Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, and it is produced in large amounts in the testes. It plays a key role in various bodily processes and functions in men, including:
Development of the genitals
Testosterone is essential in the growth and development of a man’s penis and testicles from fetal stage to puberty and to adulthood.
Muscle strength and mass
Testosterone helps in the growth and formation of muscles that are strong and capable.
Bone strength and density
Testosterone is important in growing bones that are strong and healthy and can withstand fractures and other injuries.
Libido
Testosterone plays a major role in a man’s libido or desire for sex.
Sperm count
Testosterone is needed to produce enough sperm that have good structure and motility for fertilization.
Red blood cell production
Testosterone promotes the production of new red blood cells for better heart function, blood circulation and blood flow, and overall cardiovascular health.
During the puberty stage, testosterone is instrumental in the different bodily changes that a boy goes through, including:
- Deepening of the voice
- Growth of pubic hair, facial hair, and others
- Enlargement of the genitals
- Increase in height
Low testosterone – Its Causes and Symptoms
Testosterone levels in the body naturally decreases with age, so it is normal for older men to have lower testosterone levels than men who are in their late teens or early 20s. However, in some cases, low testosterone can strike even the young ones as a result of some underlying medical condition or other factors.
Below are some common causes of low testosterone:
Injury to the testicles
Trauma or extreme force to the testicles can cause nerve damage that can disrupt the blood flow to the testes and prevent the production of testosterone.
Cancer treatment
If you have prostate cancer or testicular cancer, you may have to undergo radiation therapy to kill the cancer cells. However, the radiation can also damage the nerves in and around your testicles, and impede testosterone production.
HIV/AIDS
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV is a prevalent sexually transmitted disease that can negatively impact the body’s testosterone levels. If not diagnosed and treated at the earliest opportunity, it can progress to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS, and become life-threatening.
Addiction or substance abuse
Alcohol and illegal drugs contain compounds that not only can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, brain, and other vital organs, but can also disrupt the body’s testosterone production.
Obesity
Packing excess weight or fat in the body not only puts you at great risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke, it also can lower your testosterone levels and negatively affect your sexual health.
If you have low testosterone, you are likely to encounter the following signs and symptoms:
Reduced sex drive
Because testosterone is necessary to maintain high libido, having low testosterone levels causes a decline in your desire for sex.
Mood problems
Testosterone is important to regulate mood, so low testosterone can increase stress, anxiety, and depression levels.
Impaired focus and memory
The brain needs testosterone to properly perform its different functions, so low testosterone can lead to difficulty focusing and memory problems.
Loss of strength
To grow and develop strong bones and muscles, the body needs testosterone. So, if there are low levels of testosterone in the body, there is a decline in muscular and bone strength, increasing the risk of injuries and disorders.
Decrease in body hair
Testosterone facilitates the growth of pubic hair, facial hair, and others, so low testosterone levels can result to a decrease in body hair.
Erectile issues
To get firm and long-lasting erections for sex, the body needs enough testosterone. So, if there is not enough testosterone, trouble getting or sustaining erections can occur, resulting to many embarrassing and disappointing moments in the bedroom.
Infertility
To produce large amounts of sperm, there has to be a lot of testosterone in the body. So, if your testosterone levels are low, you will not be able to enough sperm, and you will have an increased risk of infertility.
Other signs of low testosterone are hot flashes, difficulty sleeping or insomnia, and fatigue.
Treating Low Testosterone – Doctor’s Consultation and Treatment Options
Low testosterone problem has to be addressed as soon as possible to not further subject your body to the pains and discomforts it brings about. You have to go see your doctor and undergo a testosterone level test to receive a proper diagnosis. Then, discuss with your doctor what the different treatment methods for low testosterone are and make a decision on which one is best for you.
To increase the body’s testosterone levels, your doctor may prescribe you testosterone replacement therapy. This option is available in different forms, such as:
- Injectables – These are injections that contain testosterone. They are inserted into the skin to allow testosterone to be absorbed into the muscles and the bloodstream.
- Skin patches – These are patches that contain testosterone, and they are administered by applying them directly onto the skin, usually on the arm, neck, or shoulders.
- Gels – These are applied onto the skin everyday to increase the body’s testosterone levels.
Your doctor may also advise you to make healthy lifestyle choices to naturally boost your testosterone levels. The following are some habits that you should integrate into your routine to enhance your testosterone:
Exercise
Even for just 30 minutes a day, three times a week, you can help increase your body’s testosterone levels by walking, running, swimming, and other cardio exercises, weight lifting, or by doing high intensity interval training.
Healthy and balanced diet
Eating foods that are loaded with essential nutrients, such as zinc, amino acids, and vitamin D, are essential in raising your testosterone levels.
Enough sleep
Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night not only can recharge and rejuvenate your body, it also can promote more efficient testosterone production.
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