Low Testosterone, often referred to as male hypogonadism, is a medical condition in which the male reproductive system does not produce adequate testosterone. In males, testosterone helps to develop and maintain: male sexual characteristics. Body hair, muscle mass, healthy skin, and well-developed voice are among the characteristics of male hypogonadism. Common symptoms of low testosterone levels are decreased sex drive, decreased muscle mass, reduced muscle strength, decreased bone density and increased body fat. Symptoms of this medical condition can begin to occur during puberty or adolescence, and can continue into adulthood.
A doctor may suspect low testosterone if he notices changes in the way you dress or act. Your muscular development may be hindered or you may have trouble starting a conversation. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see the medical experts at preferredmensmedical.com for a consultation of your symptoms. You should be alarmed if symptoms persist after trying to improve your levels through diet, exercise, and medication. These symptoms could mean that you have advanced stage hypogonadism, a disease in which the pituitary gland does not manufacture enough testosterone. If left untreated, it can lead to: impotence, infertility, decreased bone density, erectile dysfunction, nervousness, decreased reaction time, and obesity.
Testosterone replacement therapy is usually recommended for symptoms of low testosterone. However, doctors are not sure exactly why low testosterone causes these symptoms. Some experts believe that this may be because of an increase in production of estrogen, causing low testosterone levels. Others think this condition occurs when the pituitary gland makes more of the hormone than is needed, causing it to drop below normal. Still, others believe that low testosterone is caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Because this treatment can have harmful side effects, men who are concerned about symptoms of low testosterone should get a diagnosis from their doctor as soon as possible.
Testosterone helps males maintain muscle mass, so losing muscle or fat may be an indication of low testosterone. While weight loss can be an issue for some men because it can make them feel less masculine, other men experience no change in their body size. What happens is that as men lose body fat, their testosterone levels drop as well. This means that losing body fat also lowers their estrogen levels. If you find that your testosterone levels are falling, your doctor may recommend increasing your estrogen levels instead. Not only will this help you feel more feminine, it can also prevent bone loss as you age.
As we age, our testosterone plays a large part in how well we can perform physical activities and how well our immune system works. As we age, our estrogen levels decrease and our metabolism slows down. This can lead to decreased levels of energy and stamina. As energy levels decrease, it can be harder for us to go through the day with the same amount of energy and stamina as we did when we were younger.
Reduced sex drive is also another sign of low testosterone. If you have a reduced level of testosterone, it can make it difficult for you to achieve an erection and last longer in bed. Reduced sex drive can affect men of all ages. It is common for older men to encounter sexual problems, which can lead to sleep apnea and other health problems.
Low Testosterone (LHT) is an endocrine disorder that causes the absence of testosterone in men. In fact, men with abnormally low levels of testosterone are often diagnosed as hypogonadism. The effects of LHT are usually more severe than those of testosterone (testosterone is the primary male hormone and LHT is its secondary form). Some common effects of LHT are irregular heartbeats, diminished sperm production, decreased bone density, decreased muscle mass, and low sex drive. If left untreated, these symptoms or other conditions can even lead to permanent infertility in men.
In order to treat Low Testosterone, it is important to first identify the cause of the condition. For many cases, physical causes like aging, liver disease, or hypothalamic problems can temporarily reduce testosterone levels. Some prescription medications may also contribute to low testosterone levels, and medical treatments for depression or other emotional disorders may help elevate a man’s testosterone level.
For patients with diabetes, LHT can be managed by controlling blood glucose. Regular exercise and weight management can also help treat and manage low testosterone levels in diabetics. In addition, prescription medications may help lower blood sugar levels. However, most men should not try these prescription drugs unless their doctor recommends it because serious side effects, including sexual dysfunction and diabetes, are possible.
When there are no physical causes for low testosterone levels, treating the symptoms of the condition may help control further damage to the body. In these cases, the goal is to relieve the symptoms so that the patient can resume normal functioning. Common signs or symptoms include decreased sex drive and interest in sex. There may be less of a desire to have sexual intercourse or perform sexually. Physical symptoms of impotence or decreased ability to achieve orgasm may occur in some patients.
Treatment for low testosterone levels can range from lifestyle changes to medication to surgical procedures. Before embarking on any treatment, the doctor will consider the patient’s age, overall health, and potential side effects. A number of supplements are available to help improve conditions as well. They include nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and hormone therapy. Each person’s circumstances are different; therefore, the treatment options are as well.
It is important to note that symptoms may be present even with low-level testosterone. As an example, sexual dysfunction or impotence may be present when a man has high blood pressure. In this case, the doctor will use different testing methods to determine the cause. While the levels may not be the cause of high blood pressure, they may be a symptom of it.