Low Testosterone / Low T

Low Testosterone in Men: FAQs

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a sex hormone that plays important roles in the body.  Though produced in both men and women, it is considered to be the “male hormone” and is found in much higher concentrations in men.  It is responsible for many of the secondary characteristics in men like a deep voice and chest hair.  It also regulates many aspects of daily life.  Optimal testosterone levels have both physical and psychological benefits.

Why is Testosterone Important?

Testosterone helps maintain a number of important bodily functions, including sex drive, sperm production, muscle and bone mass, and fat distribution.  Because testosterone affects so many things, its decrease can have a significant impact.  Unfortunately, testosterone production typically decreases as you get older beginning at around age 30.

Causes of Low Testosterone/Low T

Common causes of low testosterone in men include chronic health conditions like diabetes, pituitary gland problems, or genetic disorders.  Other causes include trauma to the testes or steroid use that actually prevent the testes from producing testosterone.  Factors that may contribute to low testosterone include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol and drug use, and certain prescription medication.

Signs of Low Testosterone/Low T

Lower testosterone levels are associated with a poorer quality of life and men with low testosterone can experience a variety of symptoms.  Effects include decreased muscle and bone mass, increased body fat, loss of aerobic capacity, extreme fatigue, mood changes such as decreased energy and increased irritability, loss of competitive drive, and hair loss.  In addition, because testosterone fuels a man’s sex drive, if he is low on testosterone, he will likely become less interested in having sex.  Many men believe that their loss of interest in sex is simply due to getting older; however, a reduced desire for sex and fewer erections are also a sign of low testosterone.

Low Testosterone/Low T Treatment

Proper diagnosis of low testosterone is important since many of the symptoms can be indicative of other medical problems.  A functional medicine doctor will diagnose low testosterone based on a physical exam, a review of symptoms, and blood tests.  To ensure an accurate diagnosis, all types of testosterone should be measured, including total, free, and bio-available, as well as estrogen and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.  Treatment includes restoring declining levels through the use of Bioidential Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).  Types of treatments include topical creams, pellets that are inserted under the skin that slowly release testosterone, and subcutaneous or intramuscular injections.  Once treatment begins, noticeable improvements usually occur within a few weeks.  Continuous treatment and monitoring is required to maintain optimal levels.

Contact a Denver Low Testosterone/Low T Doctor

Dr. Jim Gruber at J. Gruber Health Solutions has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating men with low testosterone.  We offer individualized health plans and a variety of bioidential hormone treatments to help restore your levels and maintain optimal wellness.  Contact us today at 303-746-1964!

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Low Libido Treatment Center in Denver, CO

Low Libido Treatment Serving Denver, Colorado/Greenwood Village, CO

A decrease in sex drive is a condition that is unique in the fact that there is no definitive way to monitor it. Doctors have no gauge for what a “normal” sex drive should be, so it is defined differently with each and every patient whether they’re a man or a woman.

Only you can define what your natural desire for sexual relations should be, and as a result, only you can decide when it’s time to seek the help of a qualified professional.

If you’ve noticed a decrease in your libido, it could be due to a number of factors. The solution may be simple, as in the case where the culprit is a side effect from a medication you were prescribed. It could be the result of the physical and mental anguish that comes with dealing with an unrelated chronic pain, or it may be hormonal. We’ll explore some of the causes for a low libido in further detail below.

Low Libido in Women

bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for women It may be difficult for a woman to determine what is causing her loss of libido, because it is difficult to monitor when a loss actually occurs. Simply not wanting sex as often as your partner doesn’t necessarily mean you’re sex drive is lacking, although if you’re desire is less than you think it should be, it may be time to contact someone for help.

Whether the cause is physical, psychological, or hormonal, our team can develop a treatment plan that restores your vigor to a level that meets your expectations.

Some physical and psychological causes for a diminished libido include:

  • Pain during sex
  • A preexisting condition such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, or high blood pressure
  • Side effects from medication
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Issues with your self-esteem

A diminished sex drive can also be caused by a drop in hormone levels. This can be due to natural phases of life such as menopause or breast feeding, or an unexpected hormonal imbalance. In the case of an imbalance, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be considered as a treatment option.

Low Libido in Men

bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for men Some people think that men should have no problem with their sex drive, and because of this, many men suffering from a diminished libido may keep the problem to themselves. The reality is that many men are suffering from the condition but may be too embarrassed to ask for help. The first step in treatment is to admit there is a problem. While there is no standard measurement for a healthy male sex drive, you have the power to determine when it isn’t what you think it should be.

There are a number of treatable factors that can lower your sex drive. Some of these include:

  • Side effects from medications such as antidepressants or drugs for high blood pressure
  • Poor sleep habits
  • Stress
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Low testosterone

Contact Us

If you feel that you may be suffering from a loss of sex drive, we recommend that you keep a log of your experiences as well as any questions you may have. This information is vital in helping us determine a unique path to helping you improve your condition.

Our treatment plans may be a combination of lifestyle coaching, medical examinations and hormone therapy (BHRT).

Please Contact Us Today for Your Low Libido Consultation

bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for men

Denver Low T Center for Low Testosterone

Low Testosterone / Low T Treatments Serving Denver, Colorado / Greenwood Village, CO

Testosterone is the male hormone that is responsible for developing the testes during puberty. It contributes to male attributes such as facial hair and a deepened voice, while affecting a man’s libido and even his mood.

Symptoms of Low-Testosterone (Low-T)

After the age of 30, a man’s testosterone levels naturally begin to decrease. This regression is usually gradual and spread out over the rest of his life. In some cases though, the levels drop rapidly, which leads to a host of symptoms. Some of these may include:

  • Diminished sexual desire
  • Clinical depression
  • Less energy
  • Loss of bone density which will appear as a loss of height
  • Decreased strength due to depleted muscle mass
  • Weaker erections
  • Obesity, type 2 diabetes, or problems with your thyroid
  • Less semen during ejaculation
  • Testicle shrinkage or numbness in the testicles
  • Erectile dysfunction

Causes of Low Testosterone (Low-T)

Among the known causes of low testosterone, medical experts have defined three main factors. They believe the condition originates either in the testes, pituitary gland, or the hypothalamus of the brain. Low testosterone in relation to the testes can occur due to a number of reasons:

  • Undescended testicles
  • Injury to the testicles
  • Cancer therapy in response to testicular cancer
  • Aging
  • Contracting the mumps in puberty or adulthood because which leads to an inflammation of the testes
  • Genetic conditions such as a chromosome abnormality

When low testosterone is a result of a condition in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, doctors may seek out one of the following:

  • Damage to the pituitary gland caused by a tumor
  • A malformed hypothalamus
  • A decrease in blood flow to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus
  • The existence of the HIV or AIDS virus because either one may inflame the pituitary gland or hypothalamus

We may also ask if you’ve used anabolic steroids or have been battling with obesity, because both factors can interfere with the body’s natural production of testosterone.

Low Testosterone Testing and Treatment at our Denver Low T Center

The first test our doctors will perform when you come into the office is a blood screening to determine where your testosterone levels are at. In some cases they may be already be dangerously low before any of the more serious symptoms have become apparent.

Whether your symptoms have begun to impair your quality of life or not, we always recommend that you pursue some type of treatment plan. Ignoring low testosterone can lead to more serious conditions over time such as a weakening of bone and muscle mass.

Please Contact Us Today for Your Low Testosterone Treatment Consultation