Don't Start the New Year with Low T: We Can Help

If you aren’t feeling like yourself lately, due to changes in your mood, physique, energy levels, or sexual function, you may be dealing with low testosterone. Also known as male hypogonadism or low T, it happens when your testicles produce too little of the sex hormone. 

If that’s the case for you, you’re far from alone. About 2% of people assigned as male at birth live with low T, and that number climbs to over 8% between ages 50 and 79.

Jeffery Tun, MD, with offices in Midtown East, Forest Hills, and the Queens neighborhoods in New York City, is pleased to diagnose and treat low testosterone to bring back the vitality and wellness you’ve been missing.

Read on to learn more about low T, including ways to get your levels in a better place as the new year sets in.

Low T basics

Testosterone plays a role in numerous aspects of your health, helping to produce muscle mass, keep your sex organs working properly, and maintaining normal red blood cell levels. Testosterone also promotes bone density and an overall sense of well-being. 

When your T levels drop, you can develop a range of related symptoms, including:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Greater susceptibility to fractures
• Hair loss
• Infertility
• Low moods
• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• Poor concentration
• Reduced muscle size
• Reduced libido

Low T symptoms vary based on your age, first appearing or becoming more intense and noticeable after middle age.

In addition to cisgender men, low T can affect nonbinary people and transgender women who aren’t utilizing feminizing hormone therapy. And while anyone within these populations can develop it, your chances are higher if you’ve abused alcohol, carry excess weight, or have liver cirrhosis or kidney failure. Certain medications, such as steroids, may also contribute.

What to do about low T

If Dr. Tun suspects that you have low testosterone levels, he can run a blood test to rule out or confirm your diagnosis. 

Once you’ve been diagnosed with low T, your treatment options may include:

• Intramuscular testosterone injections
• Implantable hormone pellets
• Testosterone patches
• Topical testosterone gels

Dr. Tun will discuss these treatments with you and help you decide on your best fit. 

After you’ve started testosterone therapy, your quality of life and moods should improve within 3-6 weeks, according to studies. Improved erections may take a bit longer, or up to 6 months. However, you may notice gradual improvements within those weeks and months. 

To learn more about testosterone imbalances or to get the care you need, call one of our offices or request an appointment through our website today.