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SearchThere are many misconceptions when it comes to low testosterone. A urologist explains how a man can tell if he has it or is dealing with something else.
Cleveland Clinic News Service | 216.444.0141
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CLEVELAND - There are many misconceptions when it comes to low testosterone, and that can cause confusion for men.
So, how can they know whether they really have it or if they’re dealing with something else?
“It’s something that gets talked about a lot. There’s a ton of news articles about it, a ton of podcasts, everyone is trying to figure out if they have low testosterone. And ultimately, what it comes down to is someone who has both the symptoms of low testosterone and also lab values that reflect low testosterone. Having both of those things together give you a pretty good idea that someone actually is what we call testosterone deficient,” said Raevti Bole, MD, urologist at Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Bole said testosterone plays an important role for men, helping with things like muscle growth, metabolism, energy and sex drive.
Low testosterone is more common in older men, but it can happen at any age and be caused by other medical issues such as obesity, cancer treatment and testicular damage.
Symptoms can vary but typically include fatigue, reduced muscle mass, reduced sex drive or erectile dysfunction.
She said these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so low testosterone may be part of the bigger picture.
“It takes a conversation, as well as the lab test, to try to tease out what part of this is testosterone, what part of this could be something else related to other lifestyle factors, what other medical conditions do you have. And then put it all together in a way that makes sense for that person sitting in front of you,” said Dr. Bole.
Dr. Bole said there are many ways to get testosterone treatment based on your schedule and preferences.
She also warns against taking supplements that claim to help boost testosterone.
They are not FDA regulated and often contain contaminants or substances that have never been proven to improve testosterone.
