Low Testosterone is a medical condition where the testicles fail to secrete the necessary male sex hormone testosterone leading to various physical conditions. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 2 males in every 100 are afflicted with low testosterone. The medical condition of low testosterone or hypogonadism also refers to an inadequate quantity of testosterone in the body to stimulate the correct male hormone receptors in some vital tissues, like in the reproductive organs, the muscles and bones.
The symptoms of low testosterone include a diminutive sexual ability, lack of interest in sex, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, osteoporosis, mood disorders, weight gain, loss of muscle strength and bone density, decreased sperm production, decreased libido and low levels of fertility. Less frequent, temporary symptoms include irritability, anxiety and acne. Treatment involves injections of the female hormone estrogen or the male hormone testosterone into the afflicted areas. However, some natural home remedies and herbal supplements have also been used for treating this disease.
A blood test is usually done to diagnose low testosterone, but blood tests alone are not enough to confirm the diagnosis. A trained male health clinic providing treatments for ED, PE and Low-T may do a semen analysis to identify the presence of low testosterone in males or testicular biopsy to verify the diagnosis. Sometimes, other conditions can mimic the symptoms of low testosterone; therefore, a complete medical work-up including fasting glucose and blood tests should be carried out to ensure that low testosterone does not cause other diseases.
Doctors use several methods to measure levels of hormones in men. These methods include using a urinalysis called URT, using a blood test known as fasting plasma samples (FPLS), and using a skin patch called a placement kit. Some doctors also perform hormone replacement therapy using pharmaceutical formulations containing testosterone, commonly known as testosterone patches. The FDA has approved these types of therapies, and they work by replacing the natural hormone in your body with the synthetic version.
Low testosterone helps prevent bone loss in older men. Because it improves bone mass, testosterone helps reduce your risk of osteoporosis. In men, low testosterone may contribute to weak libido and erectile dysfunction. It may also help increase blood flow to the genital organs, so you may experience increased sexual activity.
As you can see, testosterone plays many important roles in male health. It prevents and treats many diseases in both men and women, but when low levels occur, it can have serious consequences. So, it’s very important to maintain low testosterone levels. To do this, you may want to consider testosterone supplements.
So, what causes low testosterone anyway? As a normal male ages, the level of testosterone in his body naturally declines. This natural decline also begins after puberty and continues (about 1 percent per year) during his lifetime. There are numerous other possible causes of low testosterone, such as the following:
Aging. As we age, our body’s ability to produce these hormones decreases. The onset of this decline is associated with increasing levels of estrogen. Estrogen levels usually peak in our twenties and steadily decline as we grow older.
Aging. As we age, our bones begin to lose their elasticity and begin to shrink in size. This shrinking of the bones leads to decreased muscle mass, decreased bone density, decreased strength and decreased bone mass – all of which combine to make you weaker, less healthy and less mobile. Low testosterone helps contribute to this process by helping your body maintain and repair your bone mass. As you age, you will notice that you tend to lose a little bit more muscle mass than before.
Low Testosterone. Men who take low testosterone medication need to be careful about their dosage because even low concentrations of this hormone can cause harmful side effects. To be safe, men should take a blood test called a testosterone panel to find out their testosterone levels. Most blood labs will give you a reading of low testosterone at or just below the detection limit of the test.
Reduced Levels of Energy. A decline in your energy levels is a very common side effect of low testosterone. You may feel fatigued, tired and have poor brain function. The lower levels of energy make it difficult for you to accomplish your daily tasks without suffering from dizziness or losing concentration. To counter this effect, men with low testosterone should eat healthier foods, exercise regularly and get enough rest.
Reduced Sex Drive. Like it or not, low testosterone often affects your sex drive. It has been found that men with decreased levels of this hormone are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction, have sexual difficulties and have decreased sex drive. You may think that having a low sex drive means you are less sexually attractive. This is not true. Although sexual drive is affected, it does not mean you do not have sex at all.
Reduced Bone Density. This condition commonly occurs among older men. As men age, the amount of testosterone production declines, which can result in reduced bone mass and joint mass. If left untreated, this condition can cause considerable pain and disability.
You have just learned about some of the most dangerous side effects of low levels of testosterone in your bloodstream. In fact, these symptoms can lead to further complications. Your doctor can help you deal with these possible problems by offering you treatments such as testosterone therapy. However, you should be aware that this process should only be administered by your doctor. Low testosterone can be treated but you need to know the proper way of doing so. There are natural supplements available that can help restore your body back to normal.