FEATURE EDITION
THE LOWDOWN ON LOW T Understanding the Causes of Decreased Hormone Production by TERESA SCHIFFER
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n recent years, low testosterone has gained awareness thanks to increased coverage in the news and media. Consequently, men have been seeking treatment for low testosterone in higher numbers.
about 40 percent of men over the age of 45 thought to be affected. While a decrease in testosterone levels is a normal part of getting older, there are also some health conditions that can cause this hormone to drop.
Testosterone is the hormone that gives men their “masculine” characteristics, but it also helps maintain and develop other important physical characteristics, such as muscle mass, bone density, and adequate levels of red blood cells.
“Low testosterone is typically part of the aging process and the result of decreased production of testosterone,” Swierzewski says. “The cause of low testosterone is typically multifactorial.”
The range of testosterone considered normal is typically 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. Low testosterone, often referred to as low T, is diagnosed when levels fall below 300 ng/dL. To better understand the impact of testosterone levels in men, we spoke with Watson Clinic urologist Dr. Mark Swierzewski. Swierzewski has more than 20 years of experience in men’s health, and he’s been involved in the research and treatment of such issues as low testosterone, sexual function, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
DR. MARK SWIERZEWSKI 14 | CFHN
Low testosterone is fairly common, with
Hypogonadism, the medical term for having low testosterone, is divided into two types – primary and secondary. Primary hypogonadism is caused by a decrease in the amount of testosterone produced by the testicles. Secondary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem with the pituitary gland and it is not sending out adequate messengers to the testicles to produce testosterone. There are a number of conditions that can occur alongside hypogonadism, with diabetes being perhaps the most common. This is why it is important to consult with a physician who is knowledgeable in the causes and treatment of hypogonadism if it is suspected that low testosterone is a centralfloridahealthnews.com
