Conditions: Low Testosterone

Hypogonadism refers to reduced or absent secretion of testosterone. Testosterone is produced primarily by the testes. Testosterone plays an important role in the development and maintenance of many male physical characteristics such as sex drive, sperm production, muscle mass and strength, fat distribution and bone mass.

Decreased testosterone causes a wide variety of clinical findings. The sexual manifestations of low testosterone include diminished sexual desire and sense of vitality as well as erectile dysfunction.

If a physician suspects low testosterone based on symptoms and physical examination, the diagnosis must be confirmed by laboratory testing.

Most studies of testosterone therapy have demonstrated an improvement in libido and sexual function in men with hypogonadism, or low levels of male hormones. Researchers have found that therapy increased sexual interest and increased the number of spontaneous erections. However, testosterone replacement may not improve erectile dysfunction if there are other causes of the condition.

Can a test used to screen for prostate cancer be used to confirm hypogonadism in men with sexual dysfunction? It’s possible, according to new research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in July 2013.

Some men replenish their testosterone through a prescription testosterone 2% gel. However, the effects of body mass index (BMI) on this type of therapy have not been widely studied.

Testosterone therapy is not appropriate for every man. If your patients are thinking about taking testosterone, several concerns should be addressed.

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced two labeling changes now required for prescription testosterone products.

A recent study presented at the American Urological Association’s annual meeting last May suggests that providers aren’t prescribing TRT as often as we might think.