Low testosterone or “low T” can affect many men and women. It can be a serious problem, but one many men and women do not feel able to discuss with a partner or a health care provider. Since we feel sexual health is health, let us cast aside some of the mystery and stigma around “low T”. Low T will affect almost half of men sometime in life, so it should be discussed openly.

Symptoms of low T can include low sex drive, decreased muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, irritability, loss of muscle mass, and depression, among other things in men. Low T can happen to men as they age, but up to 1% of younger men can also be affected. Drops in production of testosterone begin for most men at around age 30 and can drop at around 1% a year. Low T can be caused by health factors such as diabetes or obesity. Low T can also cause men to become overweight, which only creates a cycle of low testosterone. Antidepressants and narcotics can also lead to lower levels of testosterone. Injury, illness, and sleep apnea can also decrease testosterone production. There are many factors to a diagnosis of low testosterone. This is why it is important to talk openly to your health care provider about the signs and symptoms.

With all the reasons that you might be producing less testosterone, it is no wonder up to 45% of men over the age of 45 suffer from low T. But there are steps you can take to help limit the effects of low T. The first is changing your lifestyle. Losing weight, getting enough sleep, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes can help your overall health, and can help raise testosterone production. Talk to your health care providers about your medications. They might be able to switch out any that might contribute to your lower level of testosterone production.

Hormone replacement therapy might also be helpful. You can talk to your health care provider to see what therapy plans would be right for you. Whether by injection or a topical delivery method like a patch or gel, or even a sub dermal pellet, testosterone therapy has helped millions of men take back their lives and their sexual health. There Are risks involved, but your doctor can explain them and you will be able to make an informed decision about whether you want to proceed.

Although it is associated with men, women can suffer from low T as well. Lack of testosterone in women can cause loss of bone density, irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, anemia and lack of sex drive. Many women suffer from low T after menopause.

Low T can affect us as we age. Taking steps when you are young to be healthy sexually, mentally, and physically can pay off in the long run. Even if you are older, take control of your health to help stave off the affects of low T on your sexual health. Men and women can benefit from healthy production of testosterone.

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