There are speculations about low testosterone being the cause of weight gain in both men and women. Weight gain has been probably identified as a factual symptom of low T in both men and women. Sometimes, in extreme cases, Obesity has resulted. Although, for Obesity to follow low T, the condition must be accompanied by certain lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise and perhaps a sedentary daily habit.
It is now known that low testosterone can precipitate frequent deposits of fat in the body. A study on 7 hypogonadal men has shown that low testosterone weight gain is a scientific fact. To the question, can low testosterone cause obesity? The answer is not so programmed. We can, however, conclude by saying that men and women with low T problems can count obesity as a possible risk. We may say therefore that low testosterone obesity is a distinct possibility. Congenital factors, lifestyle, and other hormonal issues may also be pertinent.
Also, and disturbingly, fat causes testosterone to metabolize that much faster in the body. What this means is that while plunging testosterone levels increase fatty deposits, the resulting fatty tissue often triggers a faster burning through of the testosterone in the body, which is already low, to begin with. The final result is, of course, a much lower testosterone level.
Curiously, this same study also shows that mid-to-long time treatment of hypogonadal men with low T definitely leads to weight gain. However, unlike in the low T situation, it was discovered that the weight gain recorded by the subject males were of a fat-free nature, indicating the growth of muscle mass. Hormonal replacement therapy thus seems a two-pronged approach that can get rid of fat and increase healthy muscle tissue or mass.
The procedure for treatment will usually follow this order
Examination and Testing
The patient needs to go through a physical examination to ascertain his or her physical health. Also, this could give an indication of other factors causing weight gain. The examination thus conducted will also check for physical symptoms that point to low T in the patient. Along with this physical exam would be other tests.
Importantly the endocrinologist will take a blood and saliva sample to determine testosterone levels. If necessary, the Doctor could also ask the patient certain questions, either orally or by means of a questionnaire to determine mental health. The results of these tests and examinations will help the Doctor reach the correct diagnosis of the cause of the weight gain and whether it is testosterone-related.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis uses the sum total of all tests and examinations to determine the underlying causes and type of the patient’s condition. If it is determined that low T is to blame for the patient’s weight gain, a suitable TRT will be decided. Note that TRT can also cause weight gain in some patients. The difference is that this is a fat-free weight that is due to muscle tissue development.
Treatment
Treatment will begin carefully following the doctor’s testosterone prescription. Options may include administering testosterone through injections, pellets, gel, or even a patch. This depends on the Doctor’s summing up of the patient’s medical condition. Treatment may go on for a month.
Monitoring and Follow up
Follow up of the patient is important as this ensures the patient is Responding normally to TRT.