What are Normal Testosterone Levels in Men by Age? Rebalance Health How Low Testosterone Affects Your Body and Mind: A Complete Guide NS Blog Inform your healthcare provider of all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take insulin, medicines that decrease blood clotting (blood thinners), or corticosteroids. Unfortunately, many medical professionals haven’t had the necessary training to understand hormones and what it means to have optimal levels. While they may be aware of the need for hormone replacement, they focus on baseline test numbers that don’t even come close to telling the whole story. They may rely too heavily on standard reference ranges and overlook how the patient actually feels. Low testosterone symptoms vary widely and don’t always match up with lab numbers. According to the American Urological Association (9), low testosterone is officially defined as below 300 ng/dL. But many men experience symptoms at much higher levels, depending on factors like receptor sensitivity, thyroid function, and free testosterone. Opt Health physicians see men who struggle with symptoms of low T every day. Our approach to optimizing your hormonal status involves a deep dive into your unique health situation, followed by a comprehensive treatment plan. Generally, a testosterone level below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) is diagnosed as low testosterone (hypogonadism) in men. It also considers symptoms related to low testosterone, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, low libido, and mood changes. As you age, your body’s natural ability to produce testosterone diminishes, making it important to monitor and maintain these levels to ensure a high quality of life and optimal health. Some studies suggest that saliva tests can also provide an accurate measure of testosterone levels in the body. Any or all of the symptoms above could mean that you have suboptimal testosterone levels. Not only does testosterone directly affect the heart, normal testosterone levels in men reduce the risk factors that may lead to heart disease. Conditions that can impact your metabolism like diabetes, high triglycerides, and too much belly fat (aka the spare tire) can increase your risk of heart disease. If you’re experiencing symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels, consult a healthcare professional to explore testing and treatment options tailored to your needs. Low testosterone can cause a lot of unpleasant effects, including a low sex drive, muscle loss, a tanking mood, and low energy. If that sounds like you, your doctor will likely rule out potential causes of low T, such as obesity, opioid use, and issues relating to the pituitary gland or testicles. Your doctor will then determine proper course of action, which could be anything from lifestyle style changes to hormone therapy. If you need treatment, your provider can also help you understand the risks and benefits of different therapies. Other studies have found eating a healthy diet, minimizing stress, and getting enough sleep can work alongside TRT to increase testosterone levels or help normalize hormone levels. If your healthcare provider suspects