Low testosterone, otherwise known as hypogonadism, is a condition which affects many men as they age. Testosterone is produced in the adrenal glands and testes of males. The release of testosterone is regulated by the brain hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Testosterone is a sex hormone essential for boys during puberty for development.
Testosterone allows for the development of male physical features and sexual function. As boys exit puberty and enter adulthood, testosterone maintains muscle strength and mass, hair growth, bone density, sexual functions, energy and mood levels. Testosterone is also needed for sperm production. Generally, testosterone levels are highest in the morning and lowest in the evening but fluctuation does occur with age. As men age, it is normal for their testosterone levels to decrease.
About 4 out of 10 men over the age of 45 will have decreased testosterone levels. This affects sex drive, body fat, energy levels, and more. Many studies have demonstrated a decline in serum testosterone concentration with increasing age. However, in menopause there is a complete estrogen deficiency causing known clinical side effects. Men have decreased levels of their sex hormone with less obvious clinical consequences.
It is expected that most men will have some decline in testosterone as they age. Usually these declines are insignificant and do not cause noticeable symptoms. There are various factors that could cause low testosterone levels. Some of these include:. As describe above, men may or may not notice symptoms of low testosterone. Additionally, some of the symptoms of low testosterone overlap with other conditions.
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I want to get healthier. Low testosterone can lead to a reduction in this volume, which can make the bones more susceptible to fractures.
A male with low testosterone may notice a reduction in the size of their testicles that is not related to cold temperatures. 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 levels of semen can indicate a reduction in testosterone. It can also lead to trouble with fertility.
Many males with low testosterone also have sleep apnea. This potentially severe disorder causes a person to temporarily stop breathing, which can disrupt sleep.
A diminishing sex drive occurs naturally with age, but when the cause is low testosterone, a man will notice a significant decrease in the desire for sex.
Testosterone plays a role in the development of muscle mass, and reduced levels of the hormone can result in a significant loss of muscle mass. However, as low testosterone causes a decrease in mass, the function and strength of the muscles do not diminish, according to the findings of a review. While many people associate hot flashes with estrogen levels that fluctuate during menopause , low levels of testosterone may also cause this symptom. Low testosterone can lead to reduced levels of energy and fatigue.
A person may feel tired, even after adequate rest, or they may develop a diminished interest in exercise or movement. In some cases, men with a deficiency of the hormone develop gynecomastia, which causes an enlargement of the breasts. Some evidence suggests that men with low levels of testosterone are likely to experience a lack of focus, irritability, and depression. A doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy if a person displays a number of symptoms. Low testosterone does not always present symptoms, and some people only learn about it after a routine physical examination with bloodwork.
However, anyone who experiences one or more of the symptoms listed above should seek medical attention. The doctor may also request testing to look for additional signs. A doctor will typically only prescribe TRT if the person has several symptoms of low testosterone as well as blood test results that indicate a deficiency.
Most people will notice relief from symptoms within 4—6 weeks of starting TRT.
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