Overview

Humans produce the hormone testosterone. Men have substantially higher testosterone levels than women. The production increases during puberty and begins to decline beyond the age of 30. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for men’s masculinity. It is responsible for certain masculine characteristics such as deep voice, muscular build, and facial hair. A drop in testosterone levels is a normal part of the aging process. Because testosterone regulates so many bodily activities, its absence can result in substantial physical and emotional changes. Low testosterone symptoms can be modest, but if they interfere with your daily life, treatment is available. Multiple Low testosterone research studies near you are being conducted which may be able to help you understand this condition & find a potential treatment option that may be able to help countless people suffering.

What is Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone (Male hypogonadism) is a condition in which the testes do not produce adequate testosterone. A slow decline of testosterone is a normal part of aging, and is also referred to as “andropause” or “male menopause.” This causes no serious difficulties or symptoms for many men. While others may notice a loss of muscular mass, depression, or a diminished interest in sex.

Testosterone affects and maintains:

• Sexual development
• Enhances sperm production 
• Sex drive
• An adequate level of RBCs in the blood
• A sense of well being
• Aids in the growth of muscle and bone density

How Common is Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone affects over 40% of males aged 45 and up. Normal testosterone levels are difficult to define since they fluctuate throughout the day and are influenced by body mass index (BMI), nutrition, alcohol intake, certain medications, age, and sickness.

What are the Causes of Low Testosterone?

There are other potential causes of low testosterone, such as the following:

• Testicular injury (trauma, interruption of blood supply) or infection (orchitis)
• Cancer chemotherapy
• Hemochromatosis is an example of a metabolic condition (too much iron in the body)
• Pituitary gland dysfunction or malignancies
• Opioids, hormones used to treat prostate cancer, and steroids are examples of medications (such as prednisone)
• Abuse of alcohol
• Liver cirrhosis
• Chronic renal failure (kidney failure)
• HIV/AIDS
• Sarcoidosis and other inflammatory diseases (a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs and other organs)
• The Kallman phenomenon (abnormal development of the hypothalamus, a gland in the brain that controls many hormones)
• Obesity or excessive weight reduction
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus that is uncontrolled
• Congenital malformation (present at birth)
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Aging
• Excess estrogen 
• Previous use of anabolic steroids. 

What are Low Testosterone Symptoms?

If your testosterone production declines dramatically, you may experience a variety of symptoms. Low testosterone symptoms can be modest and include:

Lack of sex drive

Testosterone is important in sex drive, also known as libido. Some people may suffer a decrease in sex drive as they age, but those with low testosterone are likely to see a more dramatic decrease. 

Difficulty getting and keeping an erection

Testosterone helps to achieve and sustain an erection. When testosterone levels are low, it may be difficult to achieve an erection before intercourse or to experience spontaneous erections, such as when sleeping.

Severe hot flushes

Hot flashes might be an indication of low testosterone. This can seem like a sudden surge of heat. You may also have excessive sweating, skin reddening, and nocturnal sweats.

Loss of hair

Testosterone is involve in a variety of bodily functions, including hair formation. Balding is a natural part of the aging process for many men, and while it can be inherit, those with low testosterone may also lose body and facial hair.

Fatigue

Males with low testosterone may experience tiredness and a loss of energy. If you’re chronically exhausted despite getting plenty of sleep or find it difficult to get inspired to exercise, you may have low testosterone.

Loss of muscle mass

Males with low testosterone may experience a decrease in muscular mass, as testosterone aids in muscle growth. Testosterone improves muscle mass but not necessarily strength or function.

An increase in body fat

Males with low testosterone levels may gain weight or develop gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue. Gynecomastia can arise when the body’s testosterone and estrogen levels are out of balance.

Reduced bone mass

Many people connect osteoporosis with women, but men with low testosterone can also have bone loss. Because testosterone aids in the production and strengthening of bone, men with low testosterone, particularly in older age, may have decreased bone volume and be more prone to bone fractures. 

Mood swings

Males with low testosterone levels may experience mood swings. Because testosterone affects numerous physical processes in the body, it can also affect mood and mental function.

Memory impairment

With age, both testosterone levels and cognitive skills, particularly memory, decline. As a result, reduced testosterone levels may contribute to worse memory.

Smaller penis and testicles

Because testosterone is required by the body to build the penis and testicles, low testosterone levels may contribute to a disproportionately smaller penis or testicles.

Low blood counts

Doctors have connected low testosterone with an increased risk of anemia. Anemia can cause the following symptoms:

• Concentration difficulties 
• Dizziness 
• Leg cramping 
• Sleeping problems
• Fast heart rate

How can we Manage Low testosterone?

Low testosterone is treat by testosterone replacement treatment, which can be administer in a variety of ways:

Patch of skin:

A patch is put to the skin once every 24 hours in the evening and releases little amounts of the hormone into the skin.

Gels:

Topical gels are applied to the skin on both upper arms, shoulders, and thighs on a daily basis. To avoid exposing others to testosterone, wash your hands after applying and cover the treated area with clothing.

Oral treatment:

Twice a day, capsules are taken or pills are applied to your gums or inner cheek. After then, testosterone is taken into the bloodstream.

Pellets:

These are placed beneath the skin, generally around the hips or buttocks, and gradually release testosterone. They are replace, every three to six months.

Injections:

Every seven to fourteen days, several formulations are administer. Testosterone levels may jump for a few days following the injection and then gradually decline, causing a roller-coaster effect in which mood and energy levels spike before declining.

Most men notice an improvement in their low testosterone symptoms within four to six weeks of starting testosterone replacement therapy. However, some effects, such as increased muscle mass, may take three to six months.

Testosterone replacement therapy has certain side effects. These include:

• Acne or oily skin
• Swelling in the feet caused by mild fluid retention
• Stimulation of the prostate can cause urination symptoms such as difficulty urinating
• Breast enlargement or tenderness
• Worsening of sleep apnea 
• Smaller testicles
• Skin irritation in patients getting topical testosterone replacement.

Takeaway

The level of testosterone in a man’s body generally decreases as he ages. This gradual decline begins at the age of 30 and lasts throughout his life. If you have any signs of low testosterone, ask your doctor to check your levels. A simple blood test can be used to make a diagnosis, and there are several treatment options available to alleviate the unpleasant side effects of low T.  Many clinical research organizations in texas near you, are conducting research studies to better understand this condition and find a solution to it.

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