Hormonal Disorders
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Optimum Endocrine Care
Nidal Hasan, MD
Endocrinologist located in Highland, IN & Orland Park, IL
Low testosterone is a common hormonal disorder that affects two in five men over the age of 45. Besides causing weight gain, muscle loss, and low energy, low testosterone levels are also a leading cause of sexual dysfunction. If you suspect your testosterone levels are declining, board-certified endocrinologist Nidal Hasan, MD, at Optimum Endocrine Care can help — he offers comprehensive treatment solutions, including customized hormone replacement therapy (HRT), for men with low testosterone. Call your nearest office in Calumet Heights, Chicago or Munster, Indiana, to find out more, or schedule an appointment using the convenient online booking feature.
Hormonal Disorders Q & A
What is testosterone deficiency?
Even though they don’t go through menopause like women do, aging men do experience a decline in testosterone, the male reproductive hormone associated with muscle strength, bone density, sex drive, and sperm production.
Besides playing an important role in male physical development during puberty, testosterone is also responsible for helping older men maintain muscle mass, facial and body hair, a deeper voice, and a healthy sperm count.
After testosterone levels peak in early adulthood, they level off and then begin to decline gradually, usually starting at about the age of 30. Approximately 40% of men over the age of 45 have measurably low testosterone levels, a condition known as hypogonadism.
Some of the most common symptoms of hypogonadism are:
- Changes in sexual function
- Sleep disturbances
- Weight gain and slow metabolism
- Decreased muscle and bone mass
- Low energy and mood swings
- Decreased motivation
Can hypogonadism cause erectile dysfunction?
For many older men, decreased libido and sexual dysfunction can often be linked to hypogonadism. Low testosterone levels can also cause erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to get or keep an erection that’s firm enough for normal sexual intercourse.
ED can be a short-term issue or a long-term problem. Although it isn’t considered an inevitable part of the aging process, ED does affect older men more often: Experts estimate that about half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 have some degree of ED.
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
To diagnose low testosterone, Dr. Hasan performs a comprehensive physical exam and measures your total blood testosterone levels. He may also test your levels of luteinizing hormone, which helps control how your body makes testosterone.
If Dr. Hasan needs additional information to diagnose your problem, he may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test to better evaluate your pituitary gland.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a natural, customized treatment designed to counteract the symptomatic effects brought on by reproductive hormone imbalances. For men, HRT means taking a testosterone supplement.
Testosterone HRT, which is available in the form of an injection, skin patch, topical gel, or implantation pellet, can help you reduce or eliminate the symptoms caused by hypogonadism. The treatment provides a range of benefits, including:
- Improved erectile function
- Increased sex drive
- Improved body mass index (BMI)
- Increased lean muscle mass
- Improved mood and energy levels
To find out more, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.
