Condition
Low Testosterone
Low testosterone (low T) can affect energy, mood, libido, and overall health. Treatment is individualized to symptoms and labs.
Common symptoms
- Low energy or fatigue
- Reduced libido
- Decreased muscle mass
- Mood changes
Testosterone naturally declines with age, but for some men the decline causes meaningful symptoms — fatigue, low libido, mood changes, loss of muscle mass, and trouble with concentration. The good news: low testosterone is straightforward to diagnose and very treatable when symptoms warrant it.
How we diagnose
Diagnosis requires both symptoms and confirmed low blood levels. Testosterone is highest in the morning, so we typically draw labs before 10 AM, sometimes on more than one occasion. We also check related hormones (LH, FSH, prolactin) to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment options
Treatment is individualized. We start with reversible factors — sleep, weight, alcohol, certain medications. When testosterone replacement is appropriate, options include topical gels, injections (every 1–2 weeks or as a long-acting depot), oral medications, and pellet implants. Each has trade-offs we discuss in detail.
Monitoring on therapy
Patients on testosterone therapy are monitored every 3–6 months at first, then yearly. We check testosterone levels, blood counts, PSA, and screen for any side effects. Most men feel a meaningful difference within 4–8 weeks.