We do a blood test to eliminate the guesswork. If you have less than 300 nanograms per deciliter, we consider that you have low testosterone levels. An example of primary hypogonadism and the most common is aging. A man's testosterone production peaks in his 20s and then slowly declines over the course of his life, so low testosterone levels are often associated with aging.
Men in their 80s will have much lower levels of testosterone than men in their 20s and 30s. Guidelines from the Endocrinology Society indicate that you should not have TRT if you have prostate cancer or breast cancer. However, some studies suggest that men who have been successfully treated for prostate cancer may be eligible for TRT, as long as they are closely watched for signs of the disease. Before starting TRT, the doctor must evaluate the risk of prostate cancer.
Some people have a condition known as sleep apnea, which can cause disorders in breathing patterns while they sleep. Because testosterone therapy can worsen these types of symptoms, people who have sleep apnea may not be good candidates for this treatment. Men with testosterone deficiency syndrome and stable cardiovascular disease (CVD) are eligible for TRT (weak recommendation; low quality evidence). Men with a history of breast cancer are not eligible for testosterone replacement therapy (weak recommendation; moderate level of evidence)).
Kim says that if the test shows a low level of testosterone and you have any of the symptoms, then you're a candidate for replacement therapy. If you're a man who suffers from low sexual desire, performance issues, or erectile dysfunction, you may be a perfect candidate for this therapy. Therefore, regardless of whether you are a man who is going through andropause, a woman who is facing menopause, or if you have symptoms that you suspect are related to low testosterone, this is how we determine if you are the right candidate for this therapy and how it works. Successfully treated hypogonadal men with prostate cancer (PCa) may be eligible for testosterone supplementation; these patients should be referred to a specialist, as treatment involves close supervision by a physician experienced in the risks and benefits of T therapy.
