Low Testosterone
Learn more about Low Testosterone.
Overview - Low Testosterone
Hypogonadism refers to reduced or absent secretion of testosterone. Testosterone is produced primarily by the testies. Testosterone plays an important role in the development and maintenance of many male physical characteristics such as sex drive, sperm production, muscle mass and strength, fat distribution and bone mass.
Conditions - Low Testosterone
Decreased testosterone causes a wide variety of clinical findings. The sexual manifestations of low testosterone include diminished sexual desire and sense of vitality as well as erectile dysfunction.
Diagnosing Low Testosterone
If a physician suspects low testosterone based on symptoms and physical examination, the diagnosis must be confirmed by laboratory testing.
Treating Low Testosterone
Most studies of testosterone therapy have demonstrated an improvement in libido and sexual function in men with hypogonadism, or low levels of male hormones. Researchers have found that therapy increased sexual interest and increased the number of spontaneous erections. However, testosterone replacement may not improve erectile dysfunction if there are other causes of the condition.
