Why get a Low-T Screening?
Disclaimer: The information provided here is NOT a substitute for direct advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional who has considered your individual circumstances.
Testosterone 101
→ Testosterone Production
Testosterone is a hormone that is mainly produced by your gonads (testicles in males or ovaries in females). Testosterone levels are naturally much higher in men than women.
→ Low T
Low testosterone (aka Low T) is a medical condition in which a man’s testicles don’t produce enough testosterone (the male sex hormone).
→ 1% to 3% per year
Low testosterone symptoms vary with age. Testosterone levels in adult males naturally decline after the age of 30 at rate of approximately 1% to 3% per year. This steady decrease in testicular testosterone production that occurs as men get older can eventually lead to a condition known as age-related testosterone deficiency.
→ Normal Levels
Normal total testosterone levels in a man’s blood range from 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Your testosterone levels and blood levels of other related hormones can be easily determined by Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care low T blood test.
→ < 500 ng/dl
It is important to note that some men may experience low T symptoms when their total testosterone levels fall below 500 ng/dL. These men often report an improvement in their low T symptoms when their total testosterone levels are raised above 500 ng/dL with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
→ Other Names
Other names for low testosterone include: Low T, testosterone deficiency, age-related testosterone deficiency, male hypogonadism, primary hypogonadism, secondary hypogonadism, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Low T Symptoms
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency (Low T) include:
- Low sex drive / libido
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Fatigue / Low energy levels
- An overall decreased sense of well-being
- Depressed mood and irritability
- Sleep problems / insomnia
- Difficulties with concentration and memory
- Decreased muscle mass/strength
- Increased body fat
- Breast development (gynecomastia)
- Low sperm count / infertility
- Weak bones (osteoporosis)
Low T Causes
Causes of testosterone deficiency (Low T) include:
Age-related testosterone deficiency (aka late-onset hypogonadism) results from normal aging and is the most common cause of low T symptoms among Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care patients. As men get older, they experience a natural deterioration of hypothalamic-pituitary function (resulting in decrease LH and FSH levels) and Leydig cell function (the cells in the testicles that produce testosterone) that decrease both testosterone and sperm production. Age-related testosterone deficiency is more common in men who have Type 2 diabetes, overweight, and/or obesity.
Primary male hypogonadism (aka hypergonadotropic hypogonadism) happens when there is a congenital or acquired problem with your testicles that prevents them from producing healthy levels of testosterone.
Congenital conditions that can lead to primary hypogonadism include problems with the testicles or other genetic conditions that a male is born with.
Acquired conditions that can lead to primary hypogonadism include damage or injury to the testicles that happen during life.
Secondary male hypogonadism (aka hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) happens when there is a congenital or acquired problem with your hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland that prevents them from producing adequate levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH and FSH normally stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone and sperm. Therefore, low levels of LH and FSH cause testosterone deficiency and a low sperm count.
Congenital conditions that can lead to primary hypogonadism include problems with the testicles or other genetic conditions that a male is born with.
Acquired conditions that can lead to primary hypogonadism include damage or injury to the testicles that happen during life.
Low T Diagnosis
If you have any signs and symptoms of low testosterone, Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care will conduct a low T blood test to determine your:
1) testosterone levels
2) the levels of other hormones
3) the levels of other elements that are relevant to managing low T
Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care low T blood test is usually performed in the morning when T levels are typically at their highest. This practiced, however, does NOT take into consideration that lower T levels later in the day may still represent testosterone deficiency at a time of day when many men engage in sexual activities that require healthy levels of T to perform well. Accordingly, if a patient is unable to come in for a blood draw in the morning, Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care can make an exception upon request and schedule an afternoon low T blood test.
We do fasting labs because of the lipid levels we get. Can we say instead something like: Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care will perform a comprehensive history and physical exam. They will also conduct an extensive blood test. Then they will create an personalized optimization plan to help you feel rejuvenated.
Share your health history and hormone replacement goals with us to kick off your $195 comprehensive low-t diagnosis.
Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care specialist will reach out to schedule your lab draw either onsite at our office or convienently at a lab-corp near you.
In addition to evaluating the results of the blood test, our specialists may also conduct a limited medical and sexual history that specifically focuses on the extent of your low T symptoms and degree to which they are impacting your sexual wellness and overall wellbeing.
You may find it difficult to talk about the signs and symptoms of low T with a health care professional; but remember, talking about it is the first step towards a healthier sex life and a greater sense of vitality.
Get started with a Low-T Screening
$195 to get started, $69/month for ongoing care.
- Comprehensive lab results
- Your own personalized treatment plan
- Our team uses the results of a low-T blood test and help optimize your personalized treatment plan
Disclaimer: The information provided here is NOT a substitute for direct advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional who has considered your individual circumstances.
WHY GET A CONSULTATION?
- 01. → Although ED is very common, it is not a normal part of aging.
- 02. → ED affects about 30 million men in the United States.
- 03. → ED can be treated at any age.
- 04. → Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care can work with your other health care providers to help analyze the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction (ED).
- 05. → Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care offers patients a variety of solutions to help combat ED and improve your sexual wellbeing.
- 06. → It may be difficult to talk about ED with a health care professional; but remember, scheduling a consultation with Coachella Valley Direct Primary Care is the first step towards a healthier sex life.
