Dear Dr. Roach I am a 67-year-old male in fair to good health (more good than fair, really). In a recent column, you mentioned that a good testosterone level for a man taking a replacement would be between 500-600 ng\/dl.<\/p>\n
In November 2016, I was tested for my testosterone level. At the time, I was (and still am) suffering from a low sex drive and erectile dysfunction. My level was 290 ng\/dl. The reference range my primary care doctor bases his judgment on has an acceptable range from 193-950 ng\/dl; hence he said my level was low normal.<\/p>\n
When looking at the symptoms of low testosterone, I noted that I have at least four symptoms: low sex drive, ED (for which I have already been treated with a prosthetic implant), loss of body hair (especially my legs) and, most notably, osteoporosis (for which I take alendronate sodium, 70 mg weekly). I was diagnosed in November.<\/p>\n
I also am being treated for depression and anxiety disorder, and have been since 2001. I dont know if this is related to my testosterone level.<\/p>\n
Should I talk to my doctor about the disparity Ive found in reference ranges? Should I be seeking treatment for the low testosterone? J.P.P.<\/p>\n
Answer I think you definitely should speak to your primary care physician. You also might benefit from a discussion with a urologist or endocrinologist with experience in treating men with testosterone replacement.<\/p>\n
When we look at normal testosterone levels by age, we find that older men have lower normal levels; however, given your symptoms and result, I certainly would think a trial of testosterone would be appropriate. I must say that I am surprised that you had an implant placed without a trial of testosterone first. I also am surprised you were treated for osteoporosis without a trial of testosterone replacement, which has been shown to improve bone density in men with low testosterone levels (one study treated men with a testosterone level below 350; another if they were below 320). Low libido and erectile dysfunction both frequently respond to testosterone replacement: Some men get benefit in their mood as well. You sound to me like an excellent candidate for testosterone replacement.<\/p>\n
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu<\/a> or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, Fla. 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from rbmamall.com.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n See original here: Dear Dr. Continue reading
\nTestosterone replacement can affect sex drive, osteoporosis | To ... - STLtoday.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"