Approximately 15 million men in the United States alone are afflicted with low levels of testosterone and a big part of this population either remains undiagnosed or untreated.

Low testosterone levels have a considerable influence on sexual urge and testosterone is effective against prevention of osteoporosis and helps in preserving lean body mass, according to Dr. Ronald Tamler, the director of the Men’s Health Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

From NYdailynews.com:

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The classic symptoms of hypogonadism are decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, loss of muscle mass and depression. “So many men have come to me not because of erectile dysfunction, but because they’re feeling low energy,” says Tamler. “Their significant others say, ‘This has been going on too long,’ and chase them into my office.”

Other warning signs of low testosterone include brittle bones and poor focus. “Many patients report that they feel like they have brain fog,” says Tamler. “Often, that fog lifts once I treat them.”

Studies have shown that sex steroids have a cognitive effect on the brain. “If you feel low-energy all the time, it’s going to be difficult to do well on the job,” notes Tamler.

TRADITIONAL TREATMENT

Now that doctors know that lower testosterone is predictive of higher mortality, it’s all the more important to seek out treatment.

It was remarked by Tamler that men having low levels of testosterone run a high risk of diabetes, heart disease, and early mortality.