By Low Testosterone (male hypogonadism) is basically a condition where the testes (male reproductive glands) don’t produce enough male sex hormone testosterone. In males, testosterone helps develop and maintain: muscle mass, sperm production, and sexuality. It also controls androgen, the male hormone responsible for the development of body hair, and DHEA, an anabolic steroid found in the body. If a male has low testosterone levels, it means that his reproductive abilities are impaired as well and some of his sexual functions might be impaired like libido or erections that start to decrease.
Most common symptoms of low testosterone include decreased libido, decreased energy levels, loss of muscle mass, and lessened sex drive. There are other lesser-known symptoms, but they are more likely to occur if the condition is severe. Other symptoms of low testosterone include osteoporosis, infertility, diabetes, hypoglycemia, heart disease, hypertension, and obesity. Because of these, and because the symptoms of low testosterone can only be determined by testing the hormone itself, testing for low testosterone is often done by urine testing or blood tests.
The levels of testosterone in a man’s blood usually decrease after puberty. During adulthood, testosterone levels usually increase again and stay at a high level until the age of forty. However, if a man has been experiencing low testosterone levels for more than a few years, he could have a decreased libido and sexual dysfunction. And if this is accompanied by decreased levels of energy, depression, loss of muscle mass, and frequent infections, it is likely that the decreased levels of testosterone may also be due to these factors. Diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and infertility also increase with low levels of testosterone.
Although low testosterone levels are often the result of aging, medical experts believe that other factors contribute to its symptoms. Men who are under stress or who engage in intense physical activity for a long period of time are more likely to have this condition. It is necessary for them to seek medical attention because these factors that prevent testosterone production in the body could lead to other serious medical conditions.
Low testosterone levels can also affect one’s sexual performance and that of his partner. The decreased libido and lack of energy can make sex less enjoyable, which may result to decreased sexual activities and even infertility. When low testosterone is accompanied by poor bone mass, it can lead to fractures at the wrist, hip, and lower back. And although testosterone helps in the growth of bone mass, it is not fully understood how testosterone helps in bone mass development. However, when a person has inadequate testosterone levels, he is more likely to develop osteoporosis.
Poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to a decrease in testosterone. Because it is made from the fats stored in the body, testosterone plays an important role in fat metabolism, which is essential in controlling body fat levels. When there is a significant decrease in testosterone, people become obese and experience a variety of health issues. Hence, the effects of a low testosterone level are not limited to negative implications on the body; they can also lead to various problems such as reduced energy levels, reduced libido, increased body fat levels, decreased muscle mass, decreased bone mass, decreased strength, and decreased sexual function.
Low testosterone (Male hypogonadism) is a medical condition where the male reproductive organs fail to produce adequate testosterone (a male sex hormone) during crucial stages of development. In males, testosterone helps to build and maintain: Body mass, muscle strength, and muscle size. It is also responsible for: Normal body temperature, normal brain function, normal sperm production, normal and effective male sexual development, and normal hair growth. Testosterone is synthesized by the male gonads. However, in some men the production of testosterone can decrease below the normal level, thus resulting in loss of muscle mass and strength, and reduced hair growth. If left untreated, low testosterone can lead to reduced bone density and erectile dysfunction.
Body composition, blood flow, and energy levels are greater in men with low testosterone levels. This is why, many doctors such as those at Prime Men’s Medical Center may recommend testosterone therapy in men experiencing these symptoms. Low Testosterone can cause irritability, depression, anxiety, decreased energy levels, hot flashes, excess hair growth, decreased libido, and insomnia. Low testosterone levels are associated with several other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease.
There are many potential causes for low testosterone levels. Age, disease, injury, chemotherapy, ingestion of prescription medications including testosterone therapy, and infection may lead to low testosterone levels. Common treatments for these symptoms include injections of synthetic hormones, testosterone patches, and oral pills. Because testosterone replacement therapy can have serious side effects such as acne, heart disease, enlarged prostate, nerve damage, and increased hair growth, some patients choose to try out natural treatments. Some herbal supplements can help balance testosterone levels, reduce irritability and depression, and increase energy levels.
There are several herbal supplements that are commonly recommended by doctors to treat low testosterone symptoms. The herb tribulus terrestris has been shown to be very effective in decreasing the loss of sex drive and improving libido. Dong Quai is also an herb that can be taken to help decrease the loss of libido and increase sexual desire. DHEA is an anti-inflammatory hormone that has been shown to decrease the levels of circulating testosterone.
If you suffer from low testosterone, you may also be experiencing problems with your blood pressure, your cholesterol levels, and your thyroid. These conditions can affect your body’s ability to produce the hormones needed to cope with conditions such as low testosterone. To lower your blood pressure, increase your water intake, exercise more often, and cut back on unhealthy foods such as sugar and white flour.
To improve your body’s ability to convert testosterone into estrogen and to minimize its effects on your sex drive and energy levels, you need to eat more red meat, seafood, and green and leafy vegetables. To decrease your body fat, increase your daily amounts of fiber, exercise more frequently, and cut back on unhealthy foods such as white flour and sugar. A healthy combination of all of these things should lower your Testosterone levels enough to begin to notice a decrease in your body fat. You will start to feel better, and your libido will begin to improve as well.
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