According to statistics from the American Urological Association, as many as 2 out of 10 males above the age of 60 have low levels of testosterone. Many men experience low testosterone in their 30s and 40s, and turn to Dr. Michael Trotter, Andrew Barger, APRN, and the team at Midtown Urology Associates for testing and treatment. If you live in the greater Austin, Texas, area and are concerned about your testosterone levels, use the online scheduling tool or call the office to make an appointment for a consultation.
Testosterone is a hormone that is naturally produced by both men and women, although men produce far greater quantities.
Testosterone is responsible for many male characteristics, beginning with the production of sperm. It also regulates:
Interactions between your brain and pituitary gland help facilitate healthy testosterone levels.
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, can lead to several problems. A combination of these experiences prompt many men to schedule their first appointment with the doctors at Midtown Urology Associates:
Your urologist at Midtown Urology Associates tests your hormone levels to gain a greater understanding of your current hormone production. If you have a testosterone deficiency, multiple treatment options can be used to supplement your hormonal balance.
Treatment options include testosterone creams and gels that are applied to and absorbed by your skin. Available only through a prescription, these topical treatments are a good fit for some men, although there can be severe side effects that you should consider. It's also important to avoid transferring the medication to women or children through contact with your skin or clothing.
Testosterone injections remove the risk of transfer through touch and deliver a concentrated dose of testosterone directly into your body. Injections are a popular hormone replacement treatment option.
Testosterone pellets are another option and provide a slow release testosterone delivery system. Small pellets are implanted directly under your skin and release hormones slowly over the course of several months.
Your doctors at Midtown Urology Associates help you determine which form of testosterone supplementation is right for your needs. If you experience adverse side effects, you and your doctor may need to adjust the delivery system over time.
Contact the Midtown Urology Associates office online or over the phone to learn more or to schedule an appointment.