Low testosterone, often referred to as “low T,” is a common concern for many men as they age. However, there’s a lot of misinformation surrounding this condition. In this post, we’ll debunk some of the most prevalent myths about low testosterone to help you better understand this important men’s health issue.
Myth 1: Low Testosterone Only Affects Older Men
One of the most persistent myths about low testosterone is that it’s an issue exclusive to older men. While it’s true that testosterone levels naturally decline with age, low T can affect men of all ages.
Fact: Testosterone levels typically peak during adolescence and early adulthood. After age 30, it’s normal for levels to decrease by about 1% per year. However, various factors can cause profound low testosterone in younger men, including:
- Obesity
- Certain medications
- Chronic illnesses
- Stress
- Sleep disorders
- Genetic conditions
- Trauma
It’s important for men of all ages to be aware of the symptoms of low testosterone and seek medical advice if they’re experiencing issues.In our practice, we have seen men in their teens and early 20’s with low testosterone for a variety of medical reasons.. Men of any age with symptoms or physical signs of low testosterone will have their testosterone levels measured in our practice. You are never too young or too old to be diagnosed and treated for low testosterone.
Myth 2: Low Testosterone is Just About Sex Drive
Many people associate testosterone solely with libido and sexual function. While these are indeed affected by testosterone levels, the hormone plays a much broader role in men’s health.
Fact: Testosterone influences numerous aspects of male health, including:
- Muscle mass and strength
- Bone density
- Fat distribution
- Red blood cell production
- Mood and energy levels
- Cognitive function
Low testosterone can lead to a range of symptoms beyond decreased libido, such as fatigue, depressed mood, increased body fat, and decreased muscle mass.In our experience, men often present with non-sexual symptoms of low testosterone. While low libido is one of the hallmark symptoms of low T, some men with low testosterone have normal libido and erections. Non-sexual symptoms of low testosterone respond just as well to replacement therapy in our experience.
Myth 3: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is Dangerous
There’s a common misconception that testosterone replacement therapy is risky and should be avoided.
Fact: When prescribed and monitored by an expert physician, TRT is generally safe for most men with diagnosed low testosterone. However, like any medical treatment, it does come with potential risks and side effects that should be discussed with your doctor. Close medical follow-up is also required to keep things safe after treatment is implemented.
It’s crucial to note that TRT isn’t suitable for everyone. Men with certain conditions, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer or severe sleep apnea, may not be candidates for this treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine if TRT is appropriate for your individual situation. In our experience, some men with low testosterone have an underlying medical problem causing the low T. Treatment of that underlying medical issue can restore normal testosterone levels so that lifelong hormone replacement is not required.
The only medical specialties with extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone are urology and endocrinology. At our urology practice, we have seen cases where testosterone therapy was mismanaged by physicians or healthcare “providers” with little to no training in the field where it did become dangerous to the patient. If you have a problem with your heart, you go to a cardiologist not a dermatologist. If you have a testicle problem, you SHOULD go to a urologist. Online medical practices that prescribe testosterone ARE dangerous.
Myth 4: High Testosterone Levels Cause Prostate Cancer
This is a long-standing myth that has caused unnecessary concern for many men considering testosterone therapy.
Fact: Current research does not support a direct link between testosterone therapy and an increased risk of prostate cancer, PERIOD. In fact, some studies suggest that low testosterone might be associated with more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
However, testosterone therapy may cause existing prostate cancer to grow more rapidly. This is why it’s crucial for men to undergo proper screening before starting TRT and to have regular check-ups during treatment.
At our practice, all men are screened for prostate cancer before initiating testosterone therapy with a PSA blood test and prostate examination. After starting testosterone, men must be monitored closely for prostate cancer. As urologists, we are the experts on the early diagnosis of prostate malignancy. Prostate cancer screening requires a physical exam, blood tests and expert interpretation of PSA values.
Myth 5: Boosting Testosterone Will Solve All Men’s Health Problems
Some marketing campaigns promote testosterone as a cure-all for various men’s health issues, from weight gain to depression.
Fact: While addressing low testosterone can certainly improve various aspects of health and well-being, it’s not a panacea. Many health issues have complex, multifaceted causes that can’t be resolved by testosterone alone.
For example, while low testosterone can contribute to weight gain and mood changes, a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and sometimes other medical interventions may also be necessary to address these issues comprehensively. At Obsidian Men’s Health, we always evaluate the patient for low testosterone as well as other medical issues that may be causing their symptoms. In some cases, testosterone deficiency will not be the problem but we often unearth other health issues that need to be addressed.
Myth 6: You Can Accurately Test Testosterone Levels at Home
With the rise of at-home health testing kits, some men believe they can reliably test their testosterone levels without visiting a doctor.
Fact: While at-home tests can provide some information, they’re not as accurate or comprehensive as laboratory tests ordered by a healthcare provider. Testosterone levels can fluctuate throughout the day and can be affected by various factors, including stress, sleep, and diet.
A proper diagnosis of low testosterone requires multiple blood tests, typically done in the morning when testosterone levels are highest, along with a thorough evaluation of symptoms and cardiometabolic health by a qualified medical professional.
Salivary measurements of testosterone levels are not accurate. Blood testing of testosterone is complex and only a urologist is well versed in the assessment of modern testosterone assays and derivatives. Blood tests beyond just testosterone are often required to properly assess a patient with low testosterone. In our experience, these tests may include measurement of free and bioavailable testosterone levels, pituitary and thyroid hormones as well as estradiol levels.
Myth 7: Low Testosterone is Always a Problem That Needs Treatment
Some men worry that any decline in testosterone levels requires medical intervention.
Fact: A gradual decrease in testosterone levels is a normal part of aging. Not every man with lower-than-average testosterone levels will experience symptoms or require treatment.
Treatment for low testosterone is typically only recommended for men who have both low levels confirmed by blood tests and symptoms that impact their quality of life. The decision to treat should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering the individual’s overall health, symptoms, risk factors and personal preferences.
Understanding the facts about low testosterone is crucial for maintaining men’s health and making informed decisions about treatment. If you’re concerned about your testosterone levels, it’s important to consult with a medical doctor who specializes in men’s health. They can provide accurate testing, evaluate your symptoms, and recommend appropriate treatment options if necessary. Again, the only experts in men’s hormonal health are urologists and endocrinologists. Physicians trained in other medical fields claiming to be experts in sexual health or low testosterone are charlatans and frauds.
Remember, every man’s health journey is unique. What works for one person may not be suitable for another. By staying informed and working closely with expert physicians, you can effectively manage your hormonal health and overall well-being.
