Low energy and lack of motivation might feel like a normal part of your life, especially if you’re under a lot of stress. But sometimes everyday struggles point to something deeper.
For many men, the culprit is low testosterone, the male hormone that plays a vital role in managing energy, mood, and sexual health. While testosterone production naturally declines as you get older, it can affect your daily life when it gets too low.
At Louisiana Heart and Vascular Institute in Covington, Hammond, and Franklinton, Louisiana, our men’s health experts can help. Here, we share what you need to know about this important hormone and some of the signs that you may be suffering from low testosterone.
Testosterone is best known as a male sex hormone, but its role goes far beyond reproduction. Healthy testosterone levels help:
When your testosterone levels are balanced, you feel strong, motivated, and energetic. But hormone levels can change.
Unlike women, who experience a dramatic drop in hormone levels when they reach menopause, men experience a more gradual decline over several decades. After peaking in your early 20s, the amount of testosterone circulating in your blood remains steady and then begins to drop around age 30.
Dwindling testosterone levels may be a normal part of aging, but losing too much can affect your health and well-being. About two out of every 10 men in the United States live with testosterone deficiency syndrome, or what we call low T.
Your risk of developing low T can depend on your overall health. Research shows that risk increases in men who are overweight or have diabetes.
Low testosterone is diagnosed when levels fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter of blood (ng/dL). However, symptoms are as important as lab results.
Common signs of low testosterone include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to reach out for help. Sometimes it’s hormones, sometimes it’s something else. In either case, knowing the cause means getting the right treatment so you can feel better.
At Louisiana Heart and Vascular Institute, we do a thorough physical evaluation and order lab work to determine if low testosterone is the cause of your symptoms.
We customize treatment for low T based on your symptoms and related causes. Hormone therapy with testosterone is the primary treatment.
But we don’t stop there. We also help you understand the power of making lifestyle changes — regular exercise, good nutrition, and stress management. Dietary supplements are also part of our low testosterone treatment plan.
As a full-service cardiology practice, we also provide guidance on managing underlying health issues that contribute to sexual health, like diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and hypertension.
Are you tired of feeling tired? Do you want your sex drive back? Let us help. Call Louisiana Heart and Vascular Institute today or book an appointment online.
