Advancements In Handling Low Testosterone

A new discovery in therapies that could revolutionize the way we treat low T.

Testosterone is a hormone mostly produced in the testes that helps sustain men’s facial and body hair, bone density, sperm production, and many other important body features. As you age, your testosterone levels will start to decrease (after peaking in your adolescence and young adult stages). But for some, having low testosterone has nothing to do with your age at all. Approximately 5.6% of men suffer from low testosterone levels. To be a bit more specific, having low testosterone is characterized by having less than 5 ng/cl of free testosterone (testosterone that is free to move in the body) and 300 ng/cl of total testosterone. Luckily, there is a new treatment on the horizon to combat the condition.

In this article we’re going to talk about:

What Effect Does Having Low Testosterone Have?
Scientists Have Found a New Potential Testosterone Therapy

A man with low testosterone looks out on the horizon. — It’s really easy to let a diagnosis get you down, but having low testosterone is fairly common, and the treatments available are catered specifically to a variety of your needs.

What Effect Does Having Low Testosterone Have?

What its diagnosis means for you

While testosterone is present in both men and women, men have higher amounts of the hormone. The diagnosis of low testosterone often involves a physical exam, a series of blood tests, and an assessment of symptoms. Low testosterone can lead to detrimental conditions such as a lack of bone density and treating it can help prevent osteoporosis in the men that have it. After receiving a diagnosis, it’s very important that you consult your doctor on testosterone treatments that are best suited for you. For some, testosterone treatment just isn’t a very good idea due to other existing conditions and lifestyles they may lead. If the following circumstances apply to you, testosterone treatment is not recommended:

You’re planning on becoming a father in the short term
You’ve had a heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months
You have severe urinary tract symptoms
You have a tendency for blood clots
You have an elevated red blood cell count
You have severe untreated sleep apnea

A photo of various testosterone medications sitting on a table. — There are many different options for those receiving treatment for low testosterone. If one doesn’t completely suit you, there’s always an opportunity to try something else.

Scientists Have Found a New Potential Testosterone Therapy

And it has to do with your stem cells

A study conducted at the University of Southern California revealed that their scientists were able to grow human, testosterone-producing cells in their laboratories. The results of their work revealed that they may be able to create transplantable cells that would work to produce testosterone in the men who have trouble producing the appropriate levels of the hormone. This finding is especially important because many “low-t” treatments have adverse side-effects that tamper with male fertility, and this transplant option could completely bypass said side-effects.

While the therapy isn’t perfected or available yet, it presents promising information about the future of treating low testosterone. That being said, talking to your physician is the best way to find out which of these options would work best for you. As long as you’re working with a professional to target your testosterone deficiency, you’re sure to find the right solution for your given circumstances.