Testosterone Therapy for Men: Signs, Evaluation, and What to Expect
Updated: Oct 2
Testosterone levels decline gradually with age. For some men, symptoms such as fatigue or a lower sex drive prompt a conversation with a clinician. This article is educational: it explains what low testosterone is, how it is evaluated, and what to know about treatment. It is not medical advice and is not a recommendation for treatment.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It is involved in sexual function, bone density, muscle mass, fat distribution, red blood cell production, and mood. Levels typically begin to drift downward in a man's 30s and continue to decline slowly over time.
Symptoms That Can Be Associated With Low Testosterone
Fatigue or low energy
Decreased interest in sex
Erectile difficulties
Reduced muscle mass or increased body fat
Low mood or irritability
Difficulty concentrating
These symptoms are common and nonspecific. They can have many other causes, including sleep apnea, thyroid disease, depression, diabetes, obesity, and medication effects, so a list of symptoms alone cannot establish a diagnosis.
How Low Testosterone Is Evaluated
Evaluation involves a review of symptoms and medical history, a physical examination, and laboratory testing. Clinical guidelines generally recommend confirming a low result with more than one early-morning blood test before a diagnosis of low testosterone is made. At Modern Medical Spa, evaluation is performed in person by a licensed provider; treatment is not started based on a questionnaire or an online request.
About Treatment
Testosterone therapy is a prescription treatment. Whether it is appropriate depends on laboratory results, symptoms, overall health, and personal goals, including any wish to have children, since testosterone therapy can reduce sperm production. Testosterone is available in several forms, such as injections, gels, and other preparations. Some are FDA-approved products; others are prepared by compounding pharmacies and are not FDA-approved. Individual results vary, and benefit is not guaranteed.
Treatment, if prescribed, is determined by your provider after an in-person evaluation.
Monitoring
Anyone taking testosterone should be medically supervised. Monitoring is set by the provider and may include:
Testosterone and estrogen levels
Blood counts, including hematocrit
PSA testing when appropriate
Blood pressure and symptom review
Potential Risks
Potential risks and side effects of testosterone therapy include:
Acne and fluid retention
Elevated red blood cell counts
Reduced sperm production and fertility
Breast tenderness or enlargement
Mood changes and changes in cholesterol
Possible worsening of sleep apnea
Testosterone therapy is generally not appropriate for men with certain conditions, such as prostate cancer or very high red blood cell counts. Questions about cardiovascular and prostate effects remain the subject of ongoing research. A thorough discussion of risks and alternatives should take place before any treatment is started.
Next Step
If you have symptoms you would like to discuss, call Modern Medical Spa at 509-392-5007 to schedule a consultation with a provider. A consultation does not guarantee that treatment will be prescribed.
This content is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Prescription medications are available only after an in-person evaluation by a licensed provider. Medications, if prescribed, may be compounded and are not FDA-approved. Individual results vary.
