Low Testosterone Can Affect Urinary Function in Men

Posted: October 31, 2024

There is a potential connection between low testosterone and urinary health in men, which may mean that hormonal imbalances contribute to issues like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and overactive bladder (OAB). These conditions can affect your quality of life and make daily routines difficult.

If you are concerned about low testosterone and how it may be affecting other aspects of your health, Low T Center offers specialized care and treatment options. Schedule an appointment with us now to get your testosterone levels checked.

Identifying Testosterone Issues

Low testosterone occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough of this essential hormone. Age is the primary reason for deficiency, as testosterone levels in men naturally decline with each passing year, typically starting around age 30. However, other causes can include:

• Lifestyle factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, poor diet, and excessive alcohol consumption can all negatively impact testosterone production.
• Medical conditions: Certain conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and thyroid disorders can affect hormone balance.
• Medications: Some medications, including opioids and steroids, may suppress testosterone levels.
• Testicular injury or dysfunction: Damage to the testicles through injury or infection can impair their ability to produce testosterone.

Common symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, and difficulty concentrating. However, as we’ll explore further, this hormone deficinecy can also manifest in unexpected ways, including disruptions to urinary function.

Common Urinary Issues Experienced by Men

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Testosterone helps maintain the prostate gland. This gland encircles the urethra, the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder. As men age and testosterone levels decline, the prostate may enlarge, leading to a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). An enlarged prostate can compress the urethra, obstructing urine flow and leading to related urinary tract symptoms.  

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)

LUTS encompass a range of bothersome urinary problems that can disrupt your sleep and cause significant discomfort. They may include: 

• Increased urinary frequency: Needing to urinate more often than usual.  
• Urinary urgency: A sudden, strong urge to urinate that’s difficult to postpone.  
• Nocturia: Waking up multiple times during the night to urinate.  
• Weak urine stream: Having a slow or hesitant urine flow.  
• Straining to urinate: Difficulty initiating urination or completely emptying the bladder.  
• Intermittency: A stop-and-start urine stream.  
• Dribbling: Leaking urine after finishing urination.  

LUTS can have various underlying causes, and a testosterone deficiency is just one potential contributing factor. However, understanding the hormonal component is essential for proper diagnosis and management of these issues.

Overactive Bladder (OAB)

While the link between low testosterone and overactive bladder (OAB) is less established than with BPH, some research suggests a potential connection. OAB is characterized by urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia, often accompanied by urge incontinence (involuntary urine leakage). Hormonal changes associated with low testosterone may influence bladder muscle function and contribute to OAB symptoms.  

Looking at the Testosterone Connection

Improving your testosterone levels can help improve other areas of your health, too.

The relationship between testosterone and urinary function is complex and continues to be an area of active research. One study published in the Journal of Urology found that men with depleted testosterone levels were more likely to experience LUTS, particularly nocturia and weak urine stream. 

Research has shown that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can lead to improvements in urinary symptoms for some men. A study in the journal Andrology demonstrated that TRT significantly reduced nocturia episodes and improved overall urinary symptom scores in men with low testosterone.

Regarding OAB, the evidence is less conclusive. Some studies suggest a potential link between low testosterone and OAB symptoms, particularly in older men. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship and determine the effectiveness of testosterone therapy in managing OAB.

Diagnosing and Treating Low Testosterone

Diagnosing low testosterone involves a combination of evaluating symptoms and conducting a blood test. If you are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and urinary problems, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can order a blood test to measure your testosterone levels, ideally taken in the morning when levels are highest. An accurate diagnosis allows your provider to create a precise TRT treatment program for you.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

TRT can alleviate many symptoms of low testosterone. This treatment aims to restore your levels to a normal range through injections that provide supplementary testosterone directly into your bloodstream. Regular injections help your body maintain a steady and elevated level of testosterone to rebalance your hormones. This rebalance allows your bodily systems to function better and more productively. 

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can positively impact both testosterone levels and urinary health. This includes:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Losing excess weight can often boost testosterone production.
• Regular exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, including strength training, can help increase testosterone levels.
• Balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein supports overall health and hormone balance.
• Stress management: Chronic stress can negatively impact hormone production, so stress-reducing techniques may be beneficial.

Medications for Urinary Symptoms

Your doctor may prescribe medications specifically for urinary symptoms, such as:

• Alpha-blockers: These medications relax bladder neck muscles and prostate muscle fibers, improving urine flow.
• 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: These drugs can shrink the prostate gland, reducing urinary obstruction.
• Antimuscarinics: These medications can help calm an overactive bladder.

Choosing the appropriate treatment plan requires careful consideration of your individual needs and health history. You should work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for managing testosterone and urinary system concerns.

Experienced Providers for Testosterone Treatment 

Low T Center specializes in diagnosing and treating low testosterone. We offer personalized solutions to help men improve their quality of life. Visit the Low T clinic nearest you to get started.

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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.