During puberty, the male sex hormone, testosterone helps boys develop male physical features like body and facial hair, deeper voices and muscle strength. Testosterone is also needed for men to make sperm.

When a man does not have enough testosterone in his body it is called hypogonadism, or low-T. Levels of the hormone normally decrease with age. About 4 out of 10 men over the age of 45 have low testosterone. It is seen in about 2 out of 10 men over 60, 3 out of 10 men over 70, and 3 out of 10 men over 80 years old. Men with certain health problems, including diabetes and obesity, also tend to also have low testosterone.

If you think you may have low-T, it is important to see a doctor to make sure you have low-T and not another condition. Many of the symptoms for low-T can be the result of other health problems. For example, decreased energy and depressed mood may be caused by a variety of different health conditions and not of low-T. Diagnosis of low-T begins with a review of your medical history, a physical exam and blood work to measure your testosterone levels. 

If the symptoms of low-T are bothering you, talk with your doctor about whether or not you are a candidate for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).  

“TRT comes in many forms, including skin gel, shots, long-acting pellets placed under the skin or patches,” said Dr. Welliver. “The patient will work with his physician to figure out which option is best for him.” 

About 70 percent of men treated for low-T use a skin gel. It is rubbed onto the shoulders or upper arms after a shower. Dr. Welliver noted that men with children should be especially careful when using the gel as they may come in contact with it by touching the site where it was applied, or they may touch leftover gel on unwashed clothes or towels. Pregnant women should also be very careful to avoid TRT gel.

TRT is a life-long treatment. If you stop taking it, your testosterone levels will drop. Some men with low-T decide not to be treated. They may find other ways to increase their energy level, or they may decide to live with the changes in their sexual desire and body.

Dr. Welliver cautions men with an untreated heart problem, sleep apnea or a history of elevated red blood cell counts to not take TRT, as testosterone could worsen these conditions. Men with prostate or breast cancer should carefully use TRT for the same reason, he said. “Men planning on having children should avoid TRT, because it can decrease sperm count and fertility,” said Dr. Welliver. 

Do not take TRT for non-medical reasons, such as body building, preventing aging changes or performance enhancement. Men who have normal testosterone levels will not be helped by TRT. “Some men buy testosterone-boosting products at the gym or online, and that can be dangerous,” warned Welliver. “You don’t know what’s in those products as they are not regulated by any governing body.”

The long-term use of TRT has not been extensively studied, Dr. Welliver noted. Several studies have suggested TRT raises the risk of a heart attack in men. There are also studies that suggest TRT may lower heart attack risk. One recent study of 44,000 men with low testosterone levels found men who used TRT had a 33% lower risk of heart attacks and stroke compared to those who did not receive any hormone therapy. 

Studies have found no increase in prostate cancer risk among men who take testosterone compared to men who don’t, but Dr. Welliver notes the long-term effects of TRT on heart disease and prostate cancer need more research.

“While many men see positive effects from using TRT, like changes in energy and sex drive, there are still a lot of unknowns about it,” Dr. Welliver said. “That’s why it’s important to only use TRT under the direction of a knowledgeable physician who is familiar with testosterone treatment.”

If you take TRT, your doctor will monitor you regularly with blood tests for testosterone levels, prostate issues and red blood cell count.

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