Hypogonadism, more commonly referred to as low testosterone, is a serious condition in males whereby the testes do not produce the right amount of that key hormone. More commonly found in older men, researchers are still not sure whether the increased number of cases is due to a true upswing in the malady or a result of better diagnostic techniques.

The two sources of low testosterone are pituitary disorders and testicular problems. If you are a male and think you show symptoms of low testosterone, be sure to have the diagnosis checked out by an endocrinologist before beginning any type of treatment. A finding of low-blood testosterone does not in itself indicate either a pituitary or testicular disorder or disease.

Diagnosis

One reason not to rely on blood tests alone is that they are often false flags due to a person having a recent illness or just getting tested at the wrong time of day. Common symptoms include fatigue, long-term erectile dysfunction and a marked decrease in sex drive.

Keep in mind that, like blood tests, these symptoms are not definitive indicators that a person suffers from low testosterone. Many other conditions can produce symptoms that mimic those of low testosterone, so be sure to discuss your concerns with an experienced endocrinologist to know for sure what is causing your particular symptoms.

With those caveats in mind, here are some of the most common signs of low testosterone in men:

• Reduced body hair
• Muscle weakness
• Lowered sex drive
• Unexplained fatigue
• Erectile dysfunction

Treatment

Treatment options are varied and depend upon several factors. In many cases, medical professionals will treat obesity in order to lessen symptoms and boost testosterone levels, while other treatment approaches can include drug therapy. Pituitary abnormalities and testosterone-level problems are complicated and require the help of a trained endocrinologist.

If you have had a blood test that shows a low testosterone level, or if you merely believe that you are experiencing one or more symptoms, put your mind at ease by visiting an endocrinologist.

The skilled professionals at North Georgia Endocrinology offer high-quality care for numerous disorders of the endocrine system.

Management of hypogonadism demands careful monitoring and ongoing care from a physician experienced with such disorders. The specialist at North Georgia Endocrinology will work to find the most appropriate treatment options for you and your condition. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Anbar Ahmad and find a treatment plan that suits your particular condition and situation.