Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It is responsible for many different bodily functions, including bone density, muscle mass, body fat, red blood cell production, as well as sexual functions, such as sex drive and sperm count.
In men, the normal testosterone levels range from 300 nanograms per deciliter to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. If you undergo a testosterone level test and receive a result that shows your testosterone levels are below 300 nanograms per deciliter, this means you have low testosterone. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo low testosterone treatment to fix the problem.
What are the common symptoms of low testosterone?
If your testosterone levels are low, you may manifest the following symptoms:
Weight gain
Testosterone facilitates body fat distribution, so a shortage of it may lead to weight gain.
Fragile bones and muscles
Testosterone helps in the growth and development of bones and muscles, so low testosterone may impair bone and muscle health, and increase risk of injuries and disorders.
Low sex drive
Testosterone promotes a healthy sex drive or libido, so not having enough testosterone in the body may lower desire for sex.
Low sperm count
Testosterone aids in the production of sperm, so low testosterone levels may negatively impact sperm count, as well as sperm quality.
Hot flashes
Testosterone imbalance can trigger hot flashes or the sudden feelings of warmth around the face, neck, or shoulders.
Erectile issues
Testosterone helps in getting firm and long-lasting erections for sex, so having low testosterone may make achieving and maintaining erections difficult, and eventually lead to erectile dysfunction.
Increased stress, depression, anxiety, etc.
Testosterone is important in managing stress, depression, and anxiety levels, so a lack of it can significantly mess up one’s mood.
Underdeveloped genitalia
Testosterone plays a key role in the development of the penis and the testicles, most especially during the puberty stage, so having low testosterone can impede the development of the genitals.
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
Low testosterone, if not treated as soon as possible, can be very detrimental not only to your sexual health but also to your overall health. You should watch out for the symptoms and undergo a testosterone level test to find out if you really have low testosterone.
At the health facility, a medical worker will take a sample of your blood by inserting a needle into your arm and drawing your blood into a test tube. The entire process should only take a few minutes. Your blood sample is then sent to the laboratory to be examined closely.
Once the results are out, and you get a low testosterone diagnosis, talk to your doctor about how to proceed. You should deal with the problem right away before your condition gets worse.
In many cases, doctors recommended testosterone treatment therapy, which come in different forms, such as injections, skin patches, pills, gels, and pellets. Depending on your health history, physical exam results, and other factors, your doctor will make a decision on which one is best suited for you.
How much does the testosterone treatment therapy for low testosterone cost?
The costs of the different testosterone treatment therapy vary, depending on your location, product brand, dosage, and several other factors. In the United States, for instance, the prices for testosterone treatment therapy can look like these:
- Testosterone injections – between 25 USD and 35 USD per month
- Testosterone pills – between 10 USD and 30 USD per month
- Testosterone creams – between 20 USD and 30 USD per month
- Testosterone patches – around 500 USD to 600 USD per month
- Testosterone gels – around 400 USD to 600 USD per month
Is testosterone treatment covered by insurance?
A significant number of insurance providers cover the majority of testosterone treatment prescription costs, and, sometimes, even laboratory work, blood tests, and other additional medical expenses related to the treatment.
To know if your insurance will cover your testosterone treatment therapy, it is best that you get in touch with them. The amount that your insurance provider will cover is based on what specific health plan you have, your deductibles, and several other variables.
What are the benefits of getting low testosterone treatment?
If you take testosterone treatment therapy, your testosterone levels will increase, and you will have:
Higher energy levels
With a boost in your testosterone levels, your body will be able to provide more energy for you to engage in physical tasks and other activities that you had trouble doing when your testosterone levels were below the normal levels.
Higher sex drive
An increase in testosterone will enhance your sex drive or libido, and help you engage in more sexual activities. Your desire for sex will make you and your sex partner have many pleasurable and satisfying moments in the bedroom.
Better mood
With better testosterone levels in the body, you will be able to manage your stress, anxiety, and other negative feelings better. Your overall mood and mental disposition will improve, and you will be able to enjoy life more.
Increase in sperm count
High testosterone will promote the production of more sperm, and also sperm with enhanced structure and motility. It will boost your fertility, and other sexual and reproductive functions.
Are there risks to low testosterone treatment?
Testosterone treatment therapy has helped many men overcome their low testosterone problems. However, it may cause some side effects that can negatively impact the quality of life.
Certain studies have found that testosterone injections may increase your risk of the following diseases:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Liver problems
- Enlarged prostate
- Blood clots
If you have heart disease, high red blood cell count, or sleep apnea, you must inform your doctor about it before taking testosterone treatment, as you have to be closely monitored while undergoing the treatment because of your illness. Also, if you have prostate cancer or breast cancer, you have to be honest with your doctor about it because taking testosterone injections is strictly prohibited for people battling those diseases.
