Low Testosterone Specialist
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Prime Endocrinology of Tampa
Archana Swami, MD
Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Thyroid Specialist located in Tampa, FL
Feeling drained of energy, losing your sex drive, and not performing up to par at work or in sports may signal low testosterone. At Prime Endocrinology of Tampa, Archana Swami, MD, helps men regain their health and vitality by treating the underlying causes of low testosterone and restoring normal hormone levels. To learn if your symptoms are due to a hormone imbalance, call the office in Tampa, Florida, or book an appointment online today.
Low Testosterone Q & A
What is the role of testosterone?
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, triggers the growth of male reproductive organs and the physical changes that occur at puberty. However, men need a certain level of testosterone throughout their lifetime because the hormone is responsible for:
- Producing sperm
- Supporting a strong sex drive
- Maintaining strong bones
- Building muscle mass and strength
- Producing red blood cells
- Growing facial and body hair
- Metabolizing fat
Low testosterone has a significant impact on many areas of your body and overall health.
What causes low testosterone in men?
The primary cause of low testosterone is a condition called hypogonadism. Hypogonadism occurs when the testicles don't produce the right amount of testosterone.
Health conditions that can lead to hypogonadism include:
- Mumps during adolescence or adulthood
- Pituitary gland disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- Testicular injuries
- High blood levels of iron
- Cancer treatment
- Autoimmune diseases
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Obesity
Levels of testosterone also naturally decline with age. After the age of 30, men's testosterone levels drop by up to 2% every year.
What symptoms indicate I have low testosterone?
Men with low testosterone experience:
- Low sex drive
- Low energy
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Decrease in beard and body hair
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Fatigue
Low testosterone also increases your risk of developing diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
How is low testosterone treated?
Your Prime Endocrinology of Tampa provider reviews your medical history and symptoms, completes a physical exam, and orders blood tests. The tests verify if you have low testosterone and also show if you need treatment for an underlying health condition.
The primary treatment for low testosterone is hormone replacement therapy. As you restore normal hormone levels, your symptoms improve.
You can take testosterone in different forms, such as injections, patches, intranasal sprays, and implantable pellets. Your provider talks with you about each form so you can choose the one that's best for you. However, pellets are the only form that provides a steady amount of testosterone for an extended time.
If you choose pellets, your provider implants one pellet under your skin. The pellet continuously releases testosterone for three to six months before you need another implanted.
If you have symptoms of low testosterone, call Prime Endocrinology of Tampa or book an appointment online today.
