Symptoms of low testosterone in men include reduced sex drive and weak bone mass. This symptom is often overlooked until there is an obvious decline in sexual performance. The hormone plays an important role in many bodily functions, such as: production of sperm, storing nutrients like glucose at the testes, and maintaining hormonal balance. Testosterone also plays an important role in reproduction and is used by the male reproductive system for the development of sperm.
As a man ages, testicular production gradually decreases and older men may have symptoms of low testosterone around their neck, chest or back. Testosterone helps maintain bone mass and is needed for normal body function and strength. In older men, decreased testosterone production may also contribute to weak muscles and decreased bone mass. The hormone also plays an important role in the production of sperm and is needed for fertilization.
Signs of low testosterone include decreased libido, diminished muscle size, decreased bone density and loss of strength. Testosterone replacement therapy is an effective treatment for low testosterone, but side effects and risks must be considered. Because testosterone plays an important role in several bodily functions and reproduction, hormone replacement therapy may result in adverse side effects. Some common side effects include edema (water retention), hypoparathyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels), infertility and mild increase in blood pressure.
Testosterone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed for older men who experience symptoms of low testosterone production. It is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. In recent years, herbal testosterone supplements have been marketed as an alternative to synthetic testosterone drugs. While they do not interfere with testosterone production, these products are not approved by the FDA and consumers must be cautious of possible interactions with other medications, vitamins and herbs.
Herbal supplements that increase the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) may also help treat symptoms of low testosterone, but research is unclear as to whether or not they have any effect on testosterone levels overall. Some evidence suggests that they may help treat conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and small prostate enlargement. They appear to be of some benefit in treating low libido and erectile dysfunction in older men, particularly for improving sexual response and libido. However, they are not recommended for use by men with a history of depression, diabetes or congestive heart failure. There is some evidence that high doses of estrogen can cause an increase in symptoms of low testosterone, but this evidence is unclear.
Testosterone injections have been shown to improve the quality and duration of erection in some men. Because these injections are made from a natural compound, they have very few side effects. Injection treatments are more expensive than topical treatments and may not be covered by insurance unless the doctor considers it medically necessary. However, some doctors offer a monthly injection service that allows customers to have their blood levels tested to determine if these treatments are right for them.
Low Testosterone, also called hypogonadism, usually refers to an imbalance in the levels of this male sex hormone testosterone. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone (as opposed to estrogen) and is mainly produced by the reproductive testes. Low testosterone normally originates from testicular infection or injury (primarily hypogonadism), disease or malfunction of the pituitary gland, and reduced vitamin D levels in the body. Because low levels of testosterone often occur with aging, it can have a significant effect on a man’s sexual ability and performance. In some cases, low levels of testosterone may even lead to decreased sperm motility and reduced fertility.
Symptoms of low testosterone may go unnoticed because they are commonly associated with other health conditions. However, if left untreated, low testosterone can cause many uncomfortable symptoms. Some of these include diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, and low testosterone blood flow through the testes. If left untreated for a long enough period of time, low testosterone levels can eventually lead to severe health problems such as diabetes, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, infertility, and heart disease. Fortunately, symptoms of low testosterone can be checked and treated regularly.
As far as testosterone helps with bone mass goes, research has shown that it does help improve bone mass in men who suffer from reduced testosterone levels. Testosterone helps control muscle growth, which is why bodybuilders often use it to bulk up. Other people may take testosterone supplements to supplement for a lack of testosterone in their bodies. Common symptoms of low testosterone may notice decreased bone mass or decreased muscle mass. Testosterone also helps build up a person’s energy and stamina, so a person who is lacking it may find it difficult to exercise.
Testosterone therapy can also help treat symptoms of low levels of testosterone. Because testosterone helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, some doctors such as Priority Men’s Medical Center may prescribe it to treat conditions such as hypertension and high cholesterol. In addition, some experts believe that low levels of testosterone in the bloodstream are linked to increased blood clots. Blood clots are solidified blood vessels that have formed in the walls of arteries. These blood clots can be very dangerous, as they are made up of fat and therefore can easily block off a person’s circulation. Therefore, testosterone therapy can be used to treat these conditions.
Because Testosterone plays an important role in how a person’s body looks, some people might wonder what happens to their testicles if they suffer from this condition. The answer is simple: nothing. There is no part of the body where Testosterone will be found that can be affected by low levels of testosterone. The testicles are enclosed in the germ cells known as the Leydig Cells. These cells produce the hormones responsible for sexual functioning. Therefore, when a man suffers from Testosterone deficiency, his Leydig Cells does not produce adequate Testosterone.
If you think you are suffering from a medical condition that affects your Testosterone levels, make sure to talk with your doctor. He or she will be able to determine whether there is a physical reason that you are experiencing symptoms and whether low levels of testosterone are to blame. Once your doctor has diagnosed you, he or she will be able to prescribe treatments for your specific condition. This means that you can get back to enjoying the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.
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