Testosterone, Causes of Low Testosterone, Testosterone Deficiency Treatment
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men. However, women have a bit of it too. And testosterone’s influence on sex drive is a common benefit for both sexes.
Testosterone is produced in the testes, ovaries and adrenal glands. The brain and pituitary gland control its production.
This blurb highlights male health concerns with testosterone. Testosterone helps men maintain their:
- sex drive
- bone density
- muscle mass
- fat distribution
- muscle strength
- sperm production
- facial, pubic, body hair
- red blood cell production
The amount of testosterone produced gradually declines with age. This male version of menopause is sometimes referred to as andropause.
Yet, there are a myriad of other causes for low testosterone, aka hypogonadism, androgen deficiency or testosterone deficiency, such as:
- AIDS
- stress
- cirrhosis
- alcoholism
- too much fat
- kidney failure
- type 2 diabetes
- hemochromatosis
- mytonic dystrophy
- high prolactin level
- Kallman’s syndrome
- hypothalamus trauma
- Klinefelter’s syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- pituitary gland dysfunction
- inflammatory disease ~ sarcoidosis
- chemotherapy, radiation cancer treatment
- extreme physical stress ~ marathon running
- pituitary gland, hypothalamus, testicular tumor
- testes injury, infection ~ meningitis, syphilis, mumps
The natural age caused decline of testosterone starts around 40 and continues throughout your life.
Low testosterone levels can cause signs and symptoms of:
- depression
- low energy
- mild anemia
- osteoporosis
- memory loss
- body hair loss
- bone fractures
- extreme fatigue
- low sperm count
- fat accumulation
- quelled sex drive
- enlarged breasts
- erectile dysfunction
- hemoglobin cutback
- concentration difficulties
- diminished muscle mass
- sense of well-being decline
Testosterone deficiency also increases your risk of cardiovascular disease.
If your testosterone level is slightly above average, then you have a reduced risk of:
- obesity
- heart attack
- high blood pressure
Testosterone deficiency can be treated via synthetic replacement therapy. These are the methods used to infuse testosterone into your body:
- gels
- patches
- injections
Testosterone deficiency treatment may increase your risk of prostate cancer or enlarged prostate.
Generally testosterone hormone replacement is considered safe. But it can cause some side effects, like:
- acne
- jaundice
- oily skin
- headache
- sleep apnea
- bloody stools
- hematemesis
- breathing issues
- frequent urination
- difficulty urinating
- mild fluid retention
- nausea & vomiting
- swallowing difficulty
- decreased testicular size
- increase red blood cell count
- increase erection frequency, duration
- decrease in sperm count ~ younger men
- patch caused skin conditions ~ blisters, pain, redness, hardness, burning, itching, rash, hives
Many of these side effects are not common. So, if you do have any, then inform you health care provider ASAP.
An endocrinologist is the type of health care provider that deals in hormones. They’ll furnish the best guidance for the causes and treatment of your low testosterone health condition.
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