What Is Low Testosterone and What Causes It? Richmond University Medical Center

Low Testosterone: 5 Myths That Keep Men From Getting the Care They Need

Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in a man’s health, particularly his sexual health. In other words, a variety of bodily functions rely on testosterone. If yours is low, you could be feeling “off” or experiencing specific symptoms, such as ED, low sex drive, mood changes, or hair loss. Testosterone deficiency is more common in men who are overweight or obese. That’s because fat cells convert testosterone to estrogen, another type of hormone. In addition, obese men may have lower levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a substance that carries testosterone through the bloodstream.

Fortunately, there are several options for treatment of Low T. To be most effective, a healthy diet and exercise is recommended with any form of testosterone treatment. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common treatment for low testosterone. People with low testosterone, especially older males, may have lower bone volume and be more susceptible to bone fractures. Some doctors may prescribe testosterone off-label to females to improve libido, but this use has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a man ages, the amount of testosterone produced in his body gradually drops. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues at a rate of about 1% per year throughout his peak life testosterone side effects (litoralgarve.pt).

Research suggests that as you age and your testosterone levels gradually drop, you may also experience a decrease in the size of your testicles. Both testosterone levels and cognitive functions, particularly memory, decline with age. As a result, doctors have theorized that lower testosterone levels may contribute to affected memory. Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) is a condition in which the testicles do not produce enough testosterone (the male sex hormone). Low levels of testosterone that are atypical of normal aging are due to other primary or secondary causes of hypogonadism. Hypogonadism in males happens when the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone.

The first step toward increasing testosterone is to see your doctor. The doctor may suggest lifestyle changes as a first step toward increasing hormone production. For example, increasing exercise while consuming a nutrient-dense diet can boost the body’s natural systems and overall health.

When testosterone levels rise too high, the brain sends signals to the pituitary to reduce production. In a 2017 study of 398 men who received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer for 12 months, 93% of participants experienced hot flashes. This happened when testosterone levels were “castrate,” which is below 50 ng/dL. In fact, testosterone does fuel sex drive and muscle mass, but it also regulates mood and bone strength. When a man’s level falls below normal, a doctor may prescribe shots, gels, or patches. If your doctor finds that your testosterone level is lower than normal, they may order additional tests or do an exam to investigate why.

Low sex drive could be linked to depression or be a side effect of medication. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms so you can have a thorough medical exam. As men age, testosterone production naturally wanes; in fact, about 40% of men over age 45 have lower levels of testosterone — technically called hypogonadism. But if yours is significantly low, your body starts showing signs. Though present in both men and women, testosterone is often called the male hormone because men have a much higher percentage than women. Testosterone surges during puberty and is critical in the development of distinctly male features — a deeper voice, facial and body hair, muscle strength, and sperm.

But if you do not have any key symptoms, especially fatigue and sexual dysfunction, which are the most common, it is not recommended you go on the therapy given the uncertainty about long-term safety. However, it’s important to note that TRT should not be used for teenage males with typical testosterone levels to enhance puberty or athletic performance. Diets high in trans-fats can negatively impact a person’s testosterone levels, while zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant vitamins can support testosterone production. Weight loss and exercise can often increase testosterone levels naturally.

Testosterone production ramps up during puberty and typically decreases gradually with age, starting around age 30. The older the man, the more likely he is to experience below-normal testosterone levels. An abnormality in the pituitary gland can impair the release of hormones from the pituitary gland to the testicles, affecting normal testosterone production. A pituitary tumor or other type of brain tumor located near the pituitary gland may cause testosterone or other hormone deficiencies. Treatment for a brain tumor, such as surgery or radiation therapy, can also affect the pituitary gland and cause hypogonadism. As a urologist who specializes in male sexual and reproductive medicine, I often treat men who are experiencing a decrease in their testosterone levels. These lower testosterone levels can be a normal, natural part of aging, and a simple blood test is all it takes to detect this.

Women and children could suffer harmful effects from contact with testosterone treatment. To keep your loved ones safe, always wash your hands after applying testosterone and cover the application site. The method you choose may be based on your preferences or may be determined by your insurance company.