Treatment for Low Testosterone

According to WebMD writer Dr. Matthew Hoffman, testosterone levels start to decline steadily by 1 to 2 percent per year after age 40. Your doctor can determine if you have low testosterone via a blood test if you have symptoms including low sex drive, mood changes or problems, fatigue, erectile dysfunction or sleep problems. Most of these symptoms lessen or disappear completely when you take steps to raise your testosterone levels. Discuss available treatment options with your doctor to determine what route is best for you (see Reference 1).

Non-Medication Methods

• You may want to try making some lifestyle changes to raise your testosterone levels before resorting to testosterone replacement therapy. Talk with your doctor so that you can come up with a healthy approach together. If you are inactive or do not get much exercise, try increasing your daily activity to include 30 minutes of aerobic exercise. Always discuss changes in your exercise routine with your doctor before beginning.

  SeekWellness.com writer Dr. Chris Steidle states that giving up alcohol or at least reducing the amount you consume can help raise testosterone levels in some men. Decrease the amount of meat and poultry you consume as long as your doctor approves this diet change. If you wear tight-fitting underwear, switch to less restrictive boxer shorts. Find ways to lower your stress levels such as meditation, yoga or simply setting aside time each day for a relaxing activity you enjoy such as reading or taking a short walk (see Reference 2).

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

• If lifestyle changes do not raise your testosterone levels to a normal, healthy range, your doctor may suggest testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement treatments come in several delivery methods, including injections, pellets, pills, patches and gels.

  Injections are usually given every two to four weeks and are a lower-cost option. Testosterone levels tend to spike dramatically immediately after the injection, but they typically fall below normal levels toward the end of the injection cycle. This can cause mood and sexual highs and lows that some men have difficulty coping with.

  Pellets require a surgical procedure to insert them under the skin. They are only needed every three to six months and cause a slow rise in testosterone levels.

  Testosterone replacement pills are a convenient option for some men, but some formulas can cause liver damage.

  Testosterone patches are convenient, requiring one or two patches per day. Patches may cause skin irritation and cost more than other options. Gels cause less irritation than patches, but they are still more expensive than other methods and gels have the potential to rub off onto others (see Reference 2).

  All testosterone replacement options carry risks. According to the Endocrine Society's clinical guidelines, men with prostate or breast cancer should not take testosterone supplements because it can cause these types of cancers to grow. Men with sleep apnea, congestive heart failure and high red blood cell counts should consult with their doctors before deciding on testosterone replacement therapy, as testosterone may aggravate these conditions (see Reference 1).