Hypogonadism (Low T)
A common health problem for men is hypogonadism. This occurs when the body does not produce enough testosterone to function properly and can occur in men of any age. Other common names for hypogonadism are:
- low testosterone or low-t
- testosterone deficiency
- gonadal deficiency
The risk of having hypogonadism increases with age. Men over age 65 are more than twice as likely to have hypogonadism as men under age 65. The primary treatment for hypogonadism is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
There are several ways to increase testosterone in the body. Some methods include: injections, patches, gels, buccal tablets (that dissolve in the gum line), pills, and implanted pellets.
When low testosterone occurs in older or “aging” males it is sometimes referred to as:
- andropause
- androgen deficiency in the aging male (ADAM)
- late onset hypogonadism (LOH)
- age-associated testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS)
- male menopause*
*This is an inappropriate term for hypogonadism in men.
What is the definition of Hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism in men occurs when the body does not produce adequate amounts of the testosterone hormone to meet the normal requirements of the body.
How prevalent is Hypogonadism?
Based on blood testosterone levels, approximately 40% of men over the age 45 have hypogonadism. Men over the age of 65 are more than twice as likely to have hypogonadism as men under age 65. Men with diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, prostate disease, hypertension, and some other conditions have higher rates of hypogonadism.
