Low Testosterone

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that plays a major role in the normal development and maintenance of physical and reproductive characteristics including healthy muscle mass, bone strength, sperm production and sex drive.  If an adult male's testosterone levels fall below the normal age range they may be diagnosed with a condition called low testosterone.

Low testosterone occurs when an adult male’s testosterone levels fall below the normal range for his age group. In general, testosterone levels are below ~ 300 ng/dl are considered to be low. This conditions is diagnosed by a physician following the discussion of family history, medical exam and blood tests that measure the total levels of testosterone in the body.  It is best to contact your family doctor about symptoms and ask if you should be tested for low testosterone.

Symptoms of low testosterone may include:

• Decreased sex drive
• Impotence or erectile dysfunction
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Loss of body hair and/or reduced facial hair
• Reduced muscle mass
• Decreased bone strength