Testosterone is a sex hormone found in both genders, but its level is much higher in men. Its production increases during adolescence and begins to decrease after the age of 30. After the age of thirty, men's testosterone levels decrease by approximately 1 percent each year. The decrease in testosterone level is a natural result of aging.
So what does the natural decrease in this hormone mean? What symptoms accompany the decrease in male hormones? In this article, we will discuss low testosterone and its effects. Testosterone decrease is a very important issue, especially for middle-aged and older men, because testosterone helps maintain many body functions in men, which are listed below:
• Sexual drive and desire • Sperm production • Muscle mass / muscle strength • Fat mass in the body distribution • Bone density • Red blood cell production
Because testosterone affects so many functions, its decline can lead to significant physical and emotional changes in men, often called signs of aging or andropause. Therefore, when such a condition is suspected, determination of testosterone levels and a treatment and lifestyle plan to be implemented under the supervision of a doctor will enable men to have a more productive and energetic middle age.
9 Symptoms That May Signal Low Testosterone:
Sexual Function With decreasing testosterone levels, men may face decreased sexual desire and performance, which is one of their biggest concerns. As men get older, they may experience a range of symptoms related to sexual function, which may be due to a decrease in male hormones:
• Decreased sexual desire • Decreased spontaneous erections that occur during sleep and in the morning • Infertility
Erectile Dysfunction (ED). ) or the condition called erectile dysfunction, is a common result of inadequate testosterone production. In cases where low testosterone levels are accompanied by erectile dysfunction, hormone replacement therapy, that is, administration of hormones, may help improve erectile dysfunction.
Testosterone is the hormone responsible for high sexual urges and libido in men. Low testosterone, low libido, decreased erection and sperm count brings about some reduction. None or all of these effects do not appear suddenly, but usually become evident over time. There may also be other reasons other than low testosterone.
Physical Changes If your testosterone levels are low, a number of physical changes may occur in your body. Adequate testosterone levels are a factor that enables muscle mass to be maintained, beard growth and body hair to increase, and body lines to have a masculine appearance. Decreasing testosterone levels can lead to the following physical changes.
• Increase in body fat mass • Decrease in muscle mass / strength • Decrease in bone strength • Decrease in body hair • Swelling/tenderness of breast tissue • Facial flushing • Increase in fatigue • Effects on cholesterol metabolism
Sleep Disorders In addition to causing low energy levels, low testosterone levels can cause insomnia and other changes in sleep patterns. One thing to note, however, is that testosterone replacement therapy can cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious problem characterized by repeated stopping and starting of breathing during sleep. It can cause significant disruptions in sleep. On the other hand, the chain of events that occur as a result of sleep apnea can lead to decreased testosterone levels. But even if a person does not have sleep apnea, there is a strong correlation between low testosterone and decreased sleep hours. The reason for this is unknown.
Emotional Changes In addition to physical changes, low testosterone levels can affect mood. This can lead to feelings of grief or depression. A decrease in general well-being, memory and focus problems, and decreased motivation and self-confidence may occur. Testosterone is a hormone that affects emotional regulation. Depression is linked to low testosterone levels in men. This depressed mood can manifest as a combination of irritability, irritability, decreased sexual drive, and fatigue.
Other Causes While each of the symptoms listed above may be a result of low testosterone levels, They can also be normal side effects of aging. It may also cause these symptoms in the following cases:
• Thyroid diseases • Testicular diseases • Infections • Type 2 Diabetes • Side effects of medications • Cardiovascular diseases • Alcohol and smoking habits • Problems caused by the pituitary gland • Chronic stress /p>
In order to fully determine the causes of the symptoms, it would be appropriate to perform laboratory tests and other examinations for the above conditions under the supervision of a doctor. The safest and only way to determine testosterone levels is to have a blood test. Harvard Medical School (HMS) recommends that the target testosterone level in men over the age of 65 is 300–450 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). This value is the midpoint of the normal limit for men in that age group.
Treatment Plan Regardless of the cause of low testosterone, several treatment options are available to increase testosterone levels and reduce the symptoms associated with this condition:
Testosterone therapy Testosterone supplementation is an option for men experiencing low testosterone. It can be administered in different ways: intramuscular injection every few weeks; In patch or gel form applied to the skin; application into the mouth; There are applications in pellet form that are placed under the skin of the hip. Testosterone therapy is not administered to men at high risk of prostate cancer. Therapy must be started and continued under the supervision of a doctor. Certain lifestyle changes along with testosterone therapy and/or aimed at increasing testosterone naturally will be beneficial:
• Weight loss: Weight control by reducing fat mass can slow the decline in testosterone. • Increasing physical activity: Regular exercise has a positive effect on testosterone levels. • Erectile dysfunction treatment: Treatment of erectile dysfunction improves sexual performance. • Sleep aids: Sleep quality can be improved with appropriate natural supports and hypnotherapy. • Phytotherapy: Appropriate herbal cures can stimulate testosterone production naturally. • Nutrition: Appropriate nutritional supplements and foods are beneficial for problems related to male aging.
Summary Problems that may be related to low testosterone If you exceed it, consult your doctor. You can understand these symptoms with testosterone and other blood tests for differential diagnosis, and you can increase your testosterone levels with different treatment options. Your doctor will help you determine the underlying cause that may be causing low testosterone or related symptoms.
Read: 0
