Is It Truly "Low T," or Something Else?

Thanks to a slew of cheesy commercials describing “low T” as a simple problem and a major cause of erectile dysfunction and fatigue, doctors have found themselves swamped with men believing their only barrier to a great sex life and the energy of a 20 year-old is an underproduction of testosterone.

While in some cases this may be true, this focus on low testosterone may be less benign than it sounds. Besides the fact that the vast majority of men seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction suffer from other causes than “low T,” even those men with a test indicating testosterone levels below normal may have been misdiagnosed. This, in turn, can lead to a misunderstanding of the true problem.

A recent publication in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine describes the problem as one of overly speedy conclusions. Single tests of testosterone levels are often used to label “low T” or male hypogonadism as the cause of erectile dysfunction and related troubles. The authors argue, however, that multiple tests are needed in addition to a thorough health evaluation (checking for medication side effects, recent trauma or surgery, abnormal sleep schedules, and other factors that can cause dips in testosterone). They believe too many doctors jump to a diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone despite a lack of other markers for true primary hypogonadism.

To a certain extent, lower testosterone levels are a natural part of aging. Men who experience more significant dips may be suffering from a wide number of conditions that can cause secondary hypogonadism (such as diabetes, acute illness, sleep apnea, HIV, and more). In these cases, simply treating the low testosterone levels with hormone injections may not resolve the underlying health problems.

Being Smart About Low Testosterone Levels and Symptoms

If you have been diagnosed with “low T,” don’t let the story end there. Ask your doctor for more information and a thorough evaluation to understand the true cause of your condition. In some cases, the “low” levels are actually average for men who are middle age or beyond, and are not necessary to treat with medication. Others will truly be in the “low T” boat and may find a total resolution of symptoms when hypogonadism is addressed.

Many more individuals, however, may find that a bit of extra testosterone doesn’t provide the quick fix they were looking for; in these cases, low testosterone may just be a symptom of a condition requiring an entirely different course of treatment. Make sure that before you start trying to fix all of your troubles with one simple, advertised solution, you get a real hold on what’s going on with your body and health.

Start by researching more about “low T.” The many symptoms of low testosterone levels can be easily confused with other health problems (like depression), according to Healthline. Talk to your doctor to find other issues that may be at the root of your symptoms. If all else fails and you just want a laugh about growing older, The Colbert Report is never a letdown.