Low testosterone (hypogonadism) commonly affects HIV-positive men and is associated with a variety of clinical symptoms adversely affecting their quality of life.

There definitely appears to be a link between low testosterone and HIV infection. Low testosterone is common in all men over 50. This is because testosterone levels decline in all men as they age. So, as the HIV-positive community is living longer thanks to successful antiviral therapies, this can account for some of the increased incidences of low testosterone (hypogonadism) among individuals with HIV.

However, studies have found that low testosterone is more likely in younger men with HIV/AIDS than in non-infected men of similar ages. This seems to suggest some other connection between HIV and low testosterone than the normal age-related testosterone decline.

Studies have found that testosterone replacement therapy can be helpful in counteracting the “wasting” of muscle and bone typical of HIV/AIDS patients. This is particularly true in HIV-positive patients who have also been diagnosed with low testosterone.

There is evidence that varicoceles -enlarged varicose veins of the testicles can impact the production of testosterone, leading to testosterone deficiency.

As many as 15 percent of men have varicoceles, masses of enlarged and dilated veins in the testicles. Among other issues associated with varicoceles, including their known impact on fertility, new research suggests that having the condition could interfere with testosterone production leading to low testosterone.

Medical research has shown that men, particularly older men, with low testosterone are almost five times more likely to be anemic than men with normal testosterone levels.

Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues. Low testosterone, or “Low-T,” has been associated with anemia. Studies have indicated that older men with low testosterone are almost five times more likely to be anemic than men with normal levels.

Among the many testosterone functions, the hormone plays a critical role in the production of red blood cells. Therefore, anemia is often a symptom associated with testosterone deficiency. The higher-than-normal rates of anemia, particularly in men over 50 suffering from hypogonadism or low testosterone, have led medical researchers to further explore the connection between testosterone levels and anemia in older patients.

Testosterone levels decrease as you age. However, there are many proven ways to increase your testosterone levels, from diet to supplementation to medical interventions.

Testosterone replacement therapy can be prescribed in several different forms. Our doctors believe that testosterone injections are the safest and most effective form of testosterone therapy.

Each of the various methods of delivering testosterone has its own relative advantages and disadvantages. The most commonly prescribed delivery methods for testosterone therapy are:

• Testosterone Injections
• Testosterone Patches
• Testosterone Pellets

On this page, we will discuss the relative merits and indications of each type of testosterone therapy.

However, only you and your doctor can decide which delivery method is best for you based on your testosterone test results, your medical history, and individual needs and lifestyle.

Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome, also known as “Hypogonadism,” is a condition in which your body does not produce sufficient testosterone. The conditions may simply be referred to as having a “testosterone deficiency” or “low testosterone.”

There can be a number of causes of testosterone deficiencies, such as injury to or disease of the testes or pituitary glands, certain cancers, or genetic conditions. Some medications can also lead to a testosterone deficiency, as can stress, obesity, or alcohol abuse.

However, the most common cause of a testosterone deficiency is simply the natural drop in testosterone levels as you age.