Testosterone is a type of sex hormone produced in large amounts in males and in smaller amounts in females. Produced in the testicles in men and in the ovaries and adrenal gland in women, it takes on several different important functions in the human body, such as:
In men:
Sex drive
Testosterone regulates a man’s sex drive or libido. If the body has low levels of testosterone, there is a risk of reduced sexual desire.
Sperm production
Testosterone contributes in the production of enough sperm and sperm with good quality for effective sexual and reproductive functions. If there is a low testosterone problem in the body, there is a danger of low sperm count and poor sperm quality.
Genital development
Testosterone helps in the growth and development of the penis and the testicles from fetal stage to puberty to adulthood. If there is a lack of testosterone, the male genitalia may remain small, underdeveloped, or even shrink.
Body hair growth
Testosterone is responsible for the growth of hair in the body, such as facial hair, chest hair, and pubic hair. If testosterone is low, there is reduced hair or hair loss.
Deepening of the voice
Testosterone facilitates the deepening of the voice in young boys once they hit puberty. If there is not enough testosterone, the different changes that commonly occur during puberty may be delayed.
Muscle and bone development
Testosterone aids in the growth and development of strong muscles and bones. If testosterone levels are low, muscles and bones in the body may lose mass, strength, and density, and become prone to disorders and diseases.
In women:
Sex drive
Testosterone is also important in women’s sex drive. Without it, there may be a reduced desire for sex.
Muscle and bone development
Testosterone is key to women’s muscle and bone growth and development as well. Low testosterone may increase the risk of muscle and bone problems.
What is low testosterone?
Low testosterone occurs when the body’s testosterone levels fall below the normal or ideal range.
In men who are 19 years and older, the normal testosterone levels range between 240 nanograms per deciliter and 950 nanograms per deciliter. On the other hand, in women who are 19 years and older, the normal testosterone levels are around 8 nanograms per deciliter to 60 nanograms per deciliter.
If your testosterone levels are below 240 nanograms per deciliter, if you are a man, or 8 nanograms per deciliter, if you are a woman, this means you have low testosterone.
Is it true that low testosterone is a sign of cancer?
There was a study conducted in the early 1940s that explored the relationship between testosterone and prostate cancer. It observed the effects of the changes in testosterone production in men with prostate cancer.
In the findings, it showed that when testosterone levels in the body dropped, the growth of the prostate cancer stopped. And, when testosterone was introduced to the subjects, it caused their prostate cancer to start growing.
From these observations, the conclusion made was that testosterone actually triggers the growth of prostate cancer.
What happens if a man has low testosterone?
If a man’s testosterone levels are low, he may experience numerous side effects that may hurt his quality of life. The following are some common things that occur with low testosterone:
1. Erectile problems
Men with low testosterone are likely to develop problems with their erections. Even after some sexual stimulation, they may have a hard time getting their penis hard or keeping an erection that is firm enough and long-lasting for enjoyable and pleasurable sex.
2. Less semen
Men with low testosterone may not be able to produce enough semen. When ejaculating, the amount of fluid that they release may be reduced, and cause difficulties for the sperm to travel toward the egg for reproduction. If not treated right away, this problem can lead to infertility.
3. Sleep disorders
Men with low testosterone are prone to suffering from difficulties in getting enough sleep. Certain sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, are worsened because of a decrease in testosterone production in the body.
4. Reduced testicle size
Men with low testosterone may experience a reduction in the size or shrinkage of their testicles. The reason for this is that testosterone is the hormone that promotes the development or enlargement of the testicles, especially during puberty stage.
5. Bone and muscle loss
Men with low testosterone are in danger of losing bone and muscle mass, strength, volume, and density. Over time, the deficiency can increase the risk of pains and aches, fractures, and more. The likelihood of developing serious health problems, such as osteoporosis, also rises.
6. Low sex drive
Men with low testosterone have been found to show a decrease in their sex drive or libido. They are not as interested in sex as before, and, as a result, their sex life suffers, they get into conflicts with their sex partners, and lose their self-esteem.
7. Increased body fat
Men with low testosterone may start gaining body fat. Because one of the many key roles of testosterone in the body is fat distribution, a shortage of testosterone levels can impair the process and result to excess fat stored in the body.
8. Mood changes
Men with low testosterone have shown to have higher odds of experiencing mood swings. In certain research studies, they were observed to be more likely to be depressed, anxious, and stressed. They were also found to have decreased memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
9. Low energy
Men with low testosterone have an increased risk of low energy levels. They may feel unmotivated, fatigued, and exhausted even in the absence of high intensity physical activities. They may lose their interest in movement and prefer being sedentary as a result of the decrease in energy.
10. Hot flashes
Men with low testosterone may experience hot flashes, which is a common symptom of menopause in women. It is that sudden warmth that hits the face, chest, or neck. In many cases, it is accompanied by reddening of the skin or sweating.
