The tissues of the urethra (the urinary pee hole) are also affected and can cause some people on testosterone to be more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder infections. Traditionally, the medical term for this experience is called "atrophy." Some might even have small tears in the tissue with internal friction that can cause small amounts of bleeding from the tears. Research is ongoing to find better ways to manage penile health during HRT. We’re always looking ahead to new developments in hormone therapy for transgender women. This might include medications or devices to help maintain penile health during treatment. For guys on hormone therapy, talk to your doctor about penile rehabilitation. Testicular atrophy is not related to the temporary shrinkage of the surrounding scrotum, which might occur in response to cold temperature. If you're experiencing symptoms of atrophy and want to get support, schedule an appointment! Conditions and symptoms described below may be simple and easily treated and others may need an exam, testing, and treatment by a clinician in person. Unlike estrogen treatments, lubes can be purchased over the counter, meaning they don't require a prescription nor need to be purchased in a pharmaceutical setting. If you believe you’re experiencing side effects from either treatment, please contact your healthcare provider. Because of how low the dose of estrogen is and how it is applied, there should not be any noticeable change in the effects of testosterone. For those on testosterone, the thought of taking estrogen might feel scary or uncomfortable. While the physical shrinking of testicles is the primary sign, testicular atrophy often comes with additional symptoms that reflect underlying hormonal or functional changes. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), while treating low testosterone symptoms, can paradoxically cause testicular shrinkage by suppressing natural testosterone production. Testing hormone levels and addressing underlying causes through lifestyle changes or medical treatment can help restore testicular health. As a result, these individuals are typically monitored for the reoccurrence of testicular atrophy and low testosterone levels. Performance of an orchiectomy on individuals diagnosed with testicular atrophy has a possible negative impact on their testosterone levels in the long term. Testicular atrophy is a medical condition in which one or both testicles (or "testes") diminish in size and may be accompanied by reduced testicular function. This condition can be concerning for many men, as the testicles play crucial roles in producing testosterone and sperm. The levels do not fluctuate as much (you take it daily), and hence does not suppress the production (unless you are giving yourself too large a dose. You can actually measure the level and adjust the daily dosage to keep the T level below 1000. It ends up testosterone treatment may make you feel better, but may not increase the amount of sex you have. It has little effect on erectile dysfunction unless the testosterone level is quite low. It used to be that we did not give testosterone shots unless both the level was below 300 ng/dl, and there were some symptoms of low testosterone. Some research shows that a low-fat diet could decrease testosterone levels. Additionally, constant dieting or overeating may disrupt your testosterone levels. What you eat can affect levels of testosterone as well as other hormones. Resistance training, such as weightlifting, has been shown to boost testosterone levels in the short term. According to a 2020 literature review, the effects on testosterone levels can vary based on several factors, including the type of exercise and the training intensity. Here are eight evidence-based ways to increase your testosterone levels naturally. In addition to drug therapies and surgical interventions to treat testicular atrophy, lifestyle modifications might also be recommended by healthcare providers. Orchitis, or inflammation of the testicles due to a bacterial or viral infection, can lead to testicular atrophy. If testosterone levels drop below normal values, libido (sexual drive) is reduced, which can lead to the development of erectile dysfunction (a condition in which the penis is not able to get or stay erect). Heavy alcohol use can lead to reduced testicular function and testicular atrophy. High exposure to estrogen-like chemicals may also affect testosterone levels. Other research suggests that several herbal supplements could also help support healthy testosterone levels, including saw palmetto, ginger, and ashwagandha. Although the potential benefits of multivitamins are hotly debated, certain supplements may be useful for supporting healthy testosterone levels. She is passionate about addressing health disparities by building scalable healthcare solutions. Dr. Milinkovic initially joined SiPhox Health to spearhead the health coaching initiative and has been a key contributor in the development and launch of the Heart and Metabolic program. She has contributed to global health initiatives, implementing surgical safety standards and protocols across rural Uganda. The reasonable question is why does replacing testosterone lead to atrophy? As dependence on exogenous hormones deepens over time, recovery of the body’s natural production becomes uncertain, and in some cases, impossible. Reduced LH stimulation causes Leydig cell shrinkage and apoptosis, while suppressed FSH undermines Sertoli cell activity. Because spermatogenesis and testicular trophic maintenance rely on high local concentrations of testosterone, the testes begin to lose structural integrity. LH acts on Leydig cells within the testes to produce testosterone, while FSH supports Sertoli cell function and spermatogenesis.
