Men who often feel fatigued or who experience a drop in their sex drive, muscle strength, and memory may have hypogonadism or low testosterone. While an underlying health problem can cause hypogonadism, low testosterone is a challenge every man faces as he gets older. At Utah Endocrinology Associates, Alireza Falahati, MD, FACE, specializes in treating hormone disorders, including hypogonadism. To get the help you need, call one of the offices in Salt Lake City, American Fork, or Ogden, Utah, or schedule an appointment online.
Hypogonadism occurs when a man’s testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. As the primary male hormone, testosterone regulates male reproductive organ development in babies. At puberty, testosterone triggers the growth of the testicles and penis, makes your voice deepen, and causes other changes, such as an increase in body hair.
Testosterone continues to affect mens’ health throughout their lifetime as it regulates:
There are many possible causes of hypogonadism, depending on the type:
Primary hypogonadism occurs when the problem is in your testicles. For example, congenital conditions, undescended testicles, or testicular damage due to mumps, high levels of iron, or trauma can lead to hypogonadism.
Secondary hypogonadism is often caused by problems in your hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Obesity has also been identified as a major cause of hypogonadism. For every one-point increase in your body mass index (BMI), your testosterone can decline by 2%.
Your age has a significant but gradual impact on hormone production. Even if you’re healthy and maintain a normal weight, your levels of testosterone naturally fall by up to 2% every year after the age of 30.
Hypogonadism causes a wide range of potential symptoms, including:
Hypogonadism in young boys may delay puberty or affect their normal development.
Dr. Falahati takes a two-pronged approach to treating hypogonadism. He identifies and treats the underlying problem, while also starting hormone replacement therapy to bring your hormone levels back to normal.
Before you receive testosterone, Dr. Falahati runs blood work in the office to check your hormone levels. Then he prescribes the dosage you need to restore normal levels, reverse your symptoms, and help you feel healthy again. Testosterone replacement therapy is available in several forms, including a gel, injection, patch, and an implantable pellet.
If you notice a change in your sex drive, energy, or strength, call Utah Endocrinology Associates or schedule an appointment online.
