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Can Obesity Be Caused By Sudden Increase In Testosterone Levels?
Question: Hello. I am completely confused about the issue of testosterone levels. Several years ago in my late 50s my level was under 300, which is about half of ranges I've seen for my age. However the urologist kept saying i shouldn't worry about it!
I just don't understand it. After all, we always want to correct problems found in blood tests, I.e. for cholesterol, glucose, etc.
Could you explain why I shouldn't worry about it? I have also read that testosterone is affected by being overweight, which I am. Thank you.
I just don't understand it. After all, we always want to correct problems found in blood tests, I.e. for cholesterol, glucose, etc.
Could you explain why I shouldn't worry about it? I have also read that testosterone is affected by being overweight, which I am. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Testosterone
Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying completely. This topic of low testosterone in aging men has been a subject of much debate particularly in the last decade. Controversy till exists within endocrine experts as to whether this entity is real and warrants treatment.
The general consensus is that Free Testosterone levels , if low , must be further investigated. If confirmed to be low on a second occasion, then further blood testing such as
FSH
LH
Ferritin
Prolactin are necessary to determine the cause. Treatment can be then directed at the cause or if none is found, testosterone treatment can be considered.
However testosterone can be a complex subject to interpret. Endocrinologists are best qualified to manage testosterone related matters, so it would be helpful if you were able to see one in person.
For example, the blood sample has to be drawn in the morning time before 10 am. Total Testosterone
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
LH (Leutinizing Hormone)
Prolactin
But if a test called Free Testosterone is available in your laboratory and if they use Equilibrium Dialysis as the method, then there is not much of a need to check
Total Testosterone
SHBG
Once these results are in, one can get a fair idea whether or not Testosterone deficiency as the potential cause of your symptoms.
Testosterone
Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying completely. This topic of low testosterone in aging men has been a subject of much debate particularly in the last decade. Controversy till exists within endocrine experts as to whether this entity is real and warrants treatment.
The general consensus is that Free Testosterone levels , if low , must be further investigated. If confirmed to be low on a second occasion, then further blood testing such as
FSH
LH
Ferritin
Prolactin are necessary to determine the cause. Treatment can be then directed at the cause or if none is found, testosterone treatment can be considered.
However testosterone can be a complex subject to interpret. Endocrinologists are best qualified to manage testosterone related matters, so it would be helpful if you were able to see one in person.
For example, the blood sample has to be drawn in the morning time before 10 am. Total Testosterone
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
LH (Leutinizing Hormone)
Prolactin
But if a test called Free Testosterone is available in your laboratory and if they use Equilibrium Dialysis as the method, then there is not much of a need to check
Total Testosterone
SHBG
Once these results are in, one can get a fair idea whether or not Testosterone deficiency as the potential cause of your symptoms.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. This sounds rather complicated for a layman like myself. In general terms is it unusual to have half the normal level at age 60? According to your explanation I should still visit an endocrinologist. Of course isn't it considered natural for a man my age to have somewhat less libido etc. then I did 20 or 30 years ago?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
1 Testosterone levels in men decline with age.
2 However if the levels are less than 280 to 300, it deserves further investigation as it is considered below normal
3 It is possible the libido naturally declines too but that varies from person to person. testosterone naturally declines in all men with age.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
1 Testosterone levels in men decline with age.
2 However if the levels are less than 280 to 300, it deserves further investigation as it is considered below normal
3 It is possible the libido naturally declines too but that varies from person to person. testosterone naturally declines in all men with age.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. And this means there is no automatic interest in supplements or medication to raise the testosterone to a better level?
Brief Answer:
Second follow up
Detailed Answer:
No supplements have been proven to raise blood testosterone levels.
Medications are available but first a confirmed diagnosis needs to be made.
Second follow up
Detailed Answer:
No supplements have been proven to raise blood testosterone levels.
Medications are available but first a confirmed diagnosis needs to be made.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Is it true that some testosterone medications have side effects?
Brief Answer:
Yes
Detailed Answer:
All testosterone preparations have potential side effects
Yes
Detailed Answer:
All testosterone preparations have potential side effects
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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