Testosterone is the major sex hormone in males. It is essential to the development of male growth and masculine characteristics.
However, testosterone plays several roles in both physical and mental health.
Testosterone influences the production of red blood cells, which are crucial for oxygen transport throughout the body, and helps maintain bone density, contributing to overall body strength and endurance.
Without adequate amounts of testosterone, men become infertile. This is because testosterone assists the development of mature sperm.
This article will explore the causes, symptoms, effects and treatments options for testosterone deficiency.
What is Testosterone Deficiency?
Low testosterone (testosterone deficiency) in men occurs when the body is unable to make enough testosterone.
It is sometimes called hypogonadism. Low testosterone can significantly affect a man’s health and quality of life.
Normal range of testosterone: Male: 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 10 to 35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).
What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?
1. Physical symptoms
Reduced muscle mass
- Testosterone plays a role in the development of muscle mass, and reduced levels of the hormone can result in.
- Trusted Source a significant loss of muscle mass.
Fatigue / Weight gain / Hair thinning
2. Mental health impacts
- Mood swing / Irritability / Depression / Difficult concentrating
3. Sexual symptoms
- Low libido/ Difficult achieving erection / Reduced sexual performances
4. Silent signs
Reduced bone mass
Testosterone helps to produce bone tissue and maintain bone volume.
Low testosterone can lead to a reduction in this volume, which can make the bones more susceptible to fractures.
Reduction in the amount of semen
Semen is the fluid that makes up the majority of male ejaculate. This type of fluid helps the sperm move toward the egg.
Testosterone helps stimulate the production of semen, and reduced semen levels can indicate a reduction in testosterone.
It can also lead to fertility issues.
What Causes Testosterone Deficiency?
Natural aging
The aging process can cause low testosterone.
Medical condition
Chronic illnesses like diabetes, anemia, HIV, and obesity can cause low testosterone.
Lifestyle factors
Poor diet , lack of exercise, high stress, sleep deprivation.
Environmental toxins
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can lead to reduced testosterone levels in men.
Examples: Some EDCs, like phthalates, can block the effects of testosterone on the body’s organs and tissues.
How Do I Treat or Prevent Testosterone Deficiency?
1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a prescription medicine used to treat low testosterone levels in some men with significant symptoms.
In some men with low testosterone, TRT can improve your mood, energy, wellbeing, libido (sex drive) and sexual function.
A common question about TRT is how long does testosterone replacement therapy last?
The duration of testosterone replacement therapy varies depending on the individual’s goals, underlying health condition and how their body responds to treatment.
Keen to know the cost of testosterone replacement therapy? Click on the link to find out.
2. Lifestyle Changes
There are really only three things that have been proven to naturally raise testosterone levels.
- The first of which is just weight loss.
- The second thing is exercise, particularly weight lifting. It has clearly been shown to boost testosterone and human growth hormone.
- Weight lifting is actually the only thing that can boost human growth hormone, which can then also drive testosterone.
- The third thing is just trying to eat a healthy diet, avoiding a lot of excess sugar and that kind of thing, which, again ties into weight loss.
3. Health Screening
Encourage regular check-ups to monitor testosterone levels and identify deficiency.
Conclusion
Low testosterone is a common side effect of the aging process in males.
Most cases of low testosterone are treatable, and being aware of the symptoms can help a person receive an early diagnosis and treatment.
If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone such as low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, hair loss and fatigue, don’t wait any longer.
Contact us at Universal Clinic for an appointment with our doctor. Most causes of low testosterone are easily treated.
