As a DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine), Dr. Stephen Petteruti focuses on treating the whole body to help a patient reach all-around health, rather than focusing just on symptoms. Among the treatments Dr. Stephen Petteruti offers at his Rhode Island practice is testosterone replacement therapy for men.
Various things can cause or contribute to lower testosterone levels. For instance, some men have hypogonadism, an endocrine disease in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. In other cases, the lowered levels are a result of the aging process. Testosterone levels are highest in adolescence and young adulthood and then decline over the following decades.
Symptoms of lower levels of testosterone vary, but can include gaining body fat and losing muscle. It may also negatively affect bone density. Sexual effects, such as having less of an interest in sex, may also occur. However, lower testosterone does not just affect the physical body. It can also cause mental changes, such as depression or a lack of confidence.
A doctor can evaluate a patient’s symptoms, check hormone levels, and help determine how to approach decreased testosterone levels. Depending on the situation, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to boost testosterone, either alone or in conjunction with testosterone replacement therapy.
Dr Stephen Petteruti 