Low levels of testosterone can lead to some serious problems for both men and women. Common symptoms of this problem include loss of sex drive, decrease in muscle mass, increase in abdominal fat, poor sleep, poor muscle tone, decreased testes and penis size and erectile dysfunction in men. Symptoms for women are generally far more reserved but may include delayed puberty and an early onset of menopause. Regardless, treatment for low levels of testosterone do exist but all approved forms of treatment must be obtained through a doctor. Replacing hormones, such as testosterone, can lead to drastic physical and emotional changes that need to be monitored and regulated by a medical professionals. Here is a list of common low testosterone treatment options.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

The most common form of treatment for low levels of testosterone, this form of treatment involves artificially adding testosterone to the body through various delivery systems. Some of the most common forms of delivery include patches, gels, injections and pellets. Oral medications for testosterone has been discontinued as these pills can cause drastic liver damage as the hormone is absorbed through the bloodstream. Typically using hormone replacement therapy takes a good deal of time, usually two to three months, before results begin to show. Hormone replacement therapy often begins in small doses and incrementally increases to expose the body to greater concentrations of testosterone.

Anastrozole

A form of treatment for breast cancer in women, this drug is sometimes prescribed for men needing testosterone replacement therapy because it inhibits the rate at which naturally produced testosterone is metabolized into estrogen. Conversion of one hormone to another is common process in the body and is a form of self regulation. However, sometimes this process can be imbalanced in certain individuals, leading to the need for corrective medication.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Treatment

An experimental form of treatment, this chemical is naturally produced in the pituitary gland of both men and women. While this compound is typically produced after an embryo has been fertilized in a woman, studies have shown that this hormone may help address a testosterone imbalance in men. Regardless, more research is needed to prove that this hormone can help raise levels of testosterone in men safely.

Clomifene

Instead of artificially supplying the body with hormones, this treatment option stimulates the body to naturally produce more testosterone. While still needing further evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness, research has shown that clomifene is effective at reversing hormonal imbalance. A further benefit of this treatment is that testosterone is produced naturally in the body rather than artificially injected, reducing the risk of complications.

Remember, all hormone replacement therapies must be approved by a doctor. Should you suffer from a loss of testosterone as a man, do not fear. There are plenty of low testosterone treatment options and strategies that can help you lead a long, fruitful and happy life.