Most men know testosterone plays a role in their sexual health — but the impact of low-T isn’t always as obvious. Knowing the subtle and not-so-subtle impacts of low-T can help you seek medical help early, restoring normal hormone levels while improving your sexual health.
Alfred Shtainer, MD, FACS, is skilled in diagnosing low-T in patients at Adult and Pediatric Urology and in providing safe, effective therapies that work. Here’s how low testosterone levels could be affecting your sex life and what Dr. Shtainer and his team can do to help.
Testosterone is one of two well-known sex hormones, the other one being estrogen (although many other, lesser-known hormones influence gender and sexual health). Many people believe testosterone is only found in males, while estrogen is only in females — but that’s not so: Both genders have both hormones, although in varying amounts.
Testosterone plays a major role in sexual health and wellness, and it also plays other important functions, like:
And of course, adequate testosterone is key for normal erectile function and feelings of sexual arousal.
In men, testosterone is produced primarily in the testes, with smaller amounts made by the adrenal glands. In women, testosterone is made in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Your body makes testosterone when the pituitary gland in your brain sends signals to the hormone-producing glands. The glands “talk” back and forth to regulate testosterone levels within a normal range.
Testosterone naturally declines with age, but aging isn’t the only factor. Chronic stress, poor sleep, excess weight, and certain medications can contribute to lower levels, too. Medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders can also interfere with hormone production.
Even lifestyle factors can have an effect. Not being physically active, poor dietary habits, and alcohol or drug use can affect hormone balance, mood, and energy. Other times, low-T happens without a clear-cut cause.
Low testosterone levels can affect you in different ways depending on your gender, your age, your underlying health, and other factors, but for most people, one of the most noticeable effects is a decline in sexual desire. You may find your interest in intimacy is reduced, or arousal takes longer than it used to.
Changes in sexual performance and satisfaction are also common. For men, that can mean difficulty getting and maintaining an erection. For women, it could lead to less lubrication — and more discomfort — during sex.
Other effects of low-T, like low energy, persistent fatigue, and mood changes, take their toll, too. Irritability and lack of stamina make sex seem more like a chore than an enjoyable activity. Even small shifts can lead to fatigue that affects desire, satisfaction, and erectile function. Sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating may also play a role.
Before recommending any treatment, Dr. Shtainer performs a comprehensive exam and reviews your medical history. He may order lab work or diagnostic imaging, as well. Your exam and evaluation help identify underlying issues contributing to low-T, while also guiding your personalized treatment plan.
Depending on your health history, you may benefit from lifestyle changes, like improving your diet, engaging in daily exercise, losing weight, or curbing alcohol consumption. If you have underlying health issues like cardiovascular disease or diabetes, adjusting your treatment plan may help.
Many people benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a personalized, monitored therapy that uses bioidentical hormones to replace hormones your body is no longer producing. Hormones are “dosed” like other medications, and regular check-ins and blood tests ensure your therapy stays on track with your health needs.
Sexual health is an integral and important part of overall wellness. If low-T is holding you back or interfering with your life and health in other ways, we can help. To find a solution that works for you, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Shtainer and the team at Adult and Pediatric Urology in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York, today.
