

The most common symptoms of low testosterone are a reduced sexual desire, reduced energy, and reduced muscles. When the testosterone is very low, there can also be the growth of breast tissue, body hair loss, and hot flashes.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF HYPOGONADISM (LOW TESTOSTERONE)?

The cause of Hypogonadism (Low Testosterone) can be due to several reasons. The first reason is that seminiferous tubials in the testicles themselves do not make as much testosterone as they used to. The second reason is that either the hypothalamus gland or the pituitary gland does not send enough hormones (Follicle Stimulating Hormones {FSH} and Luteinizing Hormones {LH}) to tell the testicles to make sufficient testosterone. Third, certain medications can also reduce testosterone levels.

HOW IS HYPOGONADISM (LOW TESTOSTERONE) DIAGNOSED?

Generally, the diagnosis of Hypogonadism (Low Testosterone) is made when the total testosterone blood level is below 300 ng/dl (obtained between 8 am and 10 am) and at least one symptom of low testosterone the diagnosis can be made. {ng/dl = nanogram per deciliter}

FSH Level and LH levels are helpful to determine why a person has a problem making testosterone.
Free testosterone levels are also sometimes helpful. Cortisol level may also be helpful in some cases.