Hormonal changes affect men just as much as they affect women, although men may be less apt to talk about it. But if you’re not feeling quite like your usual virile self or you’re struggling with your weight, it may be due to your declining testosterone levels.

Here at Springer Wellness and Restorative Health in Atlanta, we can assess your testosterone levels and provide treatments to improve your health and help you feel like your usual self.

Testosterone: the male sex hormone

Testosterone is best known as the hormone that drives your libido, but that’s not the only role this hormone plays in your body. During puberty, when production of testosterone increases, it’s responsible for the growth of facial hair and the deepening of your voice. As an adult, your testosterone supports your healthy libido, helps you maintain your muscle mass, and keeps your bones strong.

Your testosterone levels remain elevated up until about age 30, when production begins to decline. You may not notice a change in how you feel at first, but as the years roll by and your testosterone levels fall, you may begin to notice changes in how you look and feel.
How to know if your testosterone may be low

Your hormones act as chemical messengers in your body providing information to your cells and organs. When your testosterone levels drop, this information is no longer provided, leading to a number of symptoms.

Signs and symptoms that may indicate low testosterone levels include:

  • Fatigue
  • Low sex drive
  • Weight gain
  • Difficulty maintaining your muscle mass
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Loss of hair

Many men also experience erectile dysfunction (ED) when their testosterone levels fall. ED is a medical condition that affects your ability to get or sustain an erection long enough for intercourse. In addition to affecting your self-esteem and confidence, ED can have a significant impact on your intimate relationship.

Getting your levels checked

If you’re experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of low testosterone, we can run a simple blood test to check your hormone levels. A normal testosterone range for men is 280-1,100 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). However, the American Urology Association defines low testosterone as 300 ng/dL or less.

Restoring balance

If your testosterone levels are low, we can use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to restore balance and help you get relief from your symptoms. Bioidentical hormones are a more natural form of hormone replacement that may not carry the same side effects as traditional hormone therapy. Plus, with bioidentical hormone therapy we can customize your prescription to meet your specific hormonal needs for more effective replacement.

While every man’s response to testosterone therapy is different, most men experience an improvement in sex drive and mood and perhaps some weight loss. While you’re on hormone therapy, we closely monitor your symptoms and your hormone levels and make adjustments to your therapy as needed.

Testosterone replacement therapy for low hormone levels is considered a safe and effective treatment, and there are no links to adverse health conditions, such as prostate cancer, cardiovascular issues, or blood clots.

You may not give your hormones much thought until your levels start to drop. If you’re not quite feeling like your usual self and suspect it may be related to a decline in testosterone, call Springer Wellness and Restorative Health today or book an appointment online.