When your level of testosterone falls below the healthy level, you can develop different conditions such as infertility or hypogonadism. However, you can get testosterone and help to boost your testosterone level to restore the desired level. This article will look at everything you need to know about testosterone including signs of low testosterone and the available treatments.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for the production of male sexual characteristics. Hormones are simply chemical envoys that activate the required changes in your body. Ladies also require and produce testosterone but in small amounts. Testosterone is also said to be a kind of androgen that is released mainly by the testicles in cells known as the Leydig cells. In gents, testosterone regulates a wide range of functions as well as sperm production. Some of these functions include:
- Fast distribution
- Red blood cell production
- Sex drive
- Muscle strength and size
Without a sufficient level of testosterone, males can become infertile. That’s because testosterone is a critical hormone that helps in the release of mature sperm.
Testosterone also plays a key role in sex drive, muscle strength, and bone density in women. Lack of sex drive and erectile dysfunction are sexual problems that can result from low testosterone. If low testosterone is the cause, treating it can help. But excess testosterone in ladies can make the women experience infertility and male pattern baldness.
The pituitary gland and brain control the level of testosterone. Once released, the hormone circulates via your blood to perform its different functions.
Symptoms and Signs of Low Testosterone
Here are the common symptoms and signs of low testosterone in men. Note that ladies can also experience some of these signs and symptoms.
Erections Problem
Low testosterone makes it hard to get and maintain an erection. It stimulates your penile tissues to release nitric oxide which triggers different reactions that lead to an erection.
Other factors that can lead to erection dysfunction include smoking, high cholesterol, thyroid-related issues, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and high blood pressure.
Hair Loss
Age-related hair loss can affect both men and women – it is a natural process of ageing. Ageing leads to low testosterone which usually results in hair loss.
Reduced Bone Mass
Testosterone is an important hormone that helps to release bone tissues and even maintain bone volume. Reduced testosterone often results in a reduction in the bone volume, making them more prone to fractures.
Reduced Testicle Size
A man with low testosterone might notice a reduction in his testicle size that is not a result of cold weather. The scrotum will also feel and look softer than normal.
Reduced Amount of Semen
Semen makes up a huge amount of male ejaculation. Semen is the fluid that helps the sperm to move toward the female egg.
Testosterone plays a key role in helping the production of semen and low semen means a low testosterone level.
Difficulty Sleeping
Gents with a reduced level of testosterone might find it hard to fall and stay asleep. They can also experience sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a severe disorder that can make you stop breathing for a while, which will affect your sleep.
Lowered Sex Drive
It is now obvious that male with low levels of testosterone will experience a low sex drive. Diminishing sex drive can occur due to age but if the cause is low testosterone, the male will experience a huge decrease in sexual desire.
Reduced Muscle Mass
Another critical role of testosterone is the development of your muscle mass, and low level of testosterone can lead to a noticeable loss of your muscle mass. But note that low muscle mass doesn’t really mean that their function or strength will be affected.
Hot Flashes
Although hot flashes are mainly associated with estrogen levels that reduce during menopause, reduced testosterone can also lead to this symptom.
Reduced Energy Levels
Another sign of low levels of testosterone is fatigue and low levels of energy. You can feel tired even after resting for hours or develop a diminished interest in movement and exercise.
Increased Body Fat
Low levels of testosterone can result in increased body fat. Also, a low level of testosterone can lead to a deficiency in the development of gynecomastia hormone that maintains male breasts size.
Mood Swings or Changes in Mood
Men can lose focus, be depressed, and feel irritated if they have a low level of testosterone.
Low Levels of Testosterone Treatment
By now you understand that you can get testosterone online and even seek the medical help you desire. With that said, there are two main methods that can ensure you release the right amount of testosterone.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy or TRT
A doctor will prescribe the TRT if you have several signs of low testosterone and if the blood test shows a deficiency. TRT is delivered through different methods including:
- Gels
- Injections
- Skin patches
- Oral tablets Surgically implanted pellets which release testosterone
Most people will experience relief from signs and symptoms of low testosterone with 6 weeks.
Testosterone Supplements
Another treatment of low testosterone is through the use of supplements. One such supplement is the Methyltestosterone that has the approval of the FDA.
However, doctors are advised not to prescribe this product since its testosterones are highly metabolized by the liver. This can easily lead to liver toxicity.
Until further research is done and provides stronger evidence that this product is really safe and beneficial, only older people with austere clinical signs of low testosterone are allowed to use these supplements.
Speak to a Doctor
If you are not sure whether the TRT will work, contact a doctor to learn about the benefits and risks involved. The doctor will measure your testosterone level two or three times before recommending the right treatment for you.
A serious medical condition that results in an abnormal decline in testosterone can be a major reason for taking supplements.
What’s The Verdict?
Reports show that 2 in every 100 men suffer from reduced levels of testosterone. The condition gets worse with age as men usually lose testosterone when they get older.
However, most cases of deficiency in testosterone level can be treated, and understanding the symptoms can ensure that you get the right diagnosis and treatment. Speak to a medical doctor today and confirm whether you will need treatment.
Reference:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1476110/
- https://www.webmd.com/men/how-low-testosterone-can-affect-your-sex-drive