What is Low Testosterone (LTT)? A low level of testosterone can occur for various reasons. For instance, the male reproductive system doesn’t produce adequate testosterone for the sustained presence of a man in his partner’s womb. Some drugs, such as those containing anabolic steroids, interfere with the production of other hormones and can result in the absence of testosterone in the body. Others, including certain medicines used for high blood pressure or diabetes, can reduce the production of testosterone. And some men have congenital defects that cause low levels of testosterone, such as the lack of a testicular pituitary gland or the feminization of the testes.
So how does low testosterone help male fertility? First, it helps to preserve sperm. Sperm count goes down as testicles mature, reducing the chances of conception. In fact, sperm count drops as much as 50 percent during the later years of life. This is why older men are unable to father children.
Low Testosterone also helps maintain normal prostate function. When a man has a problem with his prostate gland, symptoms such as early ejaculation, painful ejaculation, or weak erections can occur. Low testosterone may cause or worsen these symptoms. Other symptoms include depression, chronic pain and weakness, limited range of motion, loss of bone density, increased chance of osteoporosis and decreased sexual desire.
How is Low Testosterone Treated? To treat these symptoms, doctors often prescribe synthetic testosterone. It’s taken in the first few months after diagnosis to boost levels back up to a healthy level. If these levels aren’t achieved, testosterone supplements are then added to the treatment protocol. As with any medication, adverse side effects may occur, including sexual dysfunction, muscle weakness, hair loss, insomnia, hot flashes and mood swings.
Can I increase my testosterone levels by taking supplements? In most cases, there are better options. Some of these options include prescription medications that help regulate hormone levels naturally. Others involve using injections to artificially boost testosterone levels. The advantage of working with supplements is that they can be used for a longer period of time to treat symptoms, rather than taking them orally.
There are also many men who choose to take their symptoms and treatment into their own hands. They have learned through experience that natural treatments are more effective, safe and affordable, although this is not always the case such as having sex after a stroke which should be done at the consultation of a medical professional. Instead of relying on their doctor, they work with the substances found naturally in certain plants and herbs to restore balance to their testosterone levels. When you begin the process of increasing your testosterone levels, you will likely experience some side effects such as mild muscle pain, hot flashes and mood swings. With the proper care and precaution however, these symptoms will go away.
Low Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, which is produced in the ovaries. Testosterone hormone’s functions and is vital to normal male sexuality. Some men however, have low testosterone concentrations. This is known as Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD). Having lower levels of this male sex hormone results to diminished libido, reduced testicular size and loss of muscle strength.
There are many symptoms of Low Testosterone. Some of these include lack of desire for lovemaking, mood disorders, infertility, loss of body hair, muscular weakness, fatigue, frequent infections and sleep problems. Some of the treatments for Low Testosterone include replacement of testosterone per deciliter with medicated formulations, hormone therapy and surgery. The most commonly used method of therapy is hormone therapy.
Testosterone is responsible for promoting male characteristics such as body hair growth, voice deepening, and muscle mass. With age, the production of testosterone decreases due to decreased production of an enzyme known as aromatase. As a result, symptoms may occur as the levels of low testosterone drop. Some of these symptoms include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, decreased sperm count, decreased bone density, decreased muscle strength, decreased endurance, depression, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition to these physical symptoms, low testosterone levels may also lead to some psychological symptoms such as irritability, loss of libido and loss of body hair.
If you think you have low testosterone levels, it’s best to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis. Your doctor will test your hormones to check if they are in fact low. After the tests, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. These may include drug treatment with pills, cream, and gel. However, before you make any decision, it’s best to weigh all available options first.
Treatment for low testosterone levels usually takes about six months to one year. Usually, you’ll be given medicine that regulates your hormones. However, sometimes your doctor may recommend surgery if your erectile dysfunction is severe. However, this should only be considered as a last resort.
Although erectile dysfunction is the most common sexual dysfunction that causes men to seek treatment, low testosterone can also cause emotional problems and other physical conditions. If low testosterone is caused by age-related factors, it can cause low libido or reduced sexual function. This can be a vicious cycle as poor libido can then cause poor health and higher risks of disease. If you suspect that this is the case for you, it’s important that you get a thorough examination from your doctor and discuss what your treatment options might be.
