Low T in Men: What Is It All About?

Testosterone is a hormone found in humans and some animals. It’s primarily known as a sex hormone that’s produced in the testicles, but it plays many important roles in the body.

Around 7 weeks after conception, testosterone begins helping form male genitals. During puberty, testosterone affects physical and sexual development, helps build muscle and bone mass, and stimulates the growth of body hair. It’s also what causes the voice to deepen.

As men age, testosterone helps regulate:

• Sex drive
• Bone mass
• Muscle mass
• Muscle strength
• Fat distribution
• Red blood cell production
• Sperm production
• Facial and body hair

When a man’s testosterone levels get out of balance, it can cause a lot of unpleasant side effects. Abnormally high levels of testosterone can cause acne, aggression, headaches, and high blood pressure. Fortunately, high testosterone isn’t that common.

Low testosterone, or low T, is more common. It can cause low sex drive, irritability, and depression. According to the Cleveland Clinic, low T affects 40% of men aged 45 and older. The older a man gets, the more likely he is to experience low testosterone. In fact, it’s estimated that 12% of men in their 50s, 19% in their 60s, 28% in their 70s, and 49% of men in their 80s have low T.

We’ve put together this guide to help you better understand the symptoms, causes, and treatments for low T. Use this information to work with your doctor to get your testosterone levels back in balance.

What is Low T?

Low T, or low testosterone, is medically known as hypogonadism. Hypogonadism occurs when the gonads, testes in men and ovaries in women, fail to function properly. In men, hypogonadism inhibits the production of testosterone. Low T, therefore, is a descriptive name for this condition.

Low T occurs when the body isn’t producing optimal levels of testosterone. So, what are the ideal levels of testosterone? Well, it honestly depends on the individual.

According to the American Urological Association, normal male testosterone levels range between 280 and 1,100 nanograms of testosterone per deciliter of blood. Low testosterone is typically diagnosed when a man has less than 300 nanograms per deciliter.

However, as mentioned above, normal ranges vary widely between individuals. The numbers above may not be true in each case.

How is Low T Treated?

Low T is treated with testosterone therapy. Testosterone therapy is simply the administration of testosterone to augment the low levels of testosterone produced by the body. It can help reduce the symptoms of low T.

Types of Hormones Used in Testosterone Therapy

There are two different types of hormones used in testosterone therapy. They are synthetic and bioidentical.

Synthetic Hormones

Synthetic hormones are derived from animal parts or urine and have a different molecular structure than what the body produces. You can tell if a testosterone medication uses synthetic hormones by reading the label. Instead of testosterone, you will see testosterone cypionate, enanthate, or undecanoate.

Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormones are derived from soy or yams and have the exact molecular structure of hormones produced in the body. You can tell if a testosterone medication uses bioidentical hormones because you will see testosterone on the label.

Types of Testosterone Medications Used in TT

There are four common methods for taking testosterone. They are transdermal, injection, oral, and pellets. Below is a closer look at each of these delivery methods.

Transdermal

Transdermal, or topical, testosterone therapies include gels, creams, liquids, and patches that are applied to the skin. They must be applied daily.

• Pros: It’s easy to use.
• Cons: It may cause skin irritation. Additionally, almost half (45%) of patients do not absorb testosterone through their skin.

Injection

There are many types of injectable testosterone therapies. Depending on the type of medication, the injection will need to be given under the skin or into a muscle. Injections may also be given weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

• Pros: It’s more convenient than daily topical therapies.
• Cons: Not everyone is comfortable giving themselves a shot and many patients experience injection site pain. Also, some injections can cause testosterone levels to fluctuate between dosages.

Oral

Oral, or by mouth, testosterone therapies are not tablets or pills you swallow. Rather, the testosterone comes in a patch that you place inside your mouth. The testosterone is released over a 12-hour period and the patch must be replaced every day.

• Pros: It’s more convenient than daily creams and doesn’t require an injection.
• Cons: Some patients experience headaches, stomach upset, and mouth irritation.

Pellets

A doctor places testosterone pellets, small capsules, under the skin of your hip or buttocks. The pellets dissolve slowly and release testosterone over a period of 4 to 6 months.

• Pros: It’s a very convenient and consistent method for delivering testosterone into the body.
• Cons: Most patients experience some pain with insertion and there are some activity restrictions for a couple of days after the procedure.

Talk to your doctor about the types of hormones used and different administration methods in TT. They’ll help you find the best treatment option for you.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Low T

At Biote, we’ve developed a science-based methodology for treating low T. The Biote Method uses bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) via pellets to deliver a personalized, precision approach to hormone replacement. It allows your body to absorb a steady, consistent dose of testosterone.

Testosterone pellets are small capsules (about the size of a grain of rice) that contain bioidentical testosterone. The pellets are inserted under your skin where they dissolve over several months, releasing testosterone into your bloodstream.

The Biote Method uses pellets over other forms of testosterone administration for a few reasons. First, testosterone delivered by pellet therapy bypass the liver which helps minimize the risk of thrombosis. Second, bioidentical testosterone pellets release a consistent dose of testosterone which helps avoid fluctuations in hormone levels.

Studies show most patients begin to see the effects of BHRT for low T within 4 weeks after pellet insertion. However, it’s important to note that everyone is unique. Some patients may take up to 2 or more pellet insertions before they feel the full effects.

If you’re dealing with the unpleasant symptoms of low testosterone, the Biote Method of pellet therapy may help. Contact a Biote Certified Provider to learn more.